John Altschuler
Co-creator of Silicon Valley and writer for King of the Hill.
John Altschuler (born 1963) works as an American screenwriter and producer for both television and film. He is best recognized for teaming up with Mike Judge and Dave Krinsky, especially as a co-creator of the HBO series *Silicon Valley* and as a showrunner and writer on Fox’s *King of the Hill*.
Altschuler was raised in a Jewish household in Carbondale, Illinois. His mother stayed home, while his father worked as a merchant seaman before becoming an anthropologist. When Altschuler was in his early teens, his family relocated to Greenville, North Carolina, and later to Cary, North Carolina. He finished high school at Cary High School in 1981.
He went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in economics and anthropology. During his time there, he worked on the staff of *The Daily Tarheel* newspaper. Alongside fellow student Dave Krinsky, he co-created and performed in the *Half-Hour Comedy Show*, the first comedy program produced by UNC Student Television. Altschuler recalled sketches like “Bonnie and Clyde and Ted and Alice” and “Plant Boy,” about a boy raised by wild plants.
Altschuler and Krinsky started collaborating on manuscripts for *National Lampoon*. Altschuler noted that the magazine was important to him but didn’t accept unsolicited material. So they put together a packet and mailed it to the three editors, including a dollar with each letter. Editor Chris Simmons responded and accepted their pitch for an article about the woman charged with second-degree murder in the death of actor John Belushi. Altschuler felt she was being railroaded, as Belushi was an out-of-control actor, and their piece’s premise was that Hollywood feared her release from prison. This work gave the duo credibility in the television and film industry.
After graduating in 1985, Altschuler and Krinsky moved to Hollywood, California, working as drivers and production assistants for two years. His big break came while working as a P.A. for producer Howard Gottfried. Gottfried asked what Altschuler wanted to be, and upon learning he was a writer, asked to see his work. Eventually, Altschuler and Krinsky sold two movie scripts, and Altschuler was hired to adapt a Somerset Maugham short story into a film for a Paris studio.
Their television break arrived in 1996 when they were hired as assistant producers for the HBO series *The High Life*. In 1997, they
- born
- 1963
- field
- Screenwriting, television and film production
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Co-creating Silicon Valley, writing for King of the Hill
Quick Facts
- Birth Place
- United States
- Education
- University of North Carolina
- Occupation
- Screenwriter / Producer
- Years Active
- 1986–present
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
John Altschuler grew up in a Jewish family in Carbondale, Illinois. His mother was a homemaker and his father was a merchant seaman who became an anthropologist. In his early teens, his family moved to Greenville, N.C., followed by a move to Cary, N.C. He graduated from Cary High School in 1981. Altschuler attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he majored in economics and anthropology. While at UNC, he served on the staff of The Daily Tarheel newspaper and co-created the Half-Hour Comedy Show with fellow student Dave Krinsky. Altschuler and Krinsky began collaborating on manuscripts for National Lampoon, eventually selling an article about the woman charged with second-degree murder in the death of actor John Belushi. This work gave the duo credibility in the television and film industry.
After graduating in 1985, Altschuler and Krinsky moved to Hollywoo
Reader's Guide
John Altschuler's significance lies in his long-running collaboration with Mike Judge and Dave Krinsky, producing animated and live-action comedy that often satirized American culture and subcultures. His work on King of the Hill, a show praised for its nuanced portrayal of the South, spanned thirteen years and helped define the series' tone. Co-creating Silicon Valley, a critically acclaimed comedy about the tech industry, demonstrated his ability to apply anthropological observation to contemporary settings. Altschuler's career reflects a trajectory from writing for National Lampoon to shaping major television series, often exploring social issues through humor. His production company Ternion Productions allowed him to develop projects like The Goode Family and Lopez, though these received mixed critical reception. Altschuler's legacy is tied to shows that balanced satire with character-driven storytelling, influencing how television comedy addresses topics such as regional identity, technology, and family dynamics.
Did You Know?
- Altschuler enclosed a dollar with each letter he sent to National Lampoon editors to get his work considered.
- He co-created the Half-Hour Comedy Show, the first comedy show produced by UNC Student Television.
- Altschuler studied anthropology and economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- He served as a production assistant for producer Howard Gottfried before his break in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is John Altschuler?
John Altschuler is an American screenwriter and producer born in 1963, known for his work across both television and film. In the animation space, he is most recognized for serving as showrunner and writer on Fox's King of the Hill.
What animated series did John Altschuler showrun?
Altschuler held the showrunner and writer role on King of the Hill, Fox's long-running adult animated comedy. He worked closely with series creator Mike Judge to shape the show's writing and production.
Who were John Altschuler's main creative partners?
On King of the Hill, his primary collaborator was Mike Judge, the series creator. Outside of animation, Altschuler also teamed up with Mike Judge and Dave Krinsky to co-create HBO's Silicon Valley.
What exactly did John Altschuler do as showrunner on King of the Hill?
As showrunner, he oversaw the day-to-day production and creative direction of the series while also writing episodes. This meant he managed the writing room, guided storylines, and helped steer the show's overall tone.
Why do King of the Hill fans credit John Altschuler?
His work as showrunner and writer helped shape the sharp, grounded dialogue that made the series a standout in adult animation. Fans point to his contributions as a key reason the show maintained its distinctive voice across its long run.
More in Showrunners of animated series 1-24
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