Joe Weisberg

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Mastermind Show Runner
Joe Weisberg is the closest thing we have to a Jewish Ian Fleming. Creator of FX’s Emmy-winning spy series, “The Americans,” one of Weisberg’s first jobs out of college was at the Central Intelligence Agency.
Weisberg eventually left the Agency to teach special education in Queens. He turned to TV writing in 2010. After penning scripts for “Falling Skies” and the DirectTV run of “Damages” he pitched a Cold War espionage family drama about KGB agents posing as everyday, nuclear family Yanks.
“The Americans” ran on FX for six acclaimed seasons, ending this May. Its final episode gained Weisberg his first Emmy for outstanding writing following five nominations. His first series as show runner was such a hit, we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. Here’s hoping it keeps the fun wigs from “The Americans.”
— PJ Grisar
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
