The world of television has lost a true legend. Bob Broder, the influential agent behind some of the most beloved TV series of the past four decades, has passed away at the age of 85.
His career shaped the landscape of sitcoms, and his impact is still felt across Hollywood today.
A Life Dedicated to Television
Broder, who passed away from cancer on September 23 surrounded by his family, was best known for packaging the iconic show Cheers.
The series, which ran from 1982 to 1993, starred Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, and Kirstie Alley and became a defining sitcom of its era.
Beyond Cheers, Broder’s reach extended far and wide.
He worked at the agencies BWCS and ICM, representing and packaging hits such as Frasier, Dharma & Greg, The X-Files, The King of Queens, Touched By An Angel, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, Mike & Molly, and Modern Family.
Even in his final days, he continued collaborating with producer Chuck Lorre, with one of his last projects being Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
The Soul of Cheers
While Broder’s portfolio was vast, he was most closely associated with Cheers, the sitcom set in a Boston bar owned by former Red Sox pitcher Sam Malone.
Broder represented its creators—brothers Glen and Les Charles, and director-producer James Burrows—and was so beloved on set that Deadline described him as “the mayor of Cheers.”
He even appeared in a cameo in the series finale as the man knocking on the bar door in the show’s closing moments.
A Mentor to Generations
Broder also nurtured talent behind the scenes, including working with writer David Lloyd and his son, Christopher Lloyd, co-creator of Modern Family. Ted Chervin, reflecting on Broder’s career, said:
“He elevated the idea of what it means to be an agent.
He operated at a level of sophistication, complexity, and authority that really changed the game.
He had a statesman-like quality in leading the agency, managing his clients, and interacting with the broader community.
Through all of that, he inspired many people, including Chris [Silbermann] and me.”
Building an Agency Legacy
In 1978, Broder co-founded the Broder Kurland Agency alongside partners Elliot Webb, Beth Uffner, Chervin, and Silbermann.
The agency became a powerhouse in Hollywood, ultimately being acquired by ICM in 2006. Chervin noted,
“Even now, when people refer to the agency, they just call it Broder.
That wasn’t just because his name was on the letterhead—he really was the soul of the agency.
It had an incredible culture of individuality paired with collaboration, and he was at the center of it all.”
A Lasting Impact
Bob Broder’s influence on television was immeasurable. He didn’t just broker deals—he shaped stories, careers, and an entire era of American sitcoms.
His legacy will live on in the laughter and memories of generations of viewers, as well as in the careers of those he mentored along the way.