Warren Littlefield

Warren Littlefield is an American television executive and producer who served as president of NBC Entertainment from 1991 to 1998. During his tenure at NBC, he was instrumental in developing and overseeing what became known as the network's "Must See TV" lineup, which included iconic shows like "Friends," "Seinfeld," "ER," and "Will & Grace." Prior to his role as president, Littlefield worked his way up through NBC's ranks starting in 1979, holding various positions including manager of comedy development and senior vice president of programming and development. Under his leadership, NBC dominated prime-time ratings and won numerous Emmy Awards. After leaving NBC, Littlefield founded The Littlefield Company, a television production company responsible for successful series including "Fargo" and "The Handmaid's Tale." He authored "Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV" (2012), which chronicles his experiences and the golden age of network television. Littlefield has received multiple industry accolades, including Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a Peabody Award for his contributions to television. His influence on American television programming continues through his production work and his role in shaping what many consider to be one of network TV's most successful eras.

Readers praise "Top of the Rock" for its behind-the-scenes insights into NBC's 1990s programming decisions. Many appreciate the detailed accounts of how shows like "Friends" and "Seinfeld" were developed and cast. Readers highlight the book's oral history format, featuring direct quotes from actors, writers, and executives. Several note the value of hearing multiple perspectives on key moments in television history. Common criticisms focus on Littlefield's self-congratulatory tone and tendency to downplay others' contributions. Some readers point out factual inconsistencies between his account and other published sources. A frequent complaint is the book's scattered chronology and repetitive anecdotes. Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.4/5 from 586 reviews Goodreads: 3.9/5 from 4,123 ratings Sample reader comment: "Great insider info, but Littlefield takes too much credit while minimizing Don Ohlmeyer's role in NBC's success" - Goodreads reviewer A recurring theme in reviews is that the book offers valuable TV industry history despite its biased perspective.

Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV (2012) A first-hand account of NBC's television programming during the 1990s, detailing the development and success of shows like Seinfeld, Friends, and ER during Littlefield's tenure as network president.

All the Presidents' Men Named Bob: Inside Network Television's Fight for Power and Profit (2015) An examination of network television leadership through the lens of several executives named Bob who shaped the American TV landscape from the 1960s through the 1990s.

Bill Carter covered the television industry as a reporter and wrote insider accounts of late-night TV wars and network programming battles. His books "The Late Shift" and "The War for Late Night" offer similar behind-the-scenes perspectives of television business dynamics that Littlefield explores.

Fred Silverman ran programming at CBS, ABC, and NBC during the 1970s and wrote about network television's golden age from an executive perspective. His memoir "Sit Down, Shut Up, and Watch!" provides firsthand accounts of programming decisions and network operations.

Ken Auletta reports on media and communications industries with deep access to industry power players. His books examine transformative periods in television and entertainment business through interviews with key decision makers.

Brandon Tartikoff served as NBC's entertainment president and wrote about programming strategy and show development. His book "The Last Great Ride" covers similar territory as Littlefield's work about running a television network.

Peter Biskind chronicles entertainment industry shifts and power dynamics through extensive insider interviews. His books about film and television focus on the business and creative tensions that shape popular media.