Stephen J. Cannell Productions

''Stephen J. Cannell Productions' (aka Cannell Entertainment or The Cannell Studios) was a production company founded by professional writer Stephen J. Cannell. He started his company in 1976 after a successful stint at Universal Television with Action/Mystery shows like Adam-12 and Ironside. His first show he created on his own was called Baa Baa Black Sheep (known in syndication as Black Sheep Squadron). More TV shows followed as years went on including such notable ones as: The Greatest American Hero, The A-Team, Hunter, Riptide, Hardcastle and McCormick, Stingray, 21 Jumpstreet and Silk Stalkings. In 1986, Cannell Productions along with Tri-Star Pictures and Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions joined forces and formed a syndicated arm called Televentures (now absorbed into Sony Pictures Television). Cannell Productions did find time to produce two game shows which are Caesar's Challenge & Personals; both of which Steve produced alongside fellow TV producer Rick Rosner who produced two other game shows Just Men & The New Hollywood Squares''.

While producing & writing TV shows & books, Stephen J. Cannell found time to do some acting as well. One of his notable acting works was on the ABC TV series Castle. He was usually seen playing cards with other mystery writers including title character Rick Castle (Nathan Fillion).

Cannell passed away on September 30, 2010 just after the third season of Castle started. He is survived by his wife & high school sweetheart of almost 50 years and their three children (two girls & one boy). One of them is TV director and another a TV personality.

Today, Cannell's shows are owned by a variety of companies: 20th Century Fox Television or 20th Television, Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television.