Career
He is a 1978 graduate of Santa Clara University. Born in Los Angeles, Ackerman began his career as a videotape editor on WKRP in Cincinnati (1979-1982) and Newhart, winning an Emmy for the former. He also was an assistant editor on Welcome Back Kotter.
Ackerman directed Seinfeld starting in its sixth season.
He directed 89 episodes. He has directed every episode of The New Adventures of Old Christine.
He has directed or guest directed such series as Everybody Loves Raymond, Becker, Cheers, Wings, Frasier, Two and a Half Men, Andy Richter Controls the Universe, Whitney and The Ellen Show. Ackerman also directed the pilot episode of the 2006 Fox series Happy Hour.
Ackerman directed the National Broadcasting Company comedy Perfect Couples.
He was also a co-producer of Cheers and producer of The Ellen Show.
