Howard Berk, a prolific writer known for his work on Columbo and Mission Impossible, left a lasting impact on both his family and the entertainment world.
Since his passing in 2016, his son Peter Berk and grandson Jordan Berk have carried on his creative legacy, writing novels and screenplays that pay tribute to Howard’s dedication to storytelling.
Howard Berk’s Influence on His Family
Peter Berk fondly remembers his father’s commitment to writing, especially during the production of his iconic television episodes. Peter grew up moving with his family wherever Howard’s job took them, living in places like Spain and Connecticut before settling in Los Angeles to be closer to the entertainment industry.
Peter shared:
“My dad’s television episodes are on all the time. Those were really hard to write, but satisfying.” He admired his father’s ability to write across multiple genres, from World War II novels to science fiction stories. “He moved easily between genres,” Peter said.
“His writing was relatable and amazing.” For Peter, Howard was more than just a father – he was his favorite writer.
A Father-Son Writing Partnership
Before Howard’s death, the Berk family collaborated on several screenplays together. These collaborations later inspired Peter’s TimeLock book series, a project that he continues to work on to honor his father’s memory.
The first TimeLock novel was based on a screenplay Peter and Howard worked on about 20 years ago, revolving around a near-future society using outdated technology on prisoners.
Despite challenges in getting the project off the ground due to the high budget, Peter found a way to revive the project during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book series has been a way for Peter to continue his father’s legacy.
The latest book in the TimeLock series, TimeLock 3: The Millennium Paradox, was released on July 24.
Jordan Berk Joins the Family Writing Tradition
Peter’s son, Jordan Berk, also joined the family’s writing tradition during the pandemic. Inspired by his father’s success, Jordan, a software engineer by trade, began working on his own novel about a jury of time travelers bringing a murderer to justice. Jordan found inspiration during his son’s nap times and the idea of following in his family’s footsteps.
“I had the idea, I had the time, and I had the motivation to know that publication was possible, having seen my dad achieve that,” Jordan said.
In 2022, Jordan surprised Peter with a 300-page manuscript of his debut novel, The Timestream Verdict, which was published in 2024. Peter was thrilled with the manuscript, calling it “incredibly great”.
Similarities and Differences in Their Writing
Despite the different subjects of their books, both Peter and Jordan share a sense of humor in their writing. Peter explained:
“We both ended up injecting a lot of humor,” he said, despite their stories often exploring serious themes like murder, trials, and aging.
Jordan, reflecting on his own writing journey, said:
“It’s just an incredible experience to explore a creative side that I didn’t know I had, despite the genetics.”
Looking Ahead
Peter is already planning more books for the TimeLock series and hopes to adapt them for the screen. The recent success of Natasha Lyonne’s Poker Face has sparked renewed interest in the kind of television work his father did, particularly in shows like Columbo.
Peter says, “I think he’d be thrilled to know that a whole new generation is probably watching. It still holds up.”
Jordan, on the other hand, has put his writing career on pause for now, focusing on family. “I have two kids now, and less time,” he says, but promises his next book will be finished “eventually.”
Honoring Howard Berk’s Legacy
Both Peter and Jordan agree that their writing is not just about selling books or making money. It’s about honoring Howard Berk’s legacy and continuing his creative spirit.
As Peter said:
“How do I honor my late dad? How do I write something he was involved with?” His books have given him a way to collaborate with his father again, even though he’s no longer here.
