Biography
Inspired by real events surrounding the Rampart division of the LAPD, "The Shield" opened a window into the harsh world of gangs, drug dealers and corrupt police officers in realistic and often stomach-churning fashion. Prior to creating the show, Ryan was a writer and producer on both "Nash Bridges" (CBS, 1996-2001) and "Angel" (The WB, 1999-2004) - hardly proving ground for the bitter reality of "The Shield." By creating the first high-rated …
Career Milestones
| Moved to Los Angeles | ||
1990 | Won a playwriting award in college that allowed him an opportunity to observe the writers room on the NBC sitcom "My Two Dads"; sold a story idea and earned first onscreen credit | |
1996 | Became a staff writer on the CBS series "Nash Bridges" | |
1999 | Hired as a writer/producer on The WB's "Angel," the venerable spin-off of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" | |
2000 | Scripted the mockumentary, "Welcome to Hollywood" | |
2001 | Wrote the short "The Good Things," about a young toll booth worker who wants to see the world | |
2002 | Created and executive produced the FX series, "The Shield" | |
2006 | Executive produced and wrote for the CBS drama "The Unit" created by David Mamet | |
2009 | Served as the showrunner for Fox's "Lie to Me" | |
Awards
2002 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series in The Shield |