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Entertainment • Comedian

Tim Robinson

Tim Robinson is an American comedian, actor, and screenwriter known for his work in sketch comedy.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tim Robinson is an American comedian, actor, and screenwriter known for his work in sketch comedy. He first gained wide attention as a performer and writer on Saturday Night Live, and later for co-creating and starring in Detroiters and I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.

Early life and training

Tim Robinson was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 23, 1981. He later trained with Second City in Detroit and Chicago. His background in improvisation helped shape his character-driven comedic style.

Saturday Night Live

Robinson joined Saturday Night Live as a featured performer in 2012 and later moved to the writing staff. His time on the show helped establish him as a notable sketch comedian.

Television work

After SNL, Robinson became best known for co-creating the Comedy Central series Detroiters with Sam Richardson, and for creating and starring in the Netflix sketch series I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. These projects are closely associated with his surreal, awkward style of comedy.

Film work

Robinson has also appeared in films, including the A24 comedy film Friendship, released in 2024. His screen roles extend his work beyond television sketch comedy.

Key facts

  • Born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 23, 1981.
  • First gained attention as a performer and writer on Saturday Night Live.
  • Co-created and starred in Detroiters and I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.
  • Starred in the 2024 film Friendship.
  • Trained at Second City in Detroit and Chicago.
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Canadian context

Robinson’s work has had a strong audience in Canada through streaming platforms and North American comedy culture, particularly I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Tim Robinson?
Tim Robinson is an American comedian, actor, and screenwriter known for sketch comedy and television projects such as Saturday Night Live, Detroiters, and I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.
When was Tim Robinson born?
He was born on May 23, 1981.
What is Tim Robinson best known for?
He is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and for creating and starring in I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.
Did Tim Robinson work on Detroiters?
Yes. He co-created, co-wrote, and starred in Detroiters with Sam Richardson.
Is Tim Robinson an actor or comedian?
He is both, and he is also credited as a screenwriter.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Robinson
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupations, and major credits including Saturday Night Live, Detroiters, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, The Chair Company, and Friendship.
  2. The Second City — https://www.secondcity.com/people/tim-robinson
    Supports: His Second City training, Detroit and Chicago improv background, and move from performer to SNL writer.
  3. TMDb — https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1500059-tim-robinson?language=en-US
    Supports: Summary of career credits and years for Saturday Night Live, Detroiters, and I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4200503/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, marriage to Heather Robinson, and selected acting credits.