Who Wrote Murder, She Wrote?
The American television series "Murder, She Wrote" is a beloved mystery television show that aired from 1984 to 1996. The show starred Angela Lansbury as amateur sleuth and mystery writer Jessica Fletcher, who lived in the small coastal town of Cabot Cove, Maine. But who actually wrote the show?
The Creator of the Show
The creator of "Murder, She Wrote" was Peter S. Fischer, a television producer and writer. Fischer is credited with developing the concept for the show, along with Richard Levinson and William Link, who would later become co-creators of the series.
Peter S. Fischer’s Background
Before creating "Murder, She Wrote", Fischer worked as a writer and producer on several other television shows, including "Columbo" and "McMillan & Wife". His experience in writing and producing shows with complex mysteries and investigations likely influenced his approach to creating "Murder, She Wrote".
The Development of the Show
Fischer’s concept for "Murder, She Wrote" was inspired by the popularity of mystery novels and the growing trend of using amateur sleuths in television detective shows. He wanted to create a show that combined the elements of a small-town mystery with the intellectual puzzle-solving of a true crime story.
Fischer’s Collaboration with Other Writers
Fischer co-created the show with Levinson and Link, both of whom were experienced television writers and producers. Levinson and Link were responsible for writing several episodes of the show. The collaboration between Fischer, Levinson, and Link helped to shape the tone and style of "Murder, She Wrote", which became a hallmark of the series.
Other Key Writers on the Show
In addition to Fischer, Levinson, and Link, other key writers on the show included
- Jeff Rayburn
- George Baylon
- Steve Zuckerman
- Michael Gleason
The Impact of "Murder, She Wrote"
"Murder, She Wrote" was a groundbreaking show that helped to revitalize the mystery genre on television. The show’s success led to a resurgence of interest in mystery novels and short stories, and it influenced the development of other television mystery shows.
Awards and Accolades
"Murder, She Wrote" won several awards during its run, including multiple Emmy nominations and wins for Angela Lansbury’s performance as Jessica Fletcher. The show also won several Golden Globe Awards, including best television series – drama in 1986.
Table: Awards Won by "Murder, She Wrote"
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Angela Lansbury) | 1986 |
| Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama | 1986 |
| Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama (Angela Lansbury) | 1986 |
| People’s Choice Award for Favorite Television Drama Series | 1987, 1988, 1989 |
Legacy of "Murder, She Wrote"
"Murder, She Wrote" remains one of the most beloved television mystery shows of all time. The show’s popularity has endured long after its initial run, and it continues to be rerun on television and available to stream. The show’s impact on the mystery genre can still be seen today, with many modern television shows and books drawing inspiration from its template.
Conclusion
While Peter S. Fischer is often credited as the sole creator of "Murder, She Wrote", the show was actually developed through a collaboration between several writers and producers. The show’s success was the result of a combination of factors, including its well-crafted mysteries, strong characters, and the star power of Angela Lansbury.
