Sitcom - by Chuck Lorre (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A memoir from Chuck Lorre--one of the most prolific television writers and showrunners in TV history (The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Mom, The Kominsky Method, Young Sheldon), on his life, career, and the deal with all those vanity cards.

Ever wonder what it's like to spend decades making millions of strangers laugh -- while trying not to lose your mind in the process?

As the creator of The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Young Sheldon, Bookie, Dharma & Greg, Mom, and more, Lorre has racked up almost two thousand half-hours of comedy. But his own story is just as outrageous, awkward, and surprisingly touching as the shows he built.

In this memoir on his life and career in comedy, Lorre trades punchlines for real talk: the messy, very human truth behind Hollywood's glossy façade, addiction, his own and that of his famous colleagues, his failed marriages, disastrous life choices, and chronic illness--all of which somehow became the ingredients for comedy. One chapter may leave you doubled over, the next might sneak in a lump in your throat -- but that's Chuck. That's sitcoms. That's also real life.

If you've ever binged The Big Bang Theory, argued over your favorite Two and a Half Men character, or wondered how TV comedy gets made, this is your all-access pass. Spoiler: it involves failure, low-self-esteem, and an unshakable love for laughter.

Review Quotes

I opened Chuck Lorre's new book with my butt clenched, ready for the triggers that might come from reexamining some of the more tumultuous times we worked together. But instead, I spent the next few hours with a massive grin on my face. This deeply felt, but profoundly unsentimental memoir balances a healthy and hilarious disrespect for show business with a reverent esteem for the often derided art of TV comedy. Genuine philosophical gems lurk among the flippant (but admittedly uproarious) punchlines. And even while recounting the years of backstage drama and trauma, Chuck manages to convey, the joy, the art, fun, and struggle of making some of the most successful TV comedy of all time. He captures, with real wit and candor, why we love this insane and stupid industry so much. - Jon Cryer

When it comes to sitcoms (and as a general life rule), always bet on the guy not hammered on crack. - Charlie Sheen

It always made so much sense to me that Chuck Lorre's first love was music, because his ear for the rhythm of a sitcom is absolutely unerring. As much as I connected with the character on Big Bang Theory, I still feel like the rhythm of a "Chuck show" was the main thing I vibed with. I just followed the rhythm. - Jim Parsons

Anyone interested in what the life of a show runner is like, dodging bullets in the trenches of TV sitcoms, should read Chuck Lorre's account. One of the industry 's most successful guys gives us an honest, funny and at times harrowing memoir.

- Christine Baranski

[Lorre] is a clever social observer... A brutal look at a funny business. - Kirkus Reviews