Tim Kring

Tim Kring is an American screenwriter and television producer who has created several notable television series since the 1980s. His most recognized work is the NBC series "Heroes" (2006-2010), which followed ordinary people discovering they possessed supernatural abilities. Kring began his career writing for "Knight Rider" and later co-wrote episodes of "Misfits of Science." He went on to create the medical examiner drama "Crossing Jordan" (2001-2007) starring Jill Hennessy, which ran for six seasons on NBC. Following the success of "Heroes," Kring developed the series "Touch" (2012-2013) starring Kiefer Sutherland, which explored the connection between numbers and human destiny through the story of a father and his gifted son. He also co-authored the novel "Shift" (2010) with Dale Peck as part of the Gates of Orpheus Trilogy. His work consistently explores themes of interconnectedness, extraordinary abilities, and complex character relationships across multiple storylines. Kring's series have often combined elements of science fiction with human drama, establishing him as a notable figure in television storytelling.

Readers praise Kring's ability to create intricate storylines and develop character relationships, particularly in the first season of Heroes. Many note his skill at weaving multiple plot threads and building suspense. Common criticisms focus on plot inconsistencies and declining quality in later seasons. Heroes viewers frequently mention that storylines became convoluted after season 1, with one Amazon reviewer stating "it felt like the writers lost their way completely." Touch viewers cite pacing issues and unresolved plot threads. From online ratings: Heroes Season 1: 4.7/5 (Amazon), 4.5/5 (IMDb) Heroes Later Seasons: 2.8/5 (Amazon), 3.2/5 (IMDb) Touch: 3.5/5 (Amazon), 3.8/5 (IMDb) Crossing Jordan: 4.2/5 (Amazon), 4.0/5 (IMDb) Novel "Shift": 3.3/5 (Goodreads) A recurring theme in reviews is that Kring excels at launching series with strong concepts but struggles to maintain narrative quality over multiple seasons. Readers of "Shift" note similar strengths in world-building but criticize the plot resolution.

Shift (2010) - A thriller co-written with Dale Peck following a twentysomething journalist who becomes involved in secret CIA experiments from the 1960s involving mind-altering drugs.

The Gates of Orpheus Trilogy (2010) - A planned series of novels exploring supernatural/occult themes and government conspiracies, though only the first book "Shift" was published.

J.J. Abrams combines mystery elements with character-driven narratives in works like "Lost" and "Fringe." His storytelling style connects multiple plot threads and supernatural elements similar to Kring's approach in Heroes.

Joss Whedon creates ensemble-based series featuring ordinary people who discover extraordinary abilities and face moral challenges. His work in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly" demonstrates the blend of supernatural elements with human relationships that characterize Kring's productions.

Michael Crichton explores the intersection of science, technology, and human nature in his works. His novels and TV series "ER" showcase the medical and scientific themes that Kring utilized in Crossing Jordan.

Christopher Golden writes supernatural fiction that centers on ordinary people confronting extraordinary circumstances. His work in both original novels and media tie-ins demonstrates the mix of human drama and paranormal elements found in Kring's stories.

Neil Gaiman creates narratives that weave together multiple character storylines with supernatural elements. His work connects everyday reality with extraordinary events in ways that parallel Kring's approach in Heroes and Touch.