From Prime-Time to Prose: ‘Abbott Elementary’ EP Justin Halpern Discusses Debut Novel ‘Get Lost’ and TV Slate
Justin Halpern, the veteran writer and executive producer currently helping steer ABC’s Emmy-winning comedy Abbott Elementary, is expanding his creative portfolio into the literary world. Speaking on the latest episode of the Daily Variety podcast with host Michael Schneider, Halpern detailed his transition from the collaborative environment of television writers' rooms to the solitary craft of novel writing. His debut fiction novel, titled Get Lost, is slated for release next month by Hachette’s Cardinal imprint, marking a major milestone for the showrunner who first rose to prominence in the industry over a decade ago.
During the podcast, Halpern shared insights into the creative genesis of Get Lost and the distinct challenges of writing prose compared to episodic television. "With television, you are constantly collaborating and writing for the camera, where so much is conveyed through an actor's performance," Halpern noted. "Writing a novel forces you to build the entire internal world of your characters on the page, without relying on a cast to deliver the subtext." Juggling the book’s publication timeline alongside his heavy television commitments required a rigorous, highly structured daily routine—a feat Halpern described as both exhausting and deeply rewarding.
Beyond his literary debut, Halpern provided key updates on his active television development slate, which he manages alongside his longtime writing and producing partner, Patrick Schumacker, under their Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions banner. Chief among these updates is the status of his high school memoir project, I Suck..., which draws inspiration from his early life and previous comedic essay collections. Halpern expressed optimism about the project's development, highlighting his continued interest in grounded, coming-of-age storytelling even as he continues to executive produce major hits like Abbott Elementary and Max’s critically acclaimed adult animated series, Harley Quinn.
Halpern's transition into novel writing represents a full-circle moment for a creator who initially broke into Hollywood via his bestselling non-fiction books, including Sht My Dad Says and I Suck at Girls*. By successfully navigating the demands of showrunning network television while launching a new fiction career, Halpern continues to cement his status as one of the industry's most versatile comedic voices.