On this day June 30, 1981, Grant Tinker officially replaced Fred Silverman as president of NBC, stepping into one of the most powerful roles in American television. At the time, NBC was struggling in the ratings behind ABC and CBS, and Tinker was brought in to turn the network’s fortunes around.
Known for his thoughtful and creative approach to programming, Tinker had already built a strong reputation through MTM Enterprises, which he co-founded with his then-wife Mary Tyler Moore. Under his leadership, MTM had produced hit shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Hill Street Blues. At NBC, he focused on improving the quality of storytelling rather than chasing trends.
During his time as president, Tinker helped usher in a golden era for NBC, laying the groundwork for landmark series like The Cosby Show, Family Ties, Cheers, and later Miami Vice. His focus on giving producers creative freedom helped elevate the network's status and redefine prime time television during the 1980s.
80s insight: The success of NBC in the mid to late 1980s started with Grant Tinker’s belief that smart, well-written television could win audiences. His leadership helped shape the decade’s most memorable shows and restore faith in network TV.
Known for his thoughtful and creative approach to programming, Tinker had already built a strong reputation through MTM Enterprises, which he co-founded with his then-wife Mary Tyler Moore. Under his leadership, MTM had produced hit shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Hill Street Blues. At NBC, he focused on improving the quality of storytelling rather than chasing trends.
During his time as president, Tinker helped usher in a golden era for NBC, laying the groundwork for landmark series like The Cosby Show, Family Ties, Cheers, and later Miami Vice. His focus on giving producers creative freedom helped elevate the network's status and redefine prime time television during the 1980s.
80s insight: The success of NBC in the mid to late 1980s started with Grant Tinker’s belief that smart, well-written television could win audiences. His leadership helped shape the decade’s most memorable shows and restore faith in network TV.
