Friday, November 21, 2008

Sitcom a clef

Ben Silverman was a young executive producer at Reveille Entertainment before he became a surprise pick for NBC's co-chairman position and moved to New York. During his tenure, NBC's ratings have fallen precipitously, and he's been surrounded by rumors of drug use and irresponsibility.

One of the shows produced by Reveille Entertainment is "The Office" (US). In that show, shortly after Silverman was appointed co-chairman, a young character, Ryan Howard, received a surprise promotion to regional manager. During his tenure, Dunder Mifflin's market share fell precipitously, and he was surrounded by rumors of drug use and irresponsibility.

Coincidence?

(I actually figured this one out on my own before discovering that B. J. Novak specifically said he was going to pattern Howard on Silverman.)

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