In the pantheon of television, few have made a stand like Marc Cherry. With a career that spans decades, Cherry has been the mastermind behind some of the most iconic, entertaining, and darkly comedic series on television.

The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

While Cherry was not the creator of The Golden Girls (that credit goes to Susan Harris), he was a significant contributor to the show’s writing team. This classic sitcom, featuring the lives of four older women sharing a house in Miami, was praised for its humor, progressive themes, and the way it addressed issues like aging, sexuality, and female independence. The show was ahead of its time and laid the groundwork for Cherry’s future success, as it demonstrated his ability to write witty, character-driven comedy.

Desperate Housewives (2004-2012)

Desperate Housewives was a cultural phenomenon that mixed satire, mystery, and dramedy to explore the lives of four women living on Wisteria Lane. The show was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its narrative innovation and the depth of its female characters. It tackled a range of issues, from marital strife and infidelity to death and societal expectations, all while maintaining a darkly comic edge. Cherry worked with a team of talented individuals, many of whom he would collaborate with on future projects. Among them were directors like David Grossman and Larry Shaw, who directed numerous episodes, capturing the essence of Cherry’s suburban satire. Writers like Bob Daily and Jeff Greenstein also played key roles, with Daily later serving as an executive producer.

Devious Maids (2013-2016)

After Desperate Housewives, Cherry created Devious Maids, a show with a similar darkly comedic tone, focusing on a group of Latina maids working in the opulent homes of Beverly Hills. The show highlighted issues of class and race, and provided a platform for Latinx talent in front of and behind the camera. Longoria, reuniting with Cherry, served as an executive producer, bringing her star power and experience to the series. David Warren, another Desperate Housewives alum, directed several episodes, bringing continuity in directing style and vision.

Why Women Kill (2019-2021)

In Why Women Kill, Cherry returned with an anthology series that examined how the roles and reactions of women to betrayal have (or haven’t) changed over different time periods. Each season focused on a different decade and set of characters, with a stylized aesthetic unique to the era it portrayed. Once again, Cherry employed directors and writers he trusted, like veteran director David Grossman, to bring these darkly comedic stories to life. The series was praised for its sharp writing, strong performances, and its stylish depiction of different eras.

Throughout his career, Marc Cherry has not just been known for his own evolution as a creator, but also for the relationships he’s cultivated with other industry professionals. He has frequently collaborated with many individuals across his shows. On the writing front, Cherry has worked with the likes of Bob Daily, Jeff Greenstein, and Kevin Murphy, who have contributed to the sharp and dynamic scripts that define his shows. These collaborators have helped Cherry’s vision come to life, ensuring that his unique voice remains consistent across different projects.With a distinct aesthetic that often includes a bright facade overlaying darker undertones, cinematographers such as Lowell Peterson and John Simmons have been instrumental in crafting the look and feel of shows like Desperate Housewives and Why Women Kill.