James Burrows, a longtime figure in television comedy known for creating and directing major sitcoms, dies at 85, multiple outlets report. Burrows co-created “Cheers” and is also credited as a prolific director across decades of TV. CBS and NBC report that he directed more than 1,000 episodes, including every episode of the original run of “Will & Grace.” The Hollywood Reporter and other sources add that he also worked on acclaimed series including “Friends” and “Frasier,” reflecting the breadth of his directing career. The Hollywood Reporter notes he began his television career with “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and later became a frequent Emmy-winning figure, described by the outlet as a 10-time Emmy winner. New York Post quotes a statement describing the manner of his passing as peaceful, surrounded by family, while other reports attribute details of his death to his attorney. Across coverage, Burrows is consistently presented as a key creative force behind “Cheers,” and as a defining director of “Will & Grace,” helping shape the look and rhythm of modern sitcoms.