John Irwin serves as the President of Irwin Entertainment, Inc., a full-service production company specializing in developing comedy, reality, scripted, and live entertainment programming. Irwin has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his innovative approach and ability to create engaging content across various genres.
Founding and Network Collaborations
Irwin founded the Los Angeles-based company in 2004. Irwin Entertainment has projects on air, in production, and in development with networks including NBC, VH1, HBO, Netflix, TBS, CMT, E!, and Comedy Central. This extensive network collaboration highlights the company’s versatility and broad appeal, making it a powerhouse in the industry.
Major Productions
- VH1 Projects: Irwin produced the mega-hit series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (2008) and Sober House (2009), which tackled serious issues with a unique and compelling perspective. Additionally, the long-running hit Couples Therapy (2012) showcased his ability to create emotionally resonant and popular reality programming.
- Spin-offs: The success of Couples Therapy led to the spin-off Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn, further expanding the franchise and delving deeper into family dynamics.
- The Robert Irvine Show: Irwin is the Executive Producer of The Robert Irvine Show, which debuted on the CW Network in association with Tribune Studios for first-run syndication, demonstrating his versatility in producing talk shows and lifestyle content.
Live Event Programming
Irwin has a strong background in Executive Producing live event programming and specials. Some of his notable credits include:
- Red Nose Day
- Must See TV: A Tribute to James Burrows
- NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly
- Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
- NBC’s Countdown to the Emmys
These projects showcase his expertise in managing large-scale events and delivering high-quality entertainment to a broad audience.
Comedy and Event Programming
While working for Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video, Irwin developed a knack for live comedy and event programming. He has since produced numerous comedy specials for Comedy Central, Netflix, and HBO, solidifying his reputation as a leading producer in the comedy genre.
Comedy Specials
Some of Irwin’s comedy credits include specials with renowned comedians such as:
- Kevin Hart
- Patton Oswalt
- Trevor Noah
- John Mulaney
- Tracy Morgan
- David Spade
- Bob Saget
- Daniel Tosh
- Chris D’Elia
- Nick Swardson
- Artie Lange
- Neal Brennan
- Many more
These collaborations highlight his ability to identify and showcase comedic talent, contributing significantly to the success of these comedians’ careers.
Irwin also produced Make or Break: The Linda Perry Project for VH1 and Coaching Bad (2015) with retired NFL Super Bowl Champion Ray Lewis for Spike Network. These projects demonstrate his versatility and ability to tackle diverse subjects, from music to sports, with equal finesse.
John Irwin’s extensive body of work and his commitment to producing high-quality entertainment have solidified his position as a key player in the entertainment industry, continually pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
