Co-writer of first Monkees TV episode dies

Peter Meyerson, a writer on the very first episode of “The Monkees” TV series and seven others, and also for several other sitcoms, died March 11 in Newport Beach, the Hollywood Reporter reported Thursday.

Meyerson and Robert Schlitt wrote “Royal Flush,” the series' first episode that aired on Sept. 12, 1966. According to IMDB.com, he also was involved on the series with the episodes “Monkees in a Ghost Town” (Oct. 24, 1966, writer); “The Prince and the Paupers” (Feb. 6, 1967, story); “Captain Crocodile (Feb. 20, 1967, writer, teleplay and story); “Monkee Mother” (March 20, 1967, writer); “Hillbilly Honeymoon” (Oct. 23, 1967, writer); “Fairy Tale” (Jan. 8, 1968, writer), and “Monkees Blow Their Minds” (March 20, 1967, writer).

"Royal Flush""Royal Flush"

“Fairy Tale” was a fairy tale story that included Mike Nesmith in full dress as a princess. “Monkees Blow Their Minds” featured cameos by Frank Zappa, Burgess Meredith and Ava Gardner. “Monkees in a Ghost Town” featured a role with Rose Marie (“The Dick Van Dyke Show”).

Meyerson's most extensive work on TV was with “Welcome Back, Kotter,” where he was writer of 24 episodes, supervising producer for 27 episodes and executive script consultant for four episodes. His other TV credits includes writing for “Captain Nice,” “The Partridge Family,” “The Bob Newhart Show” and “That Girl.”

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