Since the mid-1970s, producer-writer Cannell has been one of the most prolific contributors to TV entertainment. By the 80s, he was a genuine TV auteur with an impressive number of hour-long dramatic series on the air. By the mid-90s, Cannell had had series on NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, UPN and USA as well as several in first-run syndication. Over the course of a career in which he has created or co-created more than 35 action-adventure series, Cannell has produced some of the medium's most popular yet critically lambasted shows as well as several "quality" series which have already attained near
Flunked three times before completing high school due to undiagnosed dyslexia
1964
Worked in father's interior design firm after graduating college; devoted nights to scriptwriting
1966
First entertainment work, sold several story ideas to "Mission Impossible"; deemed too young and inexperienced to write the actual teleplays (date approximate)
1968
Sold a script to the crime drama series "It Takes A Thief"; quit working for his father
1968
Career breakthrough: sold a teleplay for the police drama, "Adam 12"; hired as head writer
