In Conversation with Caryn Mandabach

01 April 10

Having established herself as one of the most successful comedy producers in the US, why has Caryn Mandabach decided to work in the UK?

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Caryn Mandabach began her career at a time when there was not a single comedy programme in the US top 40 and critics were declaring American television comedy well and truly dead. It is remarkable then, that Mandabach managed to create an overnight sensation with The Cosby Show in 1984, only to be followed by a succession of hit comedy series including Roseanne, Third Rock From the Sun and That 70’s Show.

“I’m always looking for that which is not there” Mandabach reveals. The Cosby Show was one of the first sitcom’s about a black family, Roseanne appeared at a time when there were no female working class leads on television and Third Rock From The Sun, featuring a family of off the wall aliens, was original to say the least.

Mandabach seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to producing hit comedy. She was struck with the concept for That 70’s Show "in a sudden flash" (although modestly declaring it to be the only idea she's ever had) and her hand-picked team of young-professionals for each of her shows have continued to produce hit comedies in the US.

There should be no fear of failure…I don’t understand what we’re all afraid of. We’ve got stories to tell – tell them!

In conversation with Laurance Marks, Mandabach reveals her fears for the future of the US television industry whilst simultaneously pledging her admiration of UK TV production and British humour. In this lively discussion, she offers advice and insight based on her experiences in both the US and the UK over quarter of a century on from her first big hit.