Justin Halpern
Summary
Andy Richter interviews writer Justin Halpern about the shifting TV landscape, streaming metrics, and the creation of Abbott Elementary. They discuss the industry's fear-based creativity, the value of network television, and Halpern’s collaboration with Quinta Brunson. The conversation also covers Halpern’s new novel, his estranged relationship with his father, and how his upbringing influenced his comedic career.
Topics discussed
Intro and Uber One ad
The changing business of TV and streaming metrics
Creating Abbott Elementary with Quinta Brunson
Comedy standards, mediocrity, and creative risk
Focus groups, testing, and industry gatekeepers
Justin's dad: Genius, wrong, and never in doubt
Childhood journals and processing family dynamics
Estrangement, self-worth, and parental relationships
Dark comedy, his dad's medical career, and empathy
Shit My Dad Says: Twitter, Letterman, and William Shatner
Writing the novel Get Lost during the strike
Working on Abbott Elementary and closing thoughts
Listen ad-free on Castria