about

Here’s a little about who we are and where we came from

The Writers’ Room

We think advertising can be really, really funny, but it’s not easy. You need the right concept, the right writing, and the right execution—and all that comes from experience. The Writers’ Room was born out of The Mystery Hour late night talk show, syndicated on various FOX, ABC, NBC, & CW markets across the country. The show is now in it’s 10th season on television with more than 210 episodes in the vault.

The Mystery Hour hangs its hat on its digital shorts and commercials—all conceived in the Writers’ Room.

We have created videos and commercials for the show and for brands like 7-Eleven, Fossil, H&R Block, and more. Those videos have accumulated more than 63 million views, four Emmys, and a Webby nomination. Jeff works with a collection of writers, past and present, to nail the concept and the execution.

Truly, everyone in the Writers’ Room loves to analyze ideas from all sides, tweaking, massaging, editing, and crafting to make comedy that shines. Among the writers you will find agency experience, stand up history, improv accolades, design acumen, and hilarious professionals.

When it comes to video production The Writers’ Room partners closely with a handful of select production companies—production companies that know comedy and cinematography. We work side by side with them to ensure the collaborative vision from start to finish.

Learn More About The Mystery Hour

Jeff Houghton

Jeff Houghton is the Creative Director for the Writers’ Room. He has led a team of writers in creating sketches, videos, commercials, and TV episodes since 2012 when The Mystery Hour began on TV.

Jeff is originally from Iowa City, IA, but his comedy career began in New York City as an intern at The Late Show with David Letterman. Jeff then fell in love with improv as part of The Skinny Improv in Springfield, MO where he performed every Friday and Saturday night at the local theatre for six years and traveled across the country performing as well. Then, Jeff was in Los Angeles where he trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and performed stand up at The Comedy Store, among other places.

In addition to the comedy, Jeff brings concepting and copywriting experience, having worked as a copywriter with ad agencies, and as a freelance writer for magazines.

Jeff has worked as talent for commercials for Virgin Mobile, 7 Eleven, Fossil, and H&R Block, among others and can also be seen around the world hosting live events.

Jeff lives in Springfield, Missouri with his wife, Michelle, and children, Elias and Rew.

Learn More About Jeff Houghton