Over My Dead Body

In this laugh-out-loud cemetery sit-down, Over My Dead Body digs up the legendary newsman Walter Cronkite for an exclusive “grave” interview. Viewers will not only get a crash course in Cronkite’s storied career as the most trusted voice in journalism but also hear what he has to say about today’s media landscape, from “fake news” to the 24-hour news cycle. With sharp wit and irreverent humor, this episode blends history and hilarity, proving that even the great Walter Cronkite can still make headlines—long after his sign-off of “And that’s the way it is."

This interview is part of the Writers on Writing Oral History Collection, produced by the Writers Guild of America, and features executive producer Steven Kunes, who talks about his four-decade career in Hollywood, writing and producing network TV comedy series, and the creation of "Over My Dead Body,” a show that legendary TV producer Norman Lear calls, “...the best idea for a comedy series that I can remember. It’s absolutely hilarious.”

Howard Cosell has been called the greatest TV sportscaster of all time by everybody who has ever seen him, whether he was calling a heavyweight boxing championship or during his many years hosting Monday Night Football. In his first interview since his death in 1995, Cosell shares with listeners his thoughts on his storied career, his friendship with Muhammed Ali, and how not playing the game made him the greatest player of all. Howard Cosell tells it like it is, in an “Over My Dead Body” exclusive interview! See for yourself why legendary TV producer Norman Lear says, “...this is the best idea for a comedy series that I can remember. It’s absolutely hilarious.”

Mark Twain has arguably been called the greatest American author, and in his first interview since his death in 1910, it’s not hard to see why. Twain wrote such classics as Life on the Mississippi and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn -- and is responsible for some of the wittiest one-liners in recorded history. Travel with Mr. Twain and our executive producer, Steven Kunes, as we go over this literary icon’s past and get his take on current events. An "Over My Dead Body" exclusive interview! See for yourself why legendary TV producer Norman Lear says, “...this is the best idea for a comedy series that I can remember. It’s absolutely hilarious.”

As a housewife and mother of five, and with a husband whose ass was fused to the sofa, Phyllis Diller took her show on the road, frustrations and all, and at age 37 embarked on a stand-up comedy career that would make her a legend. She paved the way for other female comics such as Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr and Ellen DeGeneres. With self-deprecating humor and boasts of her many plastic surgeries, Phyllis Diller earned a place in our hearts forever. In the first interview since her death in 2012, Ms. Diller offers us an overview of her life, gives us her take on current events, and provides viewers a glimpse of what she’s working on now. An “Over My Dead Body” exclusive! See for yourself why legendary TV producer Norman Lear says, “...this is the best idea for a comedy series that I can remember. It’s absolutely hilarious.”

Legendary French chef and American TV icon Julia Child returns from a 16-year "hiatus" to share highlights from her amazing life.  From humble beginnings in Pasadena to her days as a purported spy with the OSS...then to a love affair with Paul Child which led young Julia to France where she fell in love with French cooking and brought it with her back to America, we get a rare glimpse of this special woman in her own words, as well as her take on current events, and of course, a few secret recipes! An "Over My Dead Body" exclusive interview! See for yourself why legendary TV producer Norman Lear says, “...this is the best idea for a comedy series that I can remember. It’s absolutely hilarious.”

It has been 24 years since famed rapper Tupac Shakur left us for that recording studio in the sky. But he hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to keeping up with news in today’s troubled world. In the first interview since his death in 1996, Mr. Shakur talks about his childhood, how he developed into a music legend, his almost being cast in “Forrest Gump” -- and he shows us that the more things change, the more they remain the same. An “Over My Dead Body” exclusive! See for yourself why legendary TV producer Norman Lear says, “...this is the best idea for a comedy series that I can remember. It’s absolutely hilarious.”

Richard Nixon opens up to “Over My Dead Body” in the first interview since his death in 1994 and sheds light on his humble beginnings, his courtship and marriage to Pat, his rise to becoming the 37th President of the United States –- and later,  his spectacular fall from grace. He’ll also tell us what was on those missing tapes! See for yourself why legendary TV producer Norman Lear says, “...this is the best idea for a comedy series that I can remember. It’s absolutely hilarious.”

Screen legend Mae West shares with us her humble beginnings in Brooklyn, making it big on Broadway, and her rise to fame in Hollywood as a writer, producer, actress and sex symbol. She’ll also tell our listeners about her many lovers, her support of feminism and how she single-handedly saved Paramount Pictures from bankruptcy. An “Over My Dead Body” exclusive interview! See for yourself why legendary TV producer Norman Lear says, “...this is the best idea for a comedy series that I can remember. It’s absolutely hilarious.”

Silicon Valley icon Steve Jobs breaks his silence in the first interview since his death in 2011. Jobs talks to “Over My Dead Body” about his childhood, the creation of the personal computer, the formation of Apple and the iPhone, and how he changed the world. He even reads a love letter to our listeners. Here’s a rarely seen side of that brilliant man in the black turtleneck...Steve Jobs! See for yourself why legendary TV producer Norman Lear says, “...this is the best idea for a comedy series that I can remember. It’s absolutely hilarious.”