Tim Barnes is a comedian, television writer and podcast producer known for exploring social issues and fusing high concepts with relatable , down-to-earth characters. He created the Comedy Central animated web series Maurice on Mars, the Ninth Planet Audio sitcom JUDGE TRAVIS, and founded the comedy publication Letters From African America.

Barnes has written for the 2026 WGA East Awards hosted by Roy Wood Jr., the 2022 Nickelodeon sitcom Warped!, NBC’s late night/variety series The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Nickelodeon’s 2019 revival of All That, and the NPR quiz show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!. He also served as web producer for season one of HBO’s late night series Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas.

In addition to hosting the You Are The Genre podcast where he dissects the winding creative paths of each guest, Barnes has developed and produced numerous podcasts for others including VICE media’s Webby nominated Science Solved It, First Look Media’s Politically Re-Active, and Earwolf’s Kondabolu Brothers podcast,

Chicago Magazine named Tim Barnes one of the 16 Chicago Comics You Should Check Out... and The Chicago Tribune has described him as "a smooth wordsmith who is sharp, polished and confident..."

photo by: Mindy Tucker