A prominent television executive, Bob Broder, passed away at the age of 85. He was the mastermind behind the beloved sitcom Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993 and featured actors like Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, and Kirstie Alley. The show garnered a large following and received numerous accolades, including four Golden Globes.
Broder was instrumental in bringing other hit shows to television, such as Frasier and The X-Files, by overseeing their production and distribution on networks like NBC. He continued his successful career by collaborating with producer Chuck Lorre on the sitcom Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage for CBS.
Despite battling cancer, Broder remained active in the industry until his recent passing. Colleagues and loved ones commended him for his pioneering work in television, describing him as a figure of great sophistication and influence. Ted Chervin, a partner at ICM Partners, lauded Broder for revolutionizing the role of agents and inspiring others in the field.
Bob Broder’s legacy includes securing the rights for Cheers, which became a long-running success in both the UK and the US. His representation of the creators and talent behind Cheers opened doors for other popular shows like Dharma & Greg, The King Of Queens, and Two And A Half Men.
In 1978, Broder co-founded the Broder Kurland Agency, later acquired by ICM in 2006. Chervin emphasized Broder’s central role in shaping the agency’s identity and credited him as the driving force behind its success.
Broder’s impact on the television industry will be remembered for his contributions to iconic shows and his leadership in the agency world.