We've recently begun to notice the opening credits on drama shows like CSI, NCIS, Close to Home, etc. Credits used to include the writer, producer and director. Now there are the producers, executive producer, co-producers, , coordinating producers...we've counted as many as 15 names with various producer titles - on a single show.

It's getting to be like movie credits that list the third assistant to the fourth alternate electrician's helper.

What's up with all this "producing"?

According to what I've heard, most TV show producers are writers, and each producer title is a different level that he or she has risen to. So the titles reflect the writer's status in the show.