Once upon a time in television, comedy was comedy, drama was drama, and that was that. Heroes were supposed to act in a certain way. Genres such as private eye shows were held to be sacred.

The Rockford Files (NBC, 1974-1980) changed all of that, leaving its mark on 1970s television while also influencing two generations of TV writers, TV shows, and TV heroes.

Fueled by innovative writing and the star power of James Garner, The Rockford Files was the perfect melding of a character, Jim Rockford, and an actor-Garner-who understood that character better than anyone else. Winner of five Emmys, including Best Actor (Garner) and Best Dramatic Series (1978), Rockford was also the perfect television show because it offered something for everyone. Women loved Rockford because of his hang-dog looks and deep brown eyes. Men loved him because he could throw a punch (even when it hurt his hand) and drive a car faster than anyone else. Plus there was Rockford's relationship with his dad, his Pontiac Firebird (a character unto itself), the wacky phone messages that began each episode, and the many singular characters that our hero encountered every week in the unique populace known as Los Angeles.

Get the inside scoop on this landmark series in 45 Years of The Rockford Files, featuring insight from series star James Garner; commentary from the show's principal writers, producers, and actors; behind-the-scenes details and interesting factoids; and more. This revised third edition includes approximately sixty pages of new information about both the NBC Rockford Files and the eight CBS Rockford movies, including more than twenty new interviews; six new appendices, including a look at the efforts to re-imagine Rockford in 2010; additional photographs; and a heartwarming new foreword by Jim's daughter Gigi Garner.

Looking for a Stranger Things quiz book that is more challenging and comprehensive than the others?

Look no further because here are no less than 1000 questions on all facets of this smash hit sci-fi horror show. So, put down that waffle and walkie-talkie, dim the lights, and prepare to take on the ultimate Stranger Things trivia challenge. 1000 Stranger Things Quiz Questions is sure to test even the most devoted of fans!

Are you a fan of The Andy Griffith Show? If so, then this is the book for you 1,500 trivia questions about this classic TV show will provide hours of entertainment. - Name the state investigator that likes to go frog-gigging with Andy. - What couple met at Wilton Blair's funeral in 1960? - True or False: Ernest T. Bass throws rocks with his left hand. - Who steers while Barney's broken-down car is pushed back to town? A. Opie B. Aunt Bee C. Gomer D. Thelma Lou Don't know? Don't worry, the answers are provided on the flip side of the questions. Lots of luck to you and yours

The Star Trek: The Next Generation(R) Technical Manual, written by Rick Sternbach and Michael Okuda, the technical advisors to Star Trek: The Next Generation, provides a comprehensive schematization of a Galaxy-class starship. From the bridge to the shuttlebays, from the transporter room to crews' quarters, this book provides a never-before-seen glimpse at the inner, intricate workings of the most incredible starship ever conceived. Full of diagrams, technical schematics, and ship's plans, the Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual also takes a detailed look at the principles behind Star Trek(R)'s awesome technology -- from phasers to warp drive to the incredible holodeck.

Between 1959 and 1973 the Cartwrights of the Ponderosa rode into the lives of nearly 400 million viewers around the world. Perhaps you saw many of the 428 episodes and waited eagerly for the famous blazing map to reveal the Cartwrights riding into your living room. You can relive those days and get the inside story on the TV series that became a legend. Renew old acquaintances with Ben Cartwright and his sons, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe.

This is the HARDBACK version of the revised/expanded version of The Omni-Directional Three-Dimensional Vectoring Paper Printed Omnibus for Bewitched Analysis a.k.a. The Bewitched History Book. For fifty years the beloved 1960s sitcom Bewitched has been enchanting television audiences. Created at a turbulent time in American history, Bewitched offered a brief respite from the worries of the day. Before now, there has never been a book written that ties in the events of the times with each episode. But more important, there has never been a book about the show which breaks down each episode in depth. There is now. Within these pages you will learn everything about America's favorite witch, Samantha Stephens, her dreary mortal husband, Durwood, er, Darrin, and the grand host of witches, warlocks, and marvelous mortals who accompanied them on their journey from newlyweds to the parents of a little witch and warlock of their own. Each of the 254 episodes are described in humorous detail and reviewed by one of the biggest fans of the show, David Pierce (otherwise known as Dr. Bombay), from the premiere Bewitched website www.harpiesbizarre.com, based on his popular 40 Years Ago... weekly posts. Rare trivia and photos accompany the episodes as you learn which witch went which way along with what mortal madness materialized in the swinging 60s of suburbia About the Author David Pierce should have gotten a Master's Degree in Bewitched, but, instead, got an Associates in Science, majoring in Commercial Art. He currently works as a customer service operations agent in the health care profession and lives in Holladay, Utah.

To a generation, Knight Rider represents more than just a sophisticated talking car and its driver. It represents the vision of Wilton Knight and what technology and cars can accomplish when combined together. The Knight Industries 2000 could turbo boost, drive, and think for itself with advanced microprocessors. The molecular boned shell made the car virtually indestructible. Its driver, Michael Knight, and the Foundation for Law and Government believed that one man can make a difference. Since K.I.T.T.'s creation in 1982, the world has continued to develop cars that draw from many of his abilities, updating them for modern day.

Bonnie Barstow, K.I.T.T.'s mechanic, once said it best, the car is more than just the sum of its parts. The Knight Rider Companion strives to be more than just the sum of its parts. It is a look back at what made the original mythology so special to millions of fans today.

The Knight Rider Companion Abridged Edition includes new and updated interviews with Glen A. Larson, Michael Scheffe, Steven E. de Souza, Catherine Hickland, Jeff Osterhage, Paul LeGreca, David Hasselhoff, Peter Parros, William Daniels, Rebecca Holden, Don Peake, Stu Phillips, Alan J. Levi, and many others. It also holds a newly updated Hall of Fame Autograph Guide, Vehicle States Guide, Knight Rider Fonts Guide, Knight Rider Logos Guide, Knight Equipment Guide, Ultimate K.I.T.T. Functions List, Knight Gallery, Talking with K.I.T.T. section, Complete Season Episode Guide, Knight Rider Cameos and Mentions Guide, Remembering Glen Larson section, and several pages of one-of-a-kind artwork created exclusively for this book. There are also over 300 high resolution images including personal photos from private collections, and exclusive artwork. This book has all kinds of exciting surprises around every corner. The ultimate guide to classic Knight Rider is now within your hands.

The wildly popular G.I. Joe universe has entertained kids since the 1960s, whether it be through a cartoon or an action figure. As G.I. Joe's stories expanded, so did the characters, and everyone had their favorite, be it Hawk and Duke fighting against evil or Cobra Commander and Destro bent on nothing less than world domination.

For the first time ever, all the characters from the G.I. Joe multiverse--even those from outside the U.S. market--are gathered together in one location. Presented in field guide format, this book includes a history of the toy and comic lines as well as a thorough description of every action figure and character from the Cobra and G.I. Joe animated films, comics, and Hasbro-authorized fan fiction. With the addition of photographs from the private collection of Tommy Wyckoff, this book is a must-have for toy collectors and a chance for long-time G.I. Joe fans to recapture their favorite memories.

Written by an authoritative expert, Friends Behind the Scenes: Backstage Pass to the Series, A Comprehensive History is the most in-depth book ever written about the series. It provides a unique insider perspective and dishes the dirt on never-before-revealed secrets, such as outing the cast member who was nearly fired from the series-TWICE!

Friends Behind the Scenes commences with the showrunners' backstory and a comprehensive recounting of the series' concept, the pitch presented to NBC, and the network's objections. Fans get a confidant's look into the TV industry and the trio's struggle to protect their pilot concept and creative vision. The next chapters immerse the sitcom enthusiast into the laborious casting process with amazing revelations, such as the two costars who turned down guaranteed roles and a once-rejected cast member who was only hired because NBC insisted. The likelihood of all six actors being chosen for the pilot was astronomically minuscule, especially since two of the costars were committed to other projects and a handful of famous actors were offered costarring roles in the series.

Friends Behind the Scenes unravels the mysteries behind shooting the pilot, how a test audience's negative report nearly capsized the series, and what finally convinced NBC to gamble on adding the show to its fall schedule. The following pages methodically outline the showrunners' diligent efforts to assemble an incomparable creative team and hire brilliant wardrobe, hair, and makeup specialists who redefined 1990s fashion.

Of course, TV junkies cannot forget the memorable title sequence with all the fountain frivolity and the mind-numbing theme song that captivated the world. Astonishingly, the original intro was completely different with an up-tempo singalong by a famous rock band that refused to license the track because the lead singer despised the hit single. Avid enthusiasts will discover how The Rembrandts were eventually hired and why they did not want their name attached to the bubblegum pop ditty.

Readers are transported backstage to witness how episodes were produced and how guest stars were chosen, with dazzling insight into the ones that got away, including a famous pop singer, three iconic movie stars, and a rock legend. In addition, tome-travelers will get an insider scoop into the world of stand-ins, body doubles, and famous extras who appeared on the show, and marvel at the history of sets, how they were designed and decorated, and even the story behind famous props and set dressings like the peephole picture frame and burnt-orange sofa.

Further interviews unearth the private salary negotiations that eventually made the cast the highest-paid actors on television. Actors' confessions shed light on how success impacted their lives, and what made the sextet decide to call it quits after ten seasons. Friends disciples will be privy to the soundstage hysteria during the final days of shooting and the epochal send-off by NBC, while sitcom purists will be enraptured by the historical overview of the show's evolution from struggling newbie to ratings giant en route to its unprecedented success in syndication and streaming. Finally, the remaining chapters detail the societal impact of Friends, and offer numerous trivia tidbits that have evaded most Friends aficionados for decades.

Friends Behind the Scenes is an essential read for serious fans and casual viewers. Nearly every imaginable question about the show, from concept to finale and syndication to reunion, is answered in detail.

Television history was made on Saturday, October 11, 1975, at 11:30pm (ET), when Chevy Chase welcomed America to the first episode of a new late-night comedy series. With its cutting edge satire and cast of young, talented performers, Saturday Night Live set a new standard for television comedy while launching the careers of such comedy greats as John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey.

Saturday Night Live FAQ is the first book to offer the show's generations of fans everything they ever wanted to know (and may have forgotten) about SNL. Beginning with the show's creation in the mid-1970s by Lorne Michaels and the Not Ready for Prime Time Players, SNL FAQ takes you through the show's history with an in-depth look at all thirty-eight seasons.

It's all here - the comedic highlights and low points, memorable hosts and musical guests, controversial moments, and, of course, the recurring characters and sketches, catch phrases, and film shorts that have made SNL the epicenter of American comedy for nearly four decades. SNL FAQ also examines the show's influence on American culture and includes profiles of over 100 SNL cast members, along with a comprehensive guide detailing every episode.

The mission of the FBI is to protect the innocent and identify the enemies of the Government of the United States.

The proclamation above opened many episodes of The FBI, Quinn Martin's longest running television series (airing nine seasons on ABC, from 1965 to 1974), and one of the most popular shows of the late 1960s, reaching more than 25 million viewers a week worldwide at its peak. Based on actual cases from the files of the FBI, the series starred Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Philip Abbott, Stephen Brooks, and William Reynolds and combined authentic elements of investigation with compelling characters and stellar writing, week after week after week. At a time when there were only three networks, The FBI was a bona fide Sunday night viewing event for nine years, knocking off another powerhouse, The Ed Sullivan Show, in the process. And yet, despite its tremendous impact on television, this landmark series is almost completely forgotten today. Until now.

The definitive go-to bible for information about the classic ABC series, The FBI Dossier features 898 pages packed with facts about the series, its stars, storylines, a complete breakdown of all 241 episodes - including The Hiding Place, the only episode that never aired on television (either on ABC or in syndication), and All the Streets Are Silent, the episode that Quentin Tarantino immortalized in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood - plus hundreds of photos, and a fabulous array of exclusive interviews with many of the stars and guest stars including Richard Anderson, Anne Archer, Ed Asner, Michael Bell, Eric Braeden, Beau Bridges, Henry Darrow, Jack Garner, Walter Grauman, Robert Hooks, Jerry Houser, Ketty Lester, Donna Mills, Stefanie Powers, Suzanne Pleshette, Peter Mark Richman, Roy Thinnes, Joan Van Ark, Lindsay Wagner, Dawn Wells, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., and William Reynolds. Seven years in the making, The FBI Dossier is not just a veritable who's who of the entertainment industry, but an important look at an unheralded chapter of television history.

Friends Exposed: 1500 Fun Facts About the Show is written by an authoritative expert who penned the most comprehensive reference book ever written on the series-Friends Behind the Scenes: Backstage Pass to the Series, A Comprehensive History. The follow-up effort, Friends Exposed, is the best source for insider facts and never-before-revealed tidbits about the sitcom that industry experts have voted the Greatest TV Series of All Time. This type of thoroughness cannot be found anywhere else in the entire Friends Universe.

The first section provides insider information about the creators, cast regulars, supporting actors, and guest actors as well as cast stand-ins, crew members, scene extras, and even famous actors who auditioned for roles in the immensely popular show. The second section discusses little-known facts about the series, including behind-the-scenes activities, casting decisions, notable directors, secrets behind writing episodes, and so much more.

The final section recounts numerous secrets behind the making of Friends. Every episode has a history and many contain a few skeletons in the closet. The amazing tidbits encompass the inspirations for episode plots, how personal experiences influenced storylines, when actors ad-libbed lines, how scenes developed and evolved, the way actors and guest stars impacted the creative process, and even the lost episode that was written but never filmed. There are over 1500 fun facts about the show that are sure to amaze and mystify the most die-hard and inquisitive Friends fan.

Friends Exposed is an essential book for every fan of the show. It is a great conversation starter and readers are guaranteed to impress friends and family with nuggets of insider information that most Friends fans do not know. Photos included.

Praise for The Unofficial Batman:

The Animated Interviews

Bob Miller's highly researched and thoroughly engaging history, Batman: The Animated Interviews, is a testament to a terrific writer who clearly loves storytelling and animation as he chronicles the gargantuan efforts to develop, produce and showcase the multi-Emmy award-winning Batman: The Animated Series. These books should be part of the curriculum of any school or university teaching writing, production and animation. Bob's books describe the perseverance, passions and unfettered commitment to quality from all those engaged to deliver a truly great series, from the 'upstart' network, Fox Kids, to the remarkable creative output of the teams at Warner Animation. We all truly believed this Batman series would be great and Bob's penetrating questions, which rendered thoughtful answers, help the readers and fans understand how the series was made, and why it worked so well. It was like a perfect storm. Everything came together ... not easily, but magnificently.

- Margaret Loesch, President & CEO/Vice-Chairman, Fox Kids Networks Worldwide, 1990-1998. Winner of five Daytime Emmy Awards. Responsible for bringing Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men, and the Power Rangers franchise to Fox Kids television.

Holy-hairdo - Bob Miller has compiled an incredible collation of factual knowledge and an extraordinary thesis that fully captures the depth and breadth of this groundbreaking series. Bob has skillfully allowed the reader to share in the wonderful creative process that the show creators went to in the production of this show - and he has opened up a greater understanding for all fans of the Batman animated series of why it has entered the pantheon of television production and animated series. Congratulations to Bob for another stellar publication, and for keeping the flame burning so brightly for the craft of TV animation.

- Richard Taylor, CEO/Creative Director, Wētā Workshop (Wellington, NZ).

What a terrific read this is. There are so many great stories and such great insights into the making of that show that it's astonishing. I can't wait to read the next volume.

- Craig Miller, Producer, Publicist, Writer, and first Director of Fan Relations at Lucasfilm.

This is the HARDBACK version. Lewis Vendredi made a deal with the devil to sell cursed antiques, but he broke the pact, and it cost him his soul. His niece Micki, and her cousin Ryan, inherited the store-and with it, the curse. Now they must get everything back-and the real terror begins. So opens Friday the 13th: The Series. In 1987, Paramount Studios found success selling a new Star Trek series into syndication. Eager to cash in on other studio-owned properties, Paramount asked producer Frank Mancuso Jr. to develop a series around Friday the 13th, and the television series was born. It had nothing to do with the popular slasher film franchise, which was both a blessing and curse. It was a largely young, inexperienced cast and crew, and one of the first Hollywood productions to shoot entirely in Canada. In the first-ever examination of the TV series, author Alyse Wax delves into the series episode-by-episode, with more than sixty exclusive interviews with the cast, writers, directors, and producers, as well as nearly fifty never published behind-the-scenes photos from the cast and crew's personal collections. ALYSE WAX has been covering television and the horror industry for over a decade. She was the Associate Editor of the dearly departed FEARnet.com, and currently writes for a number of geeky, freaky places, including ComingSoon.net, Fangoria, ShockTillYouDrop.com, and Blumhouse.com.

In the 1990s animation boom, The Ren & Stimpy Show stood supreme. Through draftsmanship, charismatic voices, irreverent sight gags, crass humor, and stellar character acting, animation's most talented and disturbed artists created an entity for the Nickelodeon cable network that pulled the art form out of a 25-year rut. The world has never been quite the same since -- and we're eternally grateful

Now you too can join the rollercoaster ride that is the fascinating, insane real-life story of art, money, and ego that gave birth to Ren H ek and Stimpson J. Cat. History Eraser Buttons need not apply. No stone has been unturned, no magic nose goblin unpicked, in this extensively detailed history of the show that defined a generation and changed an entire medium.

Fully revised and bursting with new information, interviews, and illustrations--it's everything you wanted to know about Ren & Stimpy -- but were afraid to ask

A compelling cautionary tale of rags-to-riches success in Hollywood, Thad Komorowski's book documents the entire story behind Nickelodeon's first cartoon hit, The Ren & Stimpy Show, utilizing extensive interviews with the program's key players -- including the cartoonists, network executives, and voice actors -- justifying the show's important role in the recent history of animation. A great read.
-- Jerry Beck, Animation Historian and Co-Founder of Cartoon Brew

Praise for The Unofficial Batman:

The Animated Interviews

Bob Miller's highly researched and thoroughly engaging history, Batman: The Animated Interviews, is a testament to a terrific writer who clearly loves storytelling and animation as he chronicles the gargantuan efforts to develop, produce and showcase the multi-Emmy award-winning Batman: The Animated Series. These books should be part of the curriculum of any school or university teaching writing, production and animation. Bob's books describe the perseverance, passions and unfettered commitment to quality from all those engaged to deliver a truly great series, from the 'upstart' network, Fox Kids, to the remarkable creative output of the teams at Warner Animation. We all truly believed this Batman series would be great and Bob's penetrating questions, which rendered thoughtful answers, help the readers and fans understand how the series was made, and why it worked so well. It was like a perfect storm. Everything came together ... not easily, but magnificently.

- Margaret Loesch, President & CEO/Vice-Chairman, Fox Kids Networks Worldwide, 1990-1998. Winner of five Daytime Emmy Awards. Responsible for bringing Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men, and the Power Rangers franchise to Fox Kids television.

Holy-hairdo - Bob Miller has compiled an incredible collation of factual knowledge and an extraordinary thesis that fully captures the depth and breadth of this groundbreaking series. Bob has skillfully allowed the reader to share in the wonderful creative process that the show creators went to in the production of this show - and he has opened up a greater understanding for all fans of the Batman animated series of why it has entered the pantheon of television production and animated series. Congratulations to Bob for another stellar publication, and for keeping the flame burning so brightly for the craft of TV animation.

- Richard Taylor, CEO/Creative Director, Wētā Workshop (Wellington, NZ).

What a terrific read this is. There are so many great stories and such great insights into the making of that show that it's astonishing. I can't wait to read the next volume.

- Craig Miller, Producer, Publicist, Writer, and first Director of Fan Relations at Lucasfilm.

From its tumultuous beginnings in 1977 to its end by firing squad - on screen and off - Soap was as passionate and controversial as the times in which it was made. During its four-year run, it tackled sex, death, depression and infidelity, all with a wit and gentleness never before seen on American television. Throughout that time, a vocal minority hounded the sitcom and parent network ABC over its perceived irreverence toward the mores of a declining generation, even as the real world was convulsed by terrorism, energy crises, and fallout from the Vietnam conflict and governmental malfeasance. For the first time ever, Soap: The Unauthorized Inside Story of the Sitcom that Broke all the Rules takes you behind the scenes, from the producers' battles with network censors over an earlier series, to the creation of enduring story lines such as the death of Peter Campbell, and Burt's abduction by aliens. Based on interviews with nearly 30 members of the cast and crew, this book offers an extensive examination of each episode, and may finally reveal the societal forces that really led to the series' premature demise.

Between 1959 and 1973 the Cartwrights of the Ponderosa rode into the lives of nearly 400 million viewers around the world. Perhaps you saw many of the 428 episodes and waited eagerly for the famous blazing map to reveal the Cartwrights riding into your living room. You can relive those days and get the inside story on the TV series that became a legend. Renew old acquaintances with Ben Cartwright and his sons, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe.

Alice: Life Behind the Counter in Mel's Greasy Spoon (A Guide to the Feature Film, the TV Series, and More) takes you behind the scenes of one of television's most beloved sitcoms. It all started with Martin Scorsese's Academy Award-winning film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Learn how the movie and series were developed, peruse the fact-filled episode log, and test your Alice trivia knowledge with a fan quiz featuring over 120 questions.
The book also includes:

Insights from David Silverman (writer for Alice); Christopher Tayback, son of Vic Tayback (Mel in Alice); Lucy Lee Flippin (Fran in Flo); and others

Cast and crew bios

A collection of favorite character sayings, such as Kiss my grits, Stow it, and When donkeys fly
Memorable foods from Mel's Diner, like Carrie's wonderful lemon pudding and the secret recipe for Mel's famous chili

A guide to the spin-off series Flo

Come laugh at all the hilarious situations Alice and her friends get entangled in while learning about a true comedy classic.

In 1959, Buck Biggers, Chester Chet Stove, Joe Harris, and Treadwell D. Covington founded Total Television. Their goal was to create cartoon characters that encouraged kids to buy General Mills breakfast cereals and other products. Their animation series were produced from 1959-1969 using the limited animation technique, where minimal movements were synchronized with voice actor performances.

Total Television produced:

The King and Odie (1960-1963)

The Hunter (1960-1963)

Commander McBragg (1963-1966)

Go Go Gophers (1966-1969)

Klondike Kat (1963-1966)

Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales (1963-1966)

The Beagles (1966-1969)

The Sing A Long Family (1964-1967)

Tooter Turtle (1960-1963)

Twinkles the Elephant (1960-1963)
Underdog (1964-1967)

Gene Hattree (1964-1966)

Cauliflower Cabby (1964)

The Colossal Show (1964)

Discover how Total Television evolved through rare production artwork and storyboards, as well as reminiscences from Total Television's founders.

Mark Arnold is the guy who the other authorities on comic books and animated cartoons turn to when they're stumped for an obscure tidbit of pop cultural information; he always delivers the goods.

- Scott Shaw, cartoonist