Joe Saunders is TV comedy writer who wrote on Solar Opposites (Hulu) for six seasons, becoming co-executive producer. He also wrote on the sketch series Comedy Bang! Bang! (IFC) and Apple & Onion (Cartoon Network), as well as several specials and awards shows.
Based in Los Angeles, Joe’s first TV staff writing job was on the cult IFC sketch series / parody talk show Comedy Bang! Bang! He went on to write for the WGA Award-nominated Netflix musical comedy special Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Valentine’s Day Special (produced by Scott Aukerman and the Lonely Island) and then work as staff writer on the first season of Apple and Onion (Cartoon Network).
He has also written for the Primetime Emmy Awards (hosted by Andy Samberg) and the MTV Movie and TV Awards. Most recently he was co-executive producer on hit animated sci-fi comedy series Solar Opposites, where he worked for the show’s entire six season run. He has developed projects with Bento Box, Tornante, Alfresco Pictures, Wattpad/Webtoon, and Cartoon Network.
He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After college, he moved to LA to work in Hollywood and jumped between a couple entry level jobs before he ended up working on The Simpsons as a PA and writers’ assistant. He then got his comedy writing start at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater where he is a longtime writer, sometime performer, and occasional sketch writing teacher.
In addition to writing, he is a frequent guest on the Doughboys podcast and the host of the unpopular and intermittently released amateur baking podcast The Bread Cast.
Testimonials
Joe is encouraging and full of inventive solutions to craft problems. My writing sample is much stronger because of his guidance. He cultivates an atmosphere that turns a class into a fun writers’ room. You’ll gain confidence in your ability to collaborate, and will laugh a lot along the way.
— Cody Walzel