It was really a natural progression. Leonard had pioneered location shooting in NYC all year around, and to hit the road with the concept and the outstanding writing that Silliphant was doing and shepherding, had to be an exciting prospect. And it succeeded artistically.

I was more of a Naked City fan that Route 66, but I loved them both. I was 11-15 during NC's run, and it had a profound effect on me especially the last two seasons. I revisited Route 66 when the dvd's came out and it holds up so well. That combination of Leonard, Silliphant, and Nelson Riddle was just great.