Grant Tinker, who established a legendary studio with his then-wife Mary Tyler Moore in the 1970's, producing classics such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, WKRP in Cincinnati & The Bob Newhart Show has passed away at age 90.
If the shows he co-produced at MTM Productions were his only successes, he would have earned a spot as a television legend, but Mr. Tinker eventually went on to become the CEO of NBC in 1981. The network was a wasteland, its ratings in the toilet. Mr. Tinker resuscitated the network, bringing in Family Ties, The Cosby Show, Cheers, LA Law and The A Team, among other shows, combining both critically acclaimed shows such as those found at CBS, with popular shows like those on ABC, to create a powerhouse that wouldn't topple for nearly twenty years. Mr. Tinker left NBC in the late 80's and tried to establish a new production company with minimal success, but he was often a sought after advisor to those involved in the network television business, long after he had retired. By taking risks and demanding excellence, Mr. Tinker's bold work at MTM and NBC continues to influence television even today.
