Dan Harmon

Lore & Background

Dan Harmon was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on January 3, 1973. He graduated from Brown Deer High School and attended Marquette University, later briefly attending Glendale Community College, an experience that inspired his sitcom Community. Early in his career, he was a member of ComedySportz in Milwaukee alongside Rob Schrab, and a member of the sketch troupe The Dead Alewives, producing the album Take Down the Grand Master in 1996. He co-created the television pilot Heat Vision and Jack, several Channel 101 shows, and Comedy Central's The Sarah Silverman Program. He also co-wrote the screenplay for the Academy Award-nominated film Monster House.

Harmon's sitcom Community aired on NBC from 2009 to 2015, with Harmon serving as executive producer and showrunner until his termination in May 2012 due to creative conflicts. He returned as co-showrunner in June 2013, and the show was later renewed for a sixth season on Yahoo! Screen. In 2011, he began co-hosting the monthly live comedy show and podcast Harmontown, which became weekly after his firing from Community and ran until December 2019. The podcast inspired the animated series HarmonQuest. In 2013, Harmon co-created Rick and Morty with Justin Roiland, which premiered on Adult Swim in December 2013 and was renewed for 70 additional episodes in May 2018. After Roiland's dismissal in January 2023, Harmon became the sole remaining creator. He also created the Fox animated sitcom Krapopolis, which premiered in September 2023.

Reader's Guide

Dan Harmon's significance lies in his creation of influential television series that blend genre parody, meta-humor, and character-driven storytelling. Community, inspired by his own community college experience, developed a cult following and is noted for its inventive episodes and self-referential style. Rick and Morty, co-created with Justin Roiland, became a major franchise known for its dark humor and philosophical themes, earning critical acclaim and a large audience. Harmon also pioneered alternative content distribution through Channel 101 and sustained a long-running podcast, Harmontown, which showcased his improvisational and confessional style. His 'story circle' technique, adapted from Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, has been widely used in television writing. Despite creative conflicts and industry changes, Harmon's work has left a lasting mark on both network and adult animation television.

Did You Know?

• Harmon briefly attended Glendale Community College, which formed the basis for his sitcom Community.
• He co-wrote the screenplay for the Academy Award-nominated film Monster House.
• Harmon voiced the recurring character of Bird Person on Rick and Morty.
• He published the book You'll Be Perfect When You're Dead in 2013.