Hal Kanter started out writing variety shows and revues for television in the early 1950s. He turned to screenwriting in the mid-1950s, specializing in comedies (he wrote for Bob Hope and Martin & Lewis) but also turning out dramas such as The Rose Tattoo and Let's Make Love. He directed a few movies, and although they met with success and acclaim, he returned to television. In the 1970s he was the executive producer of the landmark series All in the Family (1971),among a dozen others.