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Dave Finkel
Dave Finkel
Dave Finkel
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Dave Finkel (born May 15, 1970) is an American television producer and screenwriter who has worked on many successful television shows.[1] He often works with his screenwriting partner Brett Baer.[2][3]

Key Information

Writing work

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References

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Dave Finkel

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Dave Finkel (born May 15, 1970) is an American television , producer, and creative director renowned for his work on acclaimed comedy and drama series such as 30 Rock, , , and . Over a career spanning more than two decades, Finkel has contributed as a , , and creator to numerous hit shows, often collaborating closely with writing partner . Finkel's early career focused on animation, where he wrote episodes for series like , , and in the 1990s, honing his skills in sharp, character-driven humor. He transitioned to live-action primetime television in the early 2000s, serving as a producer on sitcoms including Just Shoot Me! and Joey. His breakthrough came with (2006–2013), where he worked as co-executive producer on the Tina Fey-created NBC comedy, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2007 as part of the production team. Finkel continued his success with United States of Tara (2008–2011), an HBO series about a mother with dissociative identity disorder, where he served as executive producer and creative director; for this role, he won a second Primetime Emmy Award in 2009 for Outstanding Main Title Design, recognizing the innovative stop-motion pop-up sequence he co-created with Baer and director Jamie Caliri. He later executive produced the Fox comedy New Girl (2011–2018), starring Zooey Deschanel, contributing to its seven-season run as a critically praised ensemble sitcom. More recently, Finkel co-developed and wrote for Bad Sisters (2022–2024), the Apple TV+ black comedy-drama created with Sharon Horgan and Baer, earning a 2023 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for the episode "The Prick."

Early life and education

Birth and upbringing

Dave Finkel was born on May 15, 1970, in , . Finkel grew up in the area of . Surrounded by the entertainment industry from an early age due to his proximity to Hollywood, he developed an initial interest in the field. Public information on his family background remains limited, with no detailed accounts of his parents or siblings available in reputable sources. This creative environment in played a key role in shaping Finkel's formative years, exposing him to television and film production in the heart of the industry. His early aspirations leaned toward , influenced by the vibrant cultural landscape around him, before he later transitioned to writing and producing.

Entry into entertainment

Finkel initially pursued a career in after moving to New York in the late 1980s, following his acceptance into New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Experimental Theater Wing. There, he trained in movement and sound-based theater, performing in stage productions such as , What Where, Endgame, , , and . Although he eventually dropped out without completing a degree, this period marked his early immersion in performance arts. Returning to in the early 1990s, around age 20, Finkel continued his pursuits by joining the ACME Comedy Theater, where he performed absurdist comedy sketches for four years. He sought on-camera roles through auditions for local projects but achieved only minor stage appearances, realizing the competitive limitations of in Hollywood. By the mid-1990s, Finkel pivoted to writing, recognizing his stronger aptitude for and collaboration over on-stage performance. Lacking a formal degree, he relied on self-taught skills honed through on-the-job networking at ACME, where he connected with future collaborators. This shift secured his entry-level writing positions, transitioning him from aspiring actor to behind-the-scenes creator in the television industry.

Career

Early work in animation

Dave Finkel's entry into professional writing came through , where he pivoted from early pursuits to scripting comedic content for television. His first major credit was as a writer on the series (1993–1998), co-writing episodes such as "Papers for Papa" alongside frequent collaborator , which featured episodic humor and character-driven sketches centered on the Warner siblings' chaotic antics. Finkel continued building his portfolio with staff writing roles on Duckman (1994–1997) and Pinky and the Brain (1995–1998), the latter a spin-off from Animaniacs. On Duckman, he contributed to episodes like "Vuuck, as in Duck," emphasizing absurd in the adult-oriented series about a flawed private detective duck. For Pinky and the Brain, Finkel penned six episodes, including "Brain's Song" and "It's Only a Paper World," focusing on the voice-acted narratives of the duo's outlandish schemes for , blending with clever . Throughout these projects, Finkel primarily handled story and teleplay writing, developing a satirical style rooted in quick-witted and that later influenced his live-action endeavors. This work occurred amid the animation boom at , a period of prolific output including high-profile series like and its spin-offs, where Finkel and Baer earned a Emmy nomination for their contributions to .

Mid-career sitcom contributions

Finkel transitioned from to live-action television in the late 1990s, serving as a story editor on the ABC sitcom from 1999 to 2001. Alongside his writing partner , he co-wrote multiple episodes, including "Laurie Runs for Office" and "Norm vs. the Sacrifice," which centered on humorous scenarios in a workplace environment. In 2005, Finkel advanced to co-executive producer on the second season of NBC's Joey, the Friends spin-off starring , where he oversaw production for all 22 episodes and co-wrote scripts that built on Joey Tribbiani's established character traits in a setting. Finkel continued his rise in ensemble comedy as co-executive producer on from 2006 to 2007, during which he co-wrote two first-season episodes with Baer: "," exploring interpersonal dynamics at , and "Fireworks," incorporating patriotic absurdity and rapid-fire dialogue among the cast. These contributions highlighted 's signature meta-humor and fast-paced ensemble interactions, drawing briefly from Finkel's prior animation background in crafting exaggerated yet character-driven scenarios. Throughout these projects, Finkel and Baer's collaboration emphasized character development in structures, evolving absurd comedic elements into relatable arcs within live-action formats.

Showrunning and recent projects

Finkel served as co-executive producer on the Showtime dramedy across its three seasons from 2009 to 2011, contributing to the series' exploration of through a blend of humor and psychological depth. Created by and executive produced by , the show featured Finkel and his writing partner as key figures in overseeing production, with the duo penning multiple episodes that advanced the family's emotional arcs. Their involvement helped shape the narrative around protagonist Tara Gregson's multiple personalities, emphasizing themes of and familial resilience in a format that balanced and . Transitioning to broadcast network television, Finkel co-showran the Fox sitcom New Girl alongside Brett Baer and creator Liz Meriwether for all seven seasons from 2011 to 2018, overseeing the production of 146 episodes that evolved the ensemble's dynamics from quirky roommate antics to deeper interpersonal relationships. The series centered on teacher Jess Day and her loftmates, with Finkel guiding key character developments such as the slow-burn romance between Jess and bartender Nick Miller, which became a pivotal storyline spanning multiple seasons and culminating in their commitment. Under his leadership, the show maintained its comedic ensemble focus while incorporating romantic tension and personal growth, adapting to cast changes and network expectations over its run. In 2022, Finkel executive produced and wrote for the Apple TV+ black comedy Bad Sisters, adapting the Belgian series Clan into a Dublin-set thriller about five sisters suspected in their abusive brother-in-law's death. Developed collaboratively with Sharon Horgan and Brett Baer, the 10-episode first season highlighted a dark humorous tone through intricate plotting and sharp ensemble performances, earning critical acclaim for its blend of suspense and satire. Finkel specifically scripted the premiere episode "The Prick," which introduced the Garvey sisters' vow of protection and the titular antagonist John Paul Williams, setting up the nonlinear murder mystery structure. Finkel continued as executive producer and writer for season 2 (2024), which premiered on November 13, 2024, and further explores the sisters' lives and consequences from the first season's events. Beyond produced series, Finkel has developed unproduced pilots emphasizing family comedies, including Mourning Songs for ABC in 2019, a musical dramedy about a returning home after his father's death, co-written with Baer. Similarly, in 2017, he and Baer penned for , a multi-camera sitcom exploring blended family life, directed by of Hamilton fame. These projects underscore Finkel's continued interest in relational humor and musical elements post-. Finkel's long-term collaboration with dates back to their writing on in the late 1990s, where they contributed episodes to the ABC starring , marking the start of their joint producing partnership. This duo has since co-led multiple showrooms, including and . Additionally, Finkel worked briefly with writer in shared television environments, though their overlap on was limited to broader staff contributions.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Dave Finkel married location manager Marni Wilkens on May 27, 2000. The couple has maintained a long-term partnership spanning over two decades, with Wilkens, who has credits in films such as Sugar Hill (1994) and Bullet (1996), occasionally joining Finkel at industry events. They have three children, though details about their family remain private. Finkel and Wilkens have made joint public appearances that underscore their shared involvement in the entertainment world, including attending the together in 2024. This stable personal life has supported Finkel's demanding career in television production.

Residences

Dave Finkel spent much of his professional life based in , , where he resided during his early career in and subsequent work on sitcoms. His home in the West Toluca Lake neighborhood of was listed for sale in February 2021 at $1.899 million, marking a notable property transaction during that period. By the early 2020s, Finkel had relocated to , where he resided with his family as of 2024. This move represented a shift from the bustling Hollywood environment to a more subdued setting.

Awards and nominations

Primetime Emmy Awards

Dave Finkel has received two and at least one nomination over the course of his career in television production and writing, highlighting his contributions to both comedy series and innovative title design. In 2007, Finkel won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series for his work as co-executive producer on , shared with executive producers , , David Miner, and others. This award recognized the show's ensemble scripting, sharp satirical humor, and Finkel's oversight in production that helped elevate its second season's quality. Finkel's second Primetime Emmy came in 2009 for Outstanding Main Title Design for , where he served as creative director alongside and Jamie Caliri. The win acknowledged the sequence's creative integration of and live-action elements, reflecting Finkel's input in conceptualizing the visual storytelling that captured the show's themes of multiple personalities. In 2023, Finkel earned a for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for the Bad Sisters episode "The Prick," co-written with and . This recognition spotlighted the episode's blend of dark comedy and tense dialogue, showcasing Finkel's skill in adapting humorous writing to dramatic narratives.

Other recognitions

Finkel's writing and producing contributions have earned him recognition from the (WGA). In 2008, he shared in the WGA Award for Best Comedy Series for 30 Rock, alongside the writing team including , , , , , and others, acknowledging the show's sharp satirical scripts during its second season. Earlier, in 2007, Finkel was part of the 30 Rock ensemble nominated for the WGA Award for Best New Series, highlighting the innovative ensemble writing that launched the comedy. For New Girl, he contributed to the 2012 WGA nomination for Best New Series, shared with writers such as Nick Adams, Rachel Axler, , Donick Cary, and , recognizing the sitcom's fresh comedic voice in its debut season. More recently, in 2023, Finkel co-wrote the Bad Sisters episode "The Prick" with and , earning a WGA nomination for Best Dramatic Series episode and underscoring his versatility in blending dark humor with dramatic tension. Beyond guild awards, Finkel has participated in prominent industry events that affirm his showrunner stature. He joined the panel at PaleyFest 2012, alongside executive producers Brett Baer, Jake Kasdan, Katherine Pope, and creator Elizabeth Meriwether, where discussions emphasized the series' character-driven and ensemble dynamics, solidifying his role in guiding the show's early success. Finkel shares in collaborative honors tied to New Girl's broader cultural resonance. The series, under his production oversight, received a 2012 Television Critics Association (TCA) nomination for Outstanding New Program, reflecting critic acclaim for its innovative take on millennial relationships and quirky humor that influenced subsequent ensemble comedies. Additionally, New Girl received a nomination for the 2012 People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy, a fan-voted recognition of its relatable characters and lighthearted innovation, with Finkel credited among the producers for fostering the show's enduring appeal. In industry profiles, Finkel is frequently noted as an Emmy-winning producer whose career trajectory—from early animation writing on and to steering prestige live-action series like and —exemplifies a successful pivot to high-impact television storytelling. This legacy underscores his adaptability and influence in evolving comedic formats across mediums.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0277880/
  2. https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/dave-finkel
  3. https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/united-states-of-tara/
  4. https://tvdatabase.fandom.com/wiki/Dave_Finkel
  5. https://www.televisionacademy.com/awards/nominees-winners/2007/outstanding-comedy-series
  6. https://www.televisionacademy.com/awards/nominees-winners/2009/outstanding-main-title-design
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1001482/awards/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15469618/awards/
  9. https://www.televisionacademy.com/awards/nominees-winners/2023/outstanding-writing-for-a-drama-series
  10. http://www.deanquixote.com/cast/finkel.htm
  11. https://2degreesofalie.libsyn.com/-new-girl-showrunner-dave-finkel-shares-stories-of-breaking-into-hollywood
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105941/fullcredits/
  13. https://animaniacs.fandom.com/wiki/David_Finkel
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108755/fullcredits/
  15. https://www.tvrage.com/person/id-51559/Dave_Finkel/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112123/fullcredits/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375355/fullcredits
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0616302/fullcredits
  19. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/showrunners-2012-new-girl-liz-meriwether-brett-baer-david-finkel-375619/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1001482/fullcredits/
  21. http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/44407
  22. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/dave-finkel/credits/3030599505/
  23. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/new-girl-showrunners-talk-finale-701763/
  24. https://www.vulture.com/2014/05/new-girls-showrunners-talk-jess-nick-season-4.html
  25. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/apple-bad-sisters-season-2-1235257477/
  26. https://deadline.com/2023/05/it-starts-on-the-page-bad-sisters-script-the-prick-sharon-horgan-brett-baer-dave-finkel-1235381000/
  27. https://variety.com/2024/tv/tv-reviews/bad-sisters-season-2-review-1236195327/
  28. https://deadline.com/2019/09/abc-musical-family-comedy-mourning-songs-new-girl-duo-maniac-dave-finkel-and-brett-baer-put-pilot-1202742833/
  29. https://deadline.com/2017/08/immediate-family-thomas-kail-produce-fox-family-comedy-new-girl-dave-finkel-brett-baer-1202158182/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0662162/
  31. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hbo-nbc-dominate-wga-noms-146486/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0929081/
  33. https://www.dailynews.com/2021/02/12/new-girl-producer-dave-finkel-lists-west-toluca-lake-home-for-1-9-million/
  34. https://www.humanitasprize.org/industry-101-after-the-final-draft
  35. https://mospod.org/episodes/dave-finkel
  36. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0277880/awards/
  37. https://www.wgaeast.org/2008-writers-guild-awards-winners-announced/
  38. https://awards.wga.org/awards/nominees-winners/2012-2006
  39. https://www.wga.org/news-events/news/press/2023-writers-guild-awards-television-new-media-news-radio-audio-and-promotional-writing-nominations-announced
  40. https://variety.com/2012/tv/news/paleyfest-new-girl-9549/
  41. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/paleyfest-2012-parks-recreation-new-girl-community-297130/
  42. https://www.tvguide.com/news/homeland-tca-awards-1048594/
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