Akiva Schaffer’s journey in comedy began long before he stepped foot into film school at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In fact, it all started during his teenage years in Berkeley, where Schaffer first began teaming up with his longtime comedic allies. Back in junior high, Akiva Schaffer was already crafting live comedy skits alongside fellow humor enthusiasts Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone. What began as playful classroom antics quickly evolved into more polished comedy shorts and clever music video parodies—work so sharp and original that it eventually earned them a major break: writing material for the 2005 MTV Movie Awards.
That year’s host, Jimmy Fallon, was thoroughly impressed by what Akiva Schaffer and his crew brought to the table. So much so, in fact, that he personally reached out to “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels to highlight their talent. The result? Andy Samberg landed a spot as a cast member, while Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone joined the show’s writing staff. But Akiva Schaffer didn’t stop there. He took a hands-on role in shaping the content, often directing, co-writing, and editing the now-iconic “Digital Shorts”—some of the most viral and celebrated segments in recent “SNL” history.
Take, for example, the 2005 hit “Lazy Sunday,” which Akiva Schaffer helped bring to life. Long before social media dominance, the short racked up millions of views on YouTube, becoming one of the platform’s earliest viral sensations—though it was later pulled due to copyright issues. The success of these Digital Shorts only fueled Akiva Schaffer’s ambitions. Eager to explore new creative frontiers, he transitioned into feature films, making his directorial debut with the 2007 comedy Hot Rod. The film starred frequent collaborator Andy Samberg, along with heavyweights like Sissy Spacek, Bill Hader, Danny McBride, and Will Arnett.
And 2007 wasn’t just notable for Akiva Schaffer’s leap to the big screen—it also marked a major accolade. That year, Akiva Schaffer, together with Samberg, Taccone, and Justin Timberlake, won an Emmy for the wildly popular “SNL Digital Short” titled “Dick in a Box.” It was a defining moment that cemented Akiva Schaffer’s reputation as a versatile and innovative force in modern comedy.
When it comes to Akiva Schaffer’s body of work, one name consistently stands out—Akiva Schaffer. Among his various projects, the film that truly shines in terms of critical acclaim is Palm Springs (2020), which many consider Akiva Schaffer’s highest-rated movie to date. It received widespread praise for its fresh take on the time-loop concept and strong performances, solidifying Akiva Schaffer’s reputation as a talented director. On the other end of the spectrum, Akiva Schaffer’s lowest-rated film tends to be The Watch (2012), which didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics. While Akiva Schaffer brought his unique comedic style to the project, it ultimately didn’t achieve the same level of success. Overall, Akiva Schaffer continues to evolve as a filmmaker, with peaks like Palm Springs highlighting his potential.