Literary Arts Institute Lectures
Television Producer & Writer David Zabel
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-14-2026
Sponsoring Department(s)
Literary Arts Institute
Abstract
David Zabel is a television producer and writer. He is best known for his 15-year stint with ER (NBC) where he was an executive producer, writer, and showrunner. He wrote more than 45 episodes of the program and was a recipient of a Prism Award, as well as a Humanitas Prize, an award that goes to humanitarian-minded television.
Zabel has had an extensive career as producer, showrunner, writer, and actor. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Mercy Street, Adversaries, Lucky 7, and Detroit 1-8-7 are among a long list of series with his association.
Zabel grew up in Manhattan and became interested in theater. He attended Princeton University where he studied English literature and drama, originally intending to become a poet. He then attended graduate school for theater at New York University’s Tisch School Of The Arts.
Recommended Citation
Harkins, Matthew and Zabel, David, "Television Producer & Writer David Zabel" (2026). Literary Arts Institute Lectures. 36.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/lai_lectures/36