Having created the C.S.I. franchise, whose shows are watched by between 50 and 70 million people a week, Anthony Zuiker, 39, is arguably the most successful producer-writer in television today. The Las Vegas resident talked to us about the TV shows he watches. Here's his list:
Five shows he can't live without:
1. Project Runway. I’m a complete addict. Seriously. I’m fascinated that these designers can make beautiful garments out of nothing.
2. Survivor. For me, it’s the perfect tv show. It’s the judge and jruy of how life is. It’s a test of character, of the strengths of a human being, and usually the best player wins.
3. The Sopranos. The characters are so rich. It’s a different perspective on how to tell a mob drama. I couldn’t get enough.
4. Twilght Zone. Rod Serling and his philosophy of creativity and what he did in his time was phenomenal. He simply told great stories from top to bottom.
5. American Idol. I find myself being engaged by kids who are looking for the dream like I was looking for the dream. I find it fascinating to watch people under pressure.
What’s the best show you have never seen?
The Wire. I know it’s great, but I’ve never seen it. Probably because it’s a cop drama and if I ingest any more cops and drama my head my explode.
The best series to watch if you want to learn how to make TV?
The Sopranos. I think the writing is so second-to-none. It’s off-center and the unexpected happens a lot. That finale was gutsy. It broke every rule of television and left everything up to your imagination. About two hours after the screen went black, I said to myself I hope David Chase is in a log cabin drinking some expensive cognac and allowing himself to appreciate that he had turned out a truly fine body of work.
