For numerous television producers, writers and showrunners, receiving the Norman Lear Award: For TV that Makes a Difference was significant because of the visionary whose name it bears.
“It means so much to receive an award named after Norman Lear, who basically invented the idea that a half-hour comedy can tackle tough, even taboo, subject matter,” said Kim Rosenstock, executive producer and writer of FX comedy, “Dying for Sex.”
Monday night, the “Norman Lear Awards: For TV that Makes a Difference” recognized seven shows for their accurate portrayal of pressing societal issues, bringing together writers, actors and showrunners at the Writers Guild Theater.
Previously known as the Sentinel Awards, the show was renamed this year to honor producer and writer Norman Lear, who is known for intertwining activism with entertainment, notably introducing topics like racism, sexism and homophobia into half-hour comedies.
“It’s a special thrill to see Norman’s name on these awards,” said Lyn Lear, Norman’s wife. “They honor what his life and work were all about: rejoicing in our differences, celebrating our connectedness and recognizing – as he liked to put it – that ‘I’m just another version of you.’”
Norman Lear was 101 years old when he passed away in 2023, but his influence on the television industry through groundbreaking shows like “All in the Family” and “Sanford & Sons” permeates Hollywood’s creative minds today.
“Tonight, it’s not his passing that we observe, but his passion and his persistence, his enduring presence in our heart and in our art,” said Judith Light, an actress from shows like “Transparent” and “Who’s the Boss?” and a member of the Hollywood, Health & Society Advisory Board.
Hosted by “Saturday Night Live” and “Seinfeld” writing alum Carol Leifer, the show was presented by Hollywood, Health & Society (HHS), a program of the Norman Lear Center. In 2025, HHS is celebrating a milestone, 25 years of bringing expert perspectives to writers’ rooms, tackling topics like healthcare, medicine and science.
The program has seen direct engagement as a result of its work.
“One in four viewers of the organ donation storyline on ‘The Pitt’ sought more information about the topic. Viewers were almost three times more likely to seek information than non-viewers,” said Kate Folb, director of HHS.
“The Pitt” was honored with the “Culture of Health Award” for its moving, realistic depiction of a hospital’s emergency department that manages a range of concerns, including gun violence, opioid overdosing and distrust in healthcare systems.
“When you have a format that allows you to reach millions of people every week, that comes with a certain amount of responsibility,” said R. Scott Gemmill, “The Pitt” producer. “We take that to heart. It’s important for us to tell our stories with truth and honesty and integrity.”
The show’s crew credited the professional contributions from HHS for its accuracy.
“I really can’t underestimate the help that Hollywood, Health & Society has given our show,” said Noah Wyle, the show’s Emmy-winning executive producer and lead actor. “We’ve prided ourselves on being the most medically accurate show on television.”
The show also honored topics such as breast cancer (“Dying for Sex”), addiction and recovery (“Matlock”), climate change (“Paradise”), racial disparities in healthcare (“Chicago Med”), advances in clinical trials (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and caregiving (“Shrinking”).
“I feel compelled to point out it’s quite fitting that a series about the importance of always having each other’s backs is made by a cast and crew that truly, always has each other’s backs,” said Neil Goldman, “Shrinking” producer.
On the carpet and stage, creatives shared their reverence for Norman Lear and the impact he made on the stories they told. Lyn Lear also noted the importance of her husband’s voice and values amid uncertainty around threats to free expression. She called out the cancellation of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and noted the close relationship between Norman Lear and the late-night show host.
“[Kimmel’s] first public reaction to his silencing was this post on Instagram, a photo of him and Norman with the caption: ‘Missing this guy today,’” said Lear.
“Today, I’m missing Norman, too,” she continued. “I think we all are. I’m missing his voice, his honesty, his wit and his values because we need them more today than ever.”