The EditorEarly Life & Comedy Roots
Tim Robinson was born on May 23, 1981 in Detroit, Michigan.
His mother worked for Chrysler and his father in construction.
He grew up in suburbs around Detroit — Clarkston and Waterford Township — and graduated from Clarkston High School in 2000.
As a teenager, Tim saw a live improv show by The Second City in Chicago, which inspired him to take weekend improv classes at the Detroit branch of Second City.
He then became more deeply involved with the troupe: touring around Michigan, performing on its mainstage, and teaching improv himself.
Leap into Television: SNL & Early Work
Tim’s big break came when he joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a featured player for the 2012–2013 season.
After his stint in front of the camera, he transitioned to become a writer for SNL, which is a trajectory few have taken.
He also had an unaired project titled Friend Me for CBS.
Over time, Tim contributed to sketch shows, specials, and smaller projects — building his voice, comedic style, and network.
Detroiters: Heart & Absurdity
In 2017, Tim co-created Detroiters (with Sam Richardson and Zach Kanin) — a sitcom set in Detroit about two ad men making commercials for local businesses.
The show ran for two seasons (2017–2018) before cancellation.
Detroiters combined deadpan character-driven humor with affectionate portrayals of the city. It laid groundwork for what Tim would do next: mixing absurdity with emotional stakes.
Breakout: I Think You Should Leave
In 2019, Tim co-created and starred in the Netflix sketch comedy series I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (with Zach Kanin).
The show is known for pushing social awkwardness, bizarre premises, and minute escalations. Many sketches begin with a small discomfort or faux pas and spiral into the bizarre.
Critics and fans praised its originality and increasingly bold tone.
In 2022, Tim won a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for I Think You Should Leave.
The show has been influential in the modern sketch comedy landscape — many viewers cite its unusual humor and willingness to dwell in discomfort as fresh.
Film & New Projects
Friendship (2024)
Tim starred in the 2024 film Friendship, a dark, absurdist comedy about a socially awkward man whose life is disrupted by a new neighbor (played by Paul Rudd).
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received positive reviews, holding strong ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Chair Company (2025)
Tim’s next big project is The Chair Company, created with Zach Kanin, set to debut on HBO on October 12, 2025.
The plot: after an embarrassing workplace incident, Tim’s character investigates a wide-reaching conspiracy.
The series will run for eight episodes and further explores Tim’s signature mix of cringe, absurdity, and mystery.
Comedic Style & Impact
- Cringe & escalation: Tim often takes small social missteps and pushes them to absurd extremes.
- Character focus: Many sketches depend less on punchlines and more on revealing odd traits of characters.
- Emotional undercurrent: Even in absurd setups, there’s often a tension or fear around failure, embarrassment, or pride.
- Influence: His work has inspired a new wave of comedians and sketch shows willing to linger in discomfort.
Personal Life & Trivia
- Tim is married to Heather Robinson.
- He has two children.
- He’s a fan of Detroit sports — particularly the Lions and the Pistons.
- His parents come from working-class backgrounds: mother employed at Chrysler, father in construction.
Why Tim Robinson Matters
Tim Robinson represents a shift in how comedy can excavate the discomforts of modern life and make them strange, funny, and sometimes unsettling. His rise from improv to television and film shows versatility, boldness, and a willingness to push boundaries. With The Chair Company on the horizon, his voice continues to evolve — and many in the comedy world are watching closely.
