If you were watching American network TV in the 1970s and early 1980s, what you were watching had probably been touched by Fred Silverman. Over a 20-year period, Silverman had an unprecedented run as chief programmer of all three networks — CBS, ABC and NBC. His successful programming choices led to his reputation as “the man with the golden gut,” but his downfall came when he had to program against his strongest adversary — himself.
