Robby Benson

This is an exaggerated tale of what the behind the scenes people go through to get america's favorite television show on air. The only thing I think is exaggerated is that all these things happened on one set. I'm sure at least one of the things that he describes happens on every show. When I first started reading this, I didn't think I was going to like it. He started out explaining everything, but once it got into the story I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is in production or would like a glimpse at how a television show comes together.… (meer)

Yes, THAT Robby Benson, the one that was a child sitcom star and, turns out, went on to directing and producing sitcoms, including Ellen and Friends. According to the blurbs, Benson has taken that experience and turned it into a satiric look at Hollywood in general and the process of creating sitcoms in particular.

Ostensibly, the story is about 7 days in the life of J.T. Baker, a principaled director trying desperately to produce an episode of a wildly popular sitcom (suspiciously similar to Frends) in spite of the malicious interference of a cast of zany characters, to include sex- and ratings-crazed network executives, corrupt network lawyers, greedy agents, incompetent producers, over-indulged actors, and a host of other wacky characters. Oh, and everyone pretty much speaks Yiddish. Have I omitted any entertainment stereotypes? I assure you, Benson hasn't!

In other words, don't mistake this for some sort of "insiders" perspective into the world of Hollywood. While Benson does inject some realism in the form of process insight and industry lingo (indeed, there's a running gag in which Benson provides sarcastic footnoted definitions for the more obscure terms), this is pure, broad farce. The characters are one-dimensional stereotypes, the plot is preposterous, and there's nothing subtle about the gags (goofy nailgun accidents, a bar mitzvah featuring a hip hop superstar rapping the Torah - you get the idea). All that's missing is a laugh track, but not to worry - you'll almost certainly supply that yourself.

In summary, there's nothing here that hasn't been done before ... over and over and over again. Still, this is readable, engaging, and undeniably funny, so you (probably) won't begrudge the time you spend reading it. My advice: save it for those times when you're in the mood for light entertainment or really need a laugh, however cheap.… (meer)