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Eric Kaplan
Eric Kaplan
Eric Kaplan
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Eric Kaplan is an American television writer and producer. His work has included shows such as Late Show with David Letterman, Andy Richter Controls the Universe, Malcolm in the Middle, Futurama and The Simpsons. He also worked on The Big Bang Theory throughout its run.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Kaplan was raised in a Jewish family[1] in Flatbush, Brooklyn where his father was a "storefront lawyer" and his mother taught high school biology at Erasmus Hall.[2] Kaplan graduated from Hunter College High School and Harvard College (where he wrote for the Harvard Lampoon)[3] in 1989. Prior to committing to a career in professional writing, Kaplan taught English in Thailand. After that he took five years of philosophy graduate school at Columbia and UC Berkeley.[4] At Berkeley, Kaplan studied philosophy of artificial intelligence under his advisor, Hubert Dreyfus, who was a leading voice on the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence.[5]

Starting in 1986, Kaplan interned for Spy magazine,[6] where his duties included mopping the floors and writing blurb-length film reviews.[3]

Career in television

[edit]

Eric Kaplan's first television writing job was with Late Show with David Letterman where he worked for a year and a half before moving to Hollywood to look for a job in "half-hour" work.[7] It was at this time that Kaplan learned of Matt Groening doing a show set in the year 3000. This show would turn out to be Futurama. After applying for work on the show using some writing samples, Eric would have to, as he says, "sweat it out", for over a month before getting the job. Upon Futurama's cancellation, Kaplan went to work for the short-lived comedy series Andy Richter Controls the Universe, writing just one episode. After Fox dropped Andy Richter, Eric Kaplan then began work on the hit show Malcolm in the Middle, Eric also wrote the "Girlfriends" episode of the popular HBO series, Flight of the Conchords.

Futurama

[edit]

In his first year with Futurama, which was also the show's first season, Kaplan served as story editor on every episode. Though having an input on many aspects of the entire first season, Kaplan would not get a writing credit until 9 episodes in. After this premiere season, he would be promoted to producer status. This was a role that he would keep through the show's end. He returned to those roles in the Futurama DVD movies.

Futurama episode writing credits:

Futurama DVD movies writing credits:

The Simpsons

[edit]

He wrote the season 24 episode "The Saga of Carl".

Malcolm in the Middle

[edit]

In his two years as a writer on Malcolm in the Middle, Kaplan wrote seven episodes while serving as supervising producer in the first half of the 5th season and co-executive producer throughout the rest of the series' run.

Malcolm in the Middle episode writing credits:

Zombie College

[edit]
Main article: Zombie College

Zombie College was an internet web series Kaplan created that revolved around a student at a college full of zombies.

Kaplan described the premise of Zombie College as

the idea of the human ability to get used to practically anything. That there's nothing so horrible that we can't get used to it and accept it as part of life (...) Zombie College is an environment where there are undead monsters running around and trying to eat your brain but everybody is o.k. with it and they're more interested in getting good grades.[8]

The Drinky Crow Show

[edit]

Kaplan co-created The Drinky Crow Show, based on the Maakies comics by Tony Millionaire, for Adult Swim. The pilot aired on May 17, 2007, and the series premiered in November 2008.

Flight of the Conchords

[edit]

Kaplan wrote the episode "Girlfriends".

The Big Bang Theory

[edit]

Kaplan is a writer and Executive Producer on The Big Bang Theory.

Mirari Films

[edit]

Kaplan was the founder of Mirari Films, an animation studio and VFX house. In addition to The Drinky Crow Show, Mirari Films has produced The Adventures of Baxter and McGuire, The Problem Solverz, King Star King and Mongo Wrestling Alliance. The studio later shut down in 2022.

Guys Next Door

[edit]

Kaplan created Guys Next Door (2025 webseries), an animated comedy series on YouTube[9] about 3 ordinary people that team up with 3 government assassins.


Work in Philosophy, Does Santa Exist?

[edit]

Kaplan's Does Santa Exist?: A Philosophical Investigation was published by Dutton Books in 2015. It is a serious and humorous work of philosophy. He has also contributed to "The Stone", The New York Times philosophy blog. Kaplan has a PhD. in philosophy from UC Berkeley. His doctoral thesis discusses the humour in Søren Kierkegaard.[10] He does the podcast "Terrifying Questions and How Not to Be Terrified by Them" with Barnard philosophy professor and famous Heidegger scholar Taylor Carman.

Kaplan was interviewed in 2020 by lifelong friend Roger Kimmel Smith (whose father, Robert Kimmel Smith, wrote the book The War with Grandpa, which in 2020 was adapted into a motion picture starring Robert De Niro). Their conversation about humor and philosophy was released over the YouTube channel When Humanists Attack.[11]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eric Kaplan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Eric Kaplan is an American television writer, producer, and renowned for his comedic contributions to popular series such as , where he served as co-executive producer and writer, and , for which he contributed scripts during its acclaimed runs. Born in , New York, and raised in the neighborhood, Kaplan graduated from and earned a PhD in from the , with a dissertation exploring the role of comedy in Søren Kierkegaard's thought. Kaplan's career in entertainment began with writing for Spy magazine and the Harvard Lampoon, followed by his first television gig on The Late Show with David Letterman in the late 1990s. He transitioned to scripted comedy, penning episodes for live-action shows like Malcolm in the Middle, Andy Richter Controls the Universe, and Flight of the Conchords, while also contributing to animated projects including The Simpsons and The Drinky Crow Show, which he co-created for Adult Swim. His work on Futurama earned him an Emmy Award as part of the writing team, highlighting his skill in blending sharp wit with speculative themes. Later, Kaplan joined The Big Bang Theory in 2009, rising to co-executive producer and shaping its nerdy humor over multiple seasons, before continuing in similar roles on its spinoff Young Sheldon. In 2025, he executive produced an episode of the series Guys Next Door. Beyond television, Kaplan has applied his philosophical expertise to public-facing work, authoring the 2014 book Does Santa Exist?: A Philosophical Investigation, a humorous exploration of faith, science, and the supernatural that draws on thinkers like Kierkegaard and Wittgenstein. He has also hosted the show Terrifying Questions, delving into existential and comedic inquiries, and served on the jury for the 2025 Film Festival, underscoring his influence across writing, academia, and media.

Early life and education

Upbringing and family

Eric Kaplan was born c. 1967 in , , New York. His father worked as a "storefront" , running a modest legal practice from a small office in the neighborhood, while his mother taught high school biology at the nearby . Raised in the diverse, urban environment of , Kaplan's childhood was marked by early intellectual curiosity and creative pursuits that foreshadowed his later interests in and . He began reading philosophy books as a young teen and immersed himself in fantasy role-playing games like , often attending comic book conventions in . These activities, combined with family discussions influenced by his mother's educational background, exposed him to a blend of humor, , and rigorous thinking in a working-class setting. Local influences, such as trips on the subway to , further shaped his worldview, including visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's arms and armor collection during school hours. Kaplan later transitioned to Hunter College High School, a competitive institution for gifted students.

Academic background

Kaplan graduated from the prestigious in in 1985, a competitive known for its rigorous academic program. He then attended Harvard College, earning a bachelor's degree in comparative religion in 1989. During his undergraduate years, Kaplan contributed to the Harvard Lampoon, the university's renowned humor publication, which sparked his early interests in satirical writing and comedy. Starting in 1986 while still a student, he interned at Spy magazine, a satirical publication, where his responsibilities included writing brief film reviews and general office tasks, providing practical experience in professional writing. Following his Harvard graduation, Kaplan briefly taught English in , an experience that further honed his communicative skills and served as an initial bridge to creative endeavors beyond academia. He subsequently pursued advanced studies in , obtaining a degree from in 1991 before transferring to the . At Berkeley, Kaplan completed a Ph.D. in in 2017, with his dissertation titled Kierkegaard and the Funny, supervised by , exploring the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard's philosophical employment of humor as a tool for ethical and existential insight. This academic trajectory, blending rigorous philosophical inquiry with early writing pursuits, laid the foundation for Kaplan's interdisciplinary approach to humor, ethics, and narrative.

Television career

Early writing roles

Kaplan began his professional writing career in the late 1980s with an internship at Spy magazine, where he handled a range of tasks including mopping floors and contributing articles, providing his initial exposure to satirical journalism. While at Harvard University, he also wrote for the Harvard Lampoon, honing his comedic voice through humor pieces and parodies. Kaplan later earned a PhD in from the in 2017, focusing on the role of humor in Søren Kierkegaard's thought. He transitioned to television writing in the mid-1990s, a shift that presented challenges as an academic entering the competitive field, where his analytical training initially clashed with the fast-paced, collaborative demands of writers' rooms. His philosophical background, however, ultimately aided his development of satirical styles by emphasizing logical structures in humor. Kaplan's first television writing position was on The Late Show with David Letterman from 1996 to 1998, where he contributed to sketches over the course of a year and a half, crafting comedic segments that aligned with the show's topical, irreverent tone before relocating to Los Angeles. In 2002, he wrote a single episode of Andy Richter Controls the Universe, an unaired installment (later broadcast on HDNet in 2004) centered on themes of creative aspiration and unintended consequences, featuring the character Wendy attempting to write fantasy fiction while Byron unwittingly becomes involved in pimping.

Animated series contributions

Kaplan began his prominent work in animated television as a story editor for the first season of in 1999, contributing to the development of every during the show's debut year. He advanced to roles as a writer and producer in subsequent seasons, penning episodes such as "" (Season 1, Episode 9), "Why Must I Be a in Love?" (Season 2, Episode 5), "" (Season 3, Episode 13), "" (Season 4, Episode 7), and "" (Season 3, Episode 2). As a producer, he oversaw production on later episodes, including "The Birdbot of Ice-Catraz" (Season 3, Episode 5), where his involvement helped shape the series' blend of sci-fi humor and character-driven . Kaplan also contributed to all four direct-to-DVD films released between 2007 and 2009, serving as writer for The Beast with a Billion Backs (2008) and Bender's Game (2008), while providing production support for Bender's Big Score (2007) and Into the Wild Green Yonder (2009). In 2013, Kaplan wrote the episode "The Saga of Carl" for The Simpsons (Season 24, Episode 21), which aired on May 19 and explored the backstory of recurring character Carl Carlson through a comedic lens on Icelandic heritage and friendship dynamics. This standalone contribution highlighted his ability to integrate into established animated franchises with sharp, character-focused storytelling. Kaplan created and wrote the web series Zombie College in 2000, a Flash-animated comedy produced for Icebox.com that followed college student Scott navigating a zombie-infested campus alongside his girlfriend Zelda. The six-episode series, directed by John Rice, featured voice talents from Futurama alumni like Billy West and David Herman, blending horror tropes with collegiate satire in short, episodic format. He co-created and executive produced The Drinky Crow Show for Adult Swim in 2007, adapting Tony Millionaire's Maakies comic strip into a 20-episode animated series that premiered on October 13, 2007. Kaplan contributed writing to the cel-shaded adventure, centering on the alcoholic penguin Drinky Crow and his uncle, the philosophical monkey Gabby, as they embarked on absurd nautical escapades marked by dark humor and surrealism. The show ran for one season, concluding in 2009, and showcased Kaplan's expertise in translating print comics to adult-oriented animation. In 2025, Kaplan created Guys Next Door, an independent YouTube animated sci-fi comedy series that launched with its pilot episode on June 23. The premise follows three ordinary individuals who ally with three government assassins to navigate a chaotic, post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing themes of unlikely teamwork and satirical survivalism; the pilot garnered over 100,000 views shortly after release, featuring voice work from notable actors and highlighting Kaplan's ongoing innovation in digital animation distribution.

Live-action series contributions

Kaplan began his significant contributions to live-action television with , where he wrote six episodes between 2004 and 2006, including "Dirty Magazine," "Victor's Other Family," "Dewey's Opera," "Ida's Dance," and "Hal Grieves." He also served as supervising producer for the first half of season 5 and co-executive producer for the latter part of that season and into season 6, contributing to the show's chaotic family dynamics and sharp comedic structure over 66 episodes from 2003 to 2006. In 2007, Kaplan wrote the episode "Girlfriends" for , focusing on the band's awkward romantic entanglements with two women from a croissant shop, blending musical comedy with deadpan humor. Kaplan joined in 2007 as a and rose to , contributing to 279 episodes through 2019 with story, teleplay, and production credits on numerous installments, such as "The Barbarian Sublimation" and "." His work emphasized character arcs, particularly the growth of socially awkward scientists like and , evolving them from caricatures to more nuanced figures amid geek culture satire. From 2017 to 2024, Kaplan served as co-executive producer and writer on , spin-off, penning or co-writing approximately 70 episodes that explored young Sheldon's family life in while maintaining tonal and character continuity with the parent series.

Production company and original projects

In 1999, Eric Kaplan founded Mirari Films, an and studio headquartered in , , with additional facilities in , , and . The company specialized in 2D and 3D production, as well as VFX services for television and web content, leveraging international talent to handle outsourced work for major networks. Mirari Films produced several original animated projects during its operation, including the Adult Swim series The Drinky Crow Show (2008–2009), based on Tony Millionaire's comic strip, which featured stop-motion and traditional animation techniques. The studio also handled animation for web series such as Hey It's Fluffy (2012), a comedic short-form project, and Love Me Cat (2013), an online puppet-based variety show distributed through My Damn Channel. Additionally, Mirari contributed VFX and animation supervision to pilots and episodes of series like The Problem Solverz (2010–2013) for Cartoon Network, where Kaplan served as a script supervisor, and provided production support for Mongo Wrestling Alliance (2011), an Adult Swim web series. These efforts highlighted the studio's focus on innovative, low-budget animation pipelines that combined U.S. creative oversight with cost-effective overseas execution. Kaplan's original projects under Mirari included ownership stakes in early web animations like Zombie College (2000–2001), a Flash-animated series he created for Icebox.com, depicting zombie students navigating college life, though its detailed production is tied to his broader animated contributions. Similarly, Guys Next Door (2025), an independent sci-fi comedy about ordinary people entangled with government assassins, was self-funded as an indie pilot launched on , emphasizing Kaplan's entrepreneurial approach to original IP outside traditional networks. The studio ceased operations in 2022 amid broader industry challenges in the VFX and sectors, including unsustainable pricing pressures and post-pandemic shifts toward streamlined production models. Following the closure, Kaplan transitioned to independent producing through ventures like consulting on pipelines and uncredited VFX contributions for , while developing new original content independently.

Philosophical work

Published book

In 2014, Eric Kaplan published Does Santa Exist?: A Philosophical Investigation through Dutton, an imprint of , with the hardcover edition released on October 16 of that year. The book employs the figure of as a central to explore the tensions between and , examining how individuals navigate existential uncertainties in a world where absolute truths are elusive. Kaplan draws on philosophical traditions to argue that belief in Santa represents a broader paradox: the simultaneous recognition of empirical reality and the emotional pull of faith-like convictions, extending this inquiry to questions about , , and personal meaning. The book's structure delves into key existential themes across its chapters, beginning with the ontological puzzle of Santa's existence and progressing to broader inquiries into life's purpose, the nature of death, and the pursuit of perfect moments. Kaplan incorporates influences from his PhD thesis on , particularly the Danish philosopher's ideas on as a "leap" amid , to frame not as irrational but as a vital response to ambiguity. Personal anecdotes infuse the narrative with humor, such as Kaplan's reflections on his son's experiences with Santa myths and his own encounters with philosophical paradoxes during family life, blending comedic timing—honed from his television work—with rigorous analysis to make abstract concepts accessible. Upon release, the book received positive attention for its witty fusion of and pop culture, with Publishers Weekly praising its "elliptical examination of the of " as both erudite and entertaining, highlighting how it uses humor to unpack perspectives from thinkers like and . Kirkus Reviews noted its readability and humor while critiquing some derivations from existentialists like Kierkegaard as occasionally outmoded, yet commended the overall insight into belief's paradoxes. NPR described it as a "strange and delightful" work that combines Kaplan's comedy background with philosophical depth, appealing to readers grappling with life's big questions. This reception positioned the book as a notable contribution to the popular genre, bridging academic inquiry with lighthearted storytelling to encourage mainstream engagement with topics like and , much like Alain de Botton's accessible treatises but with a comedic edge rooted in American television .

Essays, podcast, and other media

Kaplan has contributed several essays to ' "The Stone" series, exploring intersections of humor, , and human experience. In his 2017 piece "Can We Live With Contradiction?", he examines the philosophical tension between contradictory beliefs and realities, arguing that embracing such paradoxes is essential for navigating modern life, drawing on personal anecdotes from comedy writing to illustrate existential unease. This essay reflects his interest in how humor can reconcile irreconcilable elements of , a theme recurrent in his broader work. In , Kaplan published "Five Theses on Creativity" as part of the series' "The Big Ideas" section, proposing that creativity emerges from and rather than isolated genius, using examples from and personal reflection to challenge conventional views on . The ties philosophical inquiry to creative processes, emphasizing emotional risks akin to those in comedic . Beyond essays, Kaplan co-hosts the podcast Terrifying Questions, launched in early 2023 with philosophy professor Taylor Carman. The show addresses anxiety-provoking philosophical questions about existence, identity, and human frailty through discussions blending humor, , and practical wisdom. Episodes explore topics such as the authenticity of enlightenment and the societal role of , often featuring guests like podcast host Cristen Conger to delve into gender dynamics and personal fears. Other installments tackle themes like moral ambiguity and emotional resilience, using philosophical texts from thinkers like Nietzsche to offer strategies for confronting terror without evasion. Kaplan has also appeared in various media tying his philosophical pursuits to comedy writing, including a 2018 where he discussed how metaphysical questions inform his television scripts, emphasizing 's role in illuminating logical paradoxes. These discussions highlight his ongoing effort to bridge academic with accessible, entertaining formats. In addition to published essays, Kaplan maintains a blog at ericlinuskaplan., where he continues to explore existential and ethical themes. Recent posts as of 2025 include reflections on and in "Love, Sweet Love, Was Thought a Crime" ( 9, 2025) and the nature of spiritual initiation in "Can Your Dog Make a Fist?" ( 14, 2025).

References

  1. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/15056/eric-kaplan/
  2. https://www.dontbealonewjk.com/listen/eric-kaplan
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0438235/
  4. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1217231-eric-kaplan?language=en-US
  5. https://www.amazon.com/Does-Santa-Exist-Philosophical-Investigation/dp/0147516420
  6. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQrtYDdD7N_/
  7. https://www.praguereporter.com/home/2025/8/27/finale-plzen-film-festival-us-screenwriter-eric-kaplan-finnish-actress-krista-kosonen-join-2025-jury/
  8. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/10/science/on-the-big-bang-theory-helping-physics-and-fiction-collide.html
  9. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0438235/bio/
  10. https://hcsc.clubs.harvard.edu/article.html?aid=1543
  11. https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaplan-a604709
  12. https://www.angelfire.com/nc/futuramaapt/intervieweric.html
  13. https://www.tumblr.com/doingthingswithphilosophy/156215571884/eric-kaplan
  14. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2np978rn
  15. https://www.augie.edu/news/2024/augustana-university-host-television-writer-and-producer-dr-eric-kaplan-philosophy
  16. https://www.philosophersmag.com/philosophers-who-have-found-success-outside-academia/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106053/fullcredits/
  18. https://www.thetvdb.com/series/andy-richter-controls-the-universe
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756882/fullcredits/
  20. https://theinfosphere.org/Eric_Kaplan
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2857338/fullcredits/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14743592/
  23. https://iceboxanimation.com/?cat=35
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0965415/
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLvq6p20Z3M
  26. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLpp6o3R3q5/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212671/fullcredits/
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1011396/fullcredits/
  29. https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/18/big-bang-theory-producer-confirms-three-characters-growth-ahead-sitcom-finale-8930069/
  30. https://young-sheldon.com/episodes/crew/Eric%2BKaplan/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0438235/news?
  32. https://www.bizprofile.net/ca/woodland-hills/mirari-films-inc
  33. https://history.siggraph.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SIGGRAPH-2007-Electronic-Art-and-Animation-Catalog.pdf
  34. https://www.streamingmedia.com/Articles/Editorial/Featured-Articles/The-Love-Me-Cat-Show-A-Hairless-Cat-Begs-for-Love-93678.aspx
  35. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1217231-eric-kaplan
  36. https://graphsearch.epfl.ch/concept/5361512
  37. https://variety.com/2025/film/news/technicolor-begins-to-shut-down-1236319436/
  38. https://www.amazon.com/Does-Santa-Exist-Philosophical-Investigation/dp/0525954392
  39. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/eric-kaplan/does-santa-exist/
  40. https://www.npr.org/2014/10/18/356425162/a-funny-philosopher-tackles-a-tough-query-does-santa-exist
  41. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/315130/does-santa-exist-by-eric-kaplan/
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/29/opinion/can-we-live-with-contradiction.html
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/29/opinion/human-creativity-love.html
  44. https://open.spotify.com/show/1mK3LoVLWALiBRjkBUZf1Z
  45. https://open.spotify.com/episode/412Ca0ldlljnLgfLklwnvW?si=EUoEi5uyQNe6zYRkhtEqDg
  46. https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/eric-kaplan-&-taylor-carman/terrifying-questions/episode-5-is-enlightenment-fake/96ef2bc6-aa2d-4a7c-9ae9-2905e94dcc16?country=US
  47. https://www.creativescreenwriting.com/close-personal-funnyman-eric-kaplan/
  48. https://ericlinuskaplan.wordpress.com/2025/11/09/love-sweet-love-was-thought-a-crime/
  49. https://ericlinuskaplan.wordpress.com/2025/11/14/can-your-dog-make-a-fist/
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