If you’re at all into reruns (and you must be if you’re here), then you’re probably familiar with the words “a Quinn Martin production”. A legendary producer during the ’60s and ’70s, the man had a gift for running a TV show. Sure, not all of them were multi-season successes and not all of his pilots were picked up, but he’s got more than one classic to his name.

First published in 2003, Quinn Martin, Producer: A Behind-The-Scenes History of QM Productions and Its Founder by Jonathan Etter covers Quinn Martin’s career as a producer via interviews conducted during the ’90s and early ’00s with actors, writers, directors, producers, and other behind-the-scenes staff who worked with Quinn Martin and for QM Productions during its run.

Starting with an introduction that covers the early life of Quinn Martin, including how he chose his name (he was born Irwin Martin Cohn), the book then covers his career show by show, starting with his executive producing stint on The Untouchables. The book goes into detail on Martin’s hit shows like The Fugitive, The FBI, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, and Barnaby Jones; the one season wonders like The New Breed, The Invaders, Dan August, and Banyon; and the shows that seemed to be doomed from the start like Caribe, Bert D’Angelo/Superstar, and The Runaways.

Because the history is covered via interviews, there are some unflinching takes, some dirt dished, and some conflicting views. Lynda Day George, who was the most frequent QM guest star, gushes about her experiences on most of the shows, but also isn’t afraid to be kindly honest about less than stellar times. The interviews with the crew, particularly the writers, directors, and other producers, are fascinating, not only dishing the details of Martin’s shows, but also illuminating how television was done back in the day.

Jonathan Etter does a fine job of organizing and incorporating the interviews with his research. He even includes failed pilots, TV movies, and Martin’s brief time producing films.

As this book was first released almost 20 years ago, many of those interviewed are no longer with us. I admit that seeing some of the names (like Robert Forster) was a gut-punch of sadness. But I’m also grateful that these experiences were preserved for posterity.

This book can be acquired at McFarland Books and Amazon.