TV legend James Burrows, director of 'Cheers' and 'Friends', dies at 85

James Burrows, the Emmy-winning director behind iconic sitcoms like 'Cheers', 'Friends', 'Taxi', and 'The Big Bang Theory', has died at age 85. His family announced he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, though the time and place of death were not disclosed. Burrows won 11 Emmy awards and directed over 1,000 television episodes, helping pioneer the multi-camera sitcom format in the 1970s. He also co-created 'Cheers' and its spin-off 'Frasier', and later appeared as himself in Lisa Kudrow's sitcom 'The Comeback'.

His work shaped decades of American comedy that reached global audiences, including Nigeria, where shows like 'Friends' and 'The Big Bang Theory' remain popular on streaming platforms. Burrows’ influence extends beyond direction—he mentored generations of writers and performers, leaving a lasting imprint on how sitcoms are made and enjoyed worldwide.

Fans can honor his legacy by revisiting his classic series, many of which are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or local cable reruns. What episode or character from Burrows’ extensive portfolio left the biggest impression on you, and how did his comedic style influence your own taste in television?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/20/us-comedy-series-director-james-burrows-dies-at-85/