Warren Littlefield
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
One of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in network television during the 1980s and 1990s, Warren Littlefield rose to prominence at NBC during its lengthy reign as the home of "Must See TV." As a young development executive, Littlefield was taken under the wing of NBC president Brandon Tartikoff in 1979. As Tartikoff's right-hand man, he helped revive the in-decline network with a string of hit comedies that began with the long-running "Cheers" (NBC, 1982-1993), soon to be followed by the likes of "The Cosby Show" (NBC, 1984-1992) and "The Golden Girls" (NBC, 1985-1992). One of Littlefield and Tartikoff's biggest risks also led to one of their greatest success stories - the rule-breaking sitcom "Seinfeld" (NBC, 1989-1998), a show "about nothing" that went on to be considered one of the greatest series of all time. With the departure of his mentor, Littlefield stepped into his new role as NBC Entertainment President, and while sitcoms like "Mad About You" (NBC, 1992-99) were still on the menu, he placed increased focus on such dramatic fare as the career-launching medical drama "ER" (NBC, 1994-2009). Another breakout hit sitcom "Friends" (NBC, 1994-2004) and the progressive comedy "Will & Grace" (NBC, 1998-2006) rounded out the executive's impressive career at NBC prior to his stepping down in 1998. Unrecognized by the vast majority of TV viewers, during his heyday, Littlefield helped to shape the very landscape of television for nearly two decades.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Producer (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Life Events
1977
Was vice president in charge of development and production for Westfall Productions
1979
Worked briefly for Warner Brothers as director of comedy development
1979
Received producer credit for the CBS TV-movie, "The Last Giraffe"
1979
Noticed by Brandon Tartikoff; served as manager of comedy development for NBC
1980
Became director of current comedy programs at NBC
1981
Promoted to vice president for current comedy at NBC; later that year became vice president for comedy development
1983
Appointed vice president, comedy programs, NBC Entertainment
1985
Promoted to senior vice president, NBC
1987
Became senior vice president for primetime, NBC
1990
Appointed president of NBC Entertainment with Tartikoff, soon to be en route to Paramount, still in charge as chairman
1991
Car he was driving while on vacation in Italy fired at during a police search in a case of mistaken identity
1991
Assumed solo responsibilities for NBC Entertainment
1998
Left NBC to form joint venture with network to produce programming on a non-exclusive basis
1999
Formed Littlefield Co., a TV production outfit
Family
Companions
