They Learned Comedy From the 'Girls'.

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Author: Lisotta, Christopher

The shoulder-padded Miami singles who were the subjects of the classic 1980s sitcom "The Golden Girls" may just be the predecessors of the women of Wisteria Lane. At a panel of comedy writers last week at the Museum of Television & Radio in Beverly Hills, "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry and "Arrested Development" creator Mitch Hurwitz discussed the state of comedy in prime time today. While they are now celebrated comedy showrunners, both began their careers as writers for "The Golden Girls," which they said was an important training ground. Mr. Cherry said the show's veteran cast was so good "You knew it was your fault" when a joke didn't work. Mr. Hurwitz said he was greatly influenced by "Girls" executive producers Paul Junger Witt and Tony Thomas (son of TV legend Danny Thomas) and their ability to craft comedy.

PHOTO (COLOR): Mitch Hurwitz, left, and Marc Cherry

PHOTO (COLOR): "The Golden Girls"

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By Christopher Lisotta