Brent Forrester: The Man Behind Some of Your Favorite Sitcom Moments!

“Write about what is difficult for you, even painful, and trust it will come out funny,” Brent Forrestersays on his guest episode of "The Screenwriting Life". He credits his comedic philosophy to his mentor Susan Harris, creator of "The Golden Girls". Forrester openly acknowledges that he was not innately funny; comedy, he explains, is a science that he has studied and honed for decades, beginning in his early-20s. Since then, he has forged an extraordinary career in comedy, shaping some of television’s most beloved shows, including "The Office" and "The Simpsons" – and their funniest moments. 

Each episode he has penned carries its own significance, which we’ll now take a closer look at!

1. "The Office", Season 3, Episode 16: "Business School"

This episode perfectly captures the mix of cringe and emotional depth that defines "The Office", showcasing the show’s knack for balancing humor with heart – a formula that went on to influence workplace comedies such as "Parks and Recreation" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine". 

4. "The Simpsons", Season 7, Episode 24: "Homerpalooza"

This episode serves as a time capsule of the 1990s alternative music boom, featuring real-life bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Cypress Hill, and Sonic Youth, and cemented the show’s reputation as one that could parody current trends while incorporating actual cultural figures in the joke. 

Today, in addition with his writing, Forrester teaches a pilot and joke-writing course for both established and aspiring writers, passing on the lessons he has cultivated over decades in the industry. He continues to shape the future of comedy, leaving a lasting imprint on television and inspiring the next generation of writers.