Blogs&News

Pop Autopsy

Interview with Bryan Fuller

December 28, 2006

As a special holiday present, our little corner of Brilliantbutcancelled.com was graced by none other than one of television's best writers: Bryan Fuller -- creator of fantastic fare such as "Dead Like Me" and "Wonderfalls." He's currently writing for the NBC hit "Heroes," and has thus become even more of a hero around the TV-obsessed offices. Fuller shared with us everything from his early influences, to his thoughts about gay characters on TV, to the cancellation of some of his pet projects.

BrilliantBC: What were the shows that you watched as a kid? And what shows do you think influenced you the most?
The “Twilight Zone” has to be the biggest. It was the first time that I was watching television that wasn’t confined by the boundaries of reality. In my house, growing up it was often westerns and very grounded kind of stuff on TV. So when I first discovered the “Twilight Zone,” it was an epiphany. You don’t have to talk about things that don’t necessarily happen? And of course, I was a huge fan of “The Munsters.”

BrilliantBC: Which Munster did you want to be?
I think I was Eddie. You know, sleeping in the drawer. A little inconspicuous. And you know, he had a pet dragon, that’s not a bad thing to have around for emergencies.

BrilliantBC: So, how did you start in television?
Well, you know, I never really fancied myself a writer. I was a huge, huge “Star Trek” fan, and I didn’t want to be a television writer as much as I wanted to be a “Star Trek” writer. And so I went to film school, and that was a very eye opening experience. Because I originally fancied myself as a director. And when I got there, it was just so technical. There were F-stops. And it was more than my delicate little brain could handle.

Comments

Johnny wrote:

Ack! Why was "Wonderfalls" canceled? It was so fantastic and smart! Thank you for this piece on Bryan Fuller, who might just be the funniest (and, um, most adorable) TV writer making things up today.

posted at January 3, 2007 11:35 AM

krissy wrote:

BRYAN FULLER IS BRILLIANT!!! Thank you for this fabulous interview. A fun read about one of the greatest writers in the biz right now, so edgy with some great questions. I need to keep checking out BrilliantBC...

posted at January 3, 2007 12:09 PM

Lana wrote:

What a great article! I love BrilliantBC because it reminds me of all my favorite shows and I can still read and get info on all of them -- man, I miss Dead Like Me so much. I love how darkly funny Bryan Fuller is.

I agree, Johnny, that Bryan is the most adorable

posted at January 3, 2007 12:20 PM

cherrie rogers wrote:

love your shows .. you have a talent thats not seen to much .. DEAD LIKE ME rocked . i still am mad as hell showtime cancelled it . WONDERFALLS was another hit that was awesome. great imagination you have . please keep using it . one of these days the top deciders will grow a brain and keep the good shows on the air and cancel out the duds.. thank you for your shows bryan fuller

posted at January 4, 2007 10:12 AM

Liz wrote:

I loved Dead Like Me! Bryan Fuller is so smart and funny... good interview.

posted at January 5, 2007 05:37 AM

Aria wrote:

I hated it when "Wonderfall" was cancelled, I really liked that show.

posted at January 5, 2007 03:12 PM

J. Benjamin Ryan wrote:

Fantastic interview! It defintely gave me a great insight into the creative mind of Mr. Fuller. Thanks a lot!

posted at January 6, 2007 07:35 PM

sara wrote:

Great interview - I will definately look out for "Pushing Daisies" and keep my fingers crossed that it makes it to air. After watching "Dead Like Me" in reruns on Sci-Fi I'm mistified as to why it was cancelled. It really is an amazing show, so thank you to Mr. Fuller for giving it to us.

posted at January 9, 2007 08:35 PM

Todd wrote:

Informative and insightful interview -- THANK YOU for this! Ever since "Wonderfalls", I've been a huge fan and follower of Bryan's work, and it's nice to get his thoughts on the various projects. What a mind on this man!

Is there an email address for contacting Bryan?

posted at January 16, 2007 01:00 AM

Conchita Moore wrote:

I was a huge fan of Woderfalls and Dead like me and i was hella mad when they canceled them. Both shows were original and refreshing and it's a shame more people didn't get itno them. I have say i think your pretty talented.

posted at February 9, 2007 09:30 PM

Katie L. wrote:

I love Wonderfalls - the dvd set was one of the best investments I ever made. The episodes that aired on tv are great but don't limit yourself - check out the others, too! They're just as good.

posted at February 12, 2007 09:54 AM

Janet wrote:

Why was Pushing Daisies cancelled...I looked forward to watching every Wed. If I missed it I went to the abc.full episodes to watch...what happened???????

posted at February 12, 2008 02:55 PM

Send to a Friend

Pop Autopsy Archive

July, 2007 1 entry
May, 2007 2 entries
March, 2007 1 entry
February, 2007 1 entry
December, 2006 3 entries
July, 2006 1 entry
May, 2006 1 entry

NewsWire

Emmy in a Box

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards were held over the weekend, and while many technical...

Anonymous Critic

The Sopranos Blackout

What we thought when the lights went out in...

Television Reviews - TV Shows & TV Reviews - TV Series Recaps & Reviews | TWoP

Recaps, Weecaps, Recaplets and More

Mondo Extras

Veronica's Dad Is Back in a Flash

{ Mondo Extra }

The former TV sheriff lays down the law about his new show Flashpoint and reminisces about Veronica Mars and the wild world of sitcoms.

Crocodile Tears

{ Weecap }

Jason gets the front-runner's edit, but Jesse gets the underdog's victory as DeAnna chooses pink shoelaces.

Insert Gambling Metaphor Here

{ Weecap }

Len finds out about the new Botwin family business. Celia's worse at a stakeout than Rosie O'Donnell, and Doug-y wants a cracker.

Achy Breaky Heart

{ Weecap }

While Tommy Stanley gets the early axe and Pearl Heart faces the boot after giving their best performance of the season, Laura & Sophie live to torment us, the judges, and each other for another week.

Shiny Boots of Leather

{ Recap }

Belle puts on the rubber dress and spike heels of a dominatrix. It looks kind of uncomfortable.

Conversation With a Mad Woman

{ Mondo Extra }

Our chat with the spunky little secretary who is lighting up the screen on Mad Men.

The (Money) Pits

{ Weecap }

VH1 reintroduces America (or at least those of us trashy enough to watch) to a formidable array of freaks who consider competing for $250k less shameful than vying for the affections of a former crack head, a wig-wearing "rock star," or a hot tranny mess (minus the "hot"). The pièce de résistance? Those who are kicked off are rendered "Void."