Skip to content
MovieCove
Ian Roberts

Ian Roberts

Actor, also writer, producer and director · Born July 29, 1965 (61) · Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Ian Michael Roberts – American actor, comedian, and writer, born 29 July 1965 in Queens, New York. Spent his childhood in Secaucus, New Jersey. A founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade improv troupe (with Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, and Matt Walsh). His most notable film roles include Sparky Polastri in Bring It On (2000), the Stage Manager in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), Kyle in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), and roles in Drillbit Taylor (2008), Step Brothers (2008), and Semi-Pro (2008). On television he is best known for the Upright Citizens Brigade series (1998–2000), Sgt. Jack Declan in Reno 911!, The Literal Doctor in Arrested Development (2005–2013), and Key & Peele (2012–2015). He also co-created and starred in the Spike TV series Players (2010).

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
July 29, 1965 (61)
From
Queens, New York City, New York, USA
Works as
Actor, also writer, producer and director
Titles
55 on MovieCove · 71 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 63 days to Oct 26Up 21% in 30 days

What are Ian Roberts' films like?

Across their 12 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Society and Bonds.

Themes

share of theme weight
Society
36%
Bonds
24%
Self
21%
Power
10%
Morality
9%
Community6 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship3 titles, browse their movies with this themeSelf-worth3 titles, browse their movies with this themePrejudice2 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose2 titles, browse their movies with this themeTradition vs change2 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds2 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 9 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Wry: How sincerely it treats its story and characters, from ironic to earnest. Browse their wry movies.
Tone · Sincerity
ironicearnest

A split, not a type: Ironic 6 · Wry 1 · Earnest 2

Light: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their light movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 8 · Serious 1 · Dark 0

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 2 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 2

Gentle: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their gentle movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 7 · Charged 1 · Intense 1

Steady: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their steady movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 7 · Shifting 2 · Whiplash 0

Funny: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their funny movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 0 · Some laughs 2 · Funny 7

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

A split, not a type: Slow burn 5 · Even-paced 3 · Relentless 1

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 8 · Engaged 1 · Full focus 0

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 8 · Open-ended 0 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

4 analyzed roles

Usually the Trickster: 2 of 4 analyzed roles.

Trickster
2 of 4
Hero
1 of 4
Shadow
1 of 4

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Absurd
9
Joyful
8
Warm
4
Manic
3
Bittersweet
1
Other
2

How their films linger

Fun8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteCozy2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end

  • Happy7
  • Bittersweet1
  • Ambiguous3
  • Cyclical1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Ian Roberts' films?

As of October 24, 2026, 43 of their 55 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (13).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Ian Roberts' titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

71 credits, 55 with a MovieCove page; 3 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Daughter in a Box (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    as Ronald

  • Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    Show 1 episode · as Scott Norris

  • The Z-Suite(2025)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

    Midcredits score: 5th percentile of all shows

  • Carol & the End of the World(2023)

    Show 2 episodes · as (voice)

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all shows

  • Reno 911!: It's a Wonderful Heist(2022)

    Producer · as Sergeant Jack Declan

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films

  • Reno 911! Defunded (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    Show 11 episodes · as Sergeant Jack Declan

  • Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon(2021)

    Producer · as Sergeant Jack Declan

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • American Auto(2021)

    Show 1 episode · as Charlie Altman

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all shows

  • Rutherford Falls(2021)

    Show 1 episode · as Larry

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all shows

  • Reno 911! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    Show 11 episodes · as Sergeant Jack Declan

  • Bless This Mess(2019)

    Show 1 episode · as Joe

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all shows

  • Weird City (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Show 1 episode · as Chuch

  • Craig of the Creek(2017)

    Show 8 episodes · as Neil (voice)

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all shows

  • The House(2017)

    as Driver at College Campus

    Midcredits score: 23rd percentile of all films

  • Andy Richter's Home for the Holidays(2016)

    Executive Producer

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Baskets(2016)

    Show 3 episodes · as Wallis

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all shows

  • Teachers(2016)

    Show 1 episode · as Superintendent Greg

    Midcredits score: 22nd percentile of all shows

  • The UCB Show (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Show 8 episodes · Creator · Executive Producer · as Self - Host

  • Superstore(2015)

    Show 1 episode · as Gary

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all shows

  • Freaks of Nature(2015)

    as Chaz Sr

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • Get Hard(2015)

    Screenplay · Story

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt(2015)

    Show 1 episode · as Captain Mooney

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all shows

  • Grand Zero (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Jimmy Scofield

  • The Houses October Built(2014)

    as Feaster Bunny

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films

  • Walk of Shame(2014)

    as Main Network Executive

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all films

  • Playing House(2014)

    Show 5 episodes · as Ian

    Midcredits score: 75th percentile of all shows

  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine(2013)

    Show 1 episode · as Lucas Wint

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Blake Shelton's Not So Family Christmas(2012)

    Writer

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • The Dictator(2012)

    as NYC Cop

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films

  • Veep(2012)

    Show 2 episodes · as Governor John DeVito

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

  • Key and Peele(2012)

    Show 53 episodes · Executive Producer · as Crazed Spectator · as Person at People Park #4

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

  • New Girl(2011)

    Show 1 episode · as Billy

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all shows

  • Happy Endings(2011)

    Show 1 episode · as Bouncer

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all shows

  • Workaholics(2011)

    Show 1 episode · as Cal

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Freak Dance(2010)

    as Dr. Starvos

    Midcredits score: 20th percentile of all films

  • Players(2010)

    Show 10 episodes · Director · Producer · as Ken Fitzgerald

    Midcredits score: 24th percentile of all shows (provisional, few ratings)

  • Community(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Coach Chapman

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard(2009)

    as Selleck Customer - Gary

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films

  • Parks and Recreation(2009)

    Show 2 episodes · as Ian Winston

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • I Love You, Man(2009)

    as Venice Broadwalk Jogger

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • Party Down(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Jeff

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all shows

  • Childrens Hospital(2008)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Antoine · as Hoss O'Brien · as Soldier 1

    Midcredits score: 75th percentile of all shows

  • Gigantic(2008)

    as John Weathersby

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • Step Brothers(2008)

    as Male Therapist

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • Semi-Pro(2008)

    as Spurs Coach

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all films

  • Drillbit Taylor(2008)

    as Jim

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films

  • Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story(2007)

    as Drug Dealer

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • Carpoolers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

  • Wild Girls Gone (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Writer · as Stevie Flynn

  • Puberty: The Movie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Yogi

  • Asssscat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Actor

  • Halfway Home (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Reno 911!: Miami(2007)

    as Captain Rogers, DHS

    Midcredits score: 42nd percentile of all films

  • Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby(2006)

    as Kyle

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Wah-Wah(2005)

    as John Traherne

    Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all films

  • American Dad!(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Sensei Tom (voice) · as Trophy Shop Customer (voice)

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • Wake Up, Ron Burgundy(2004)

    as Stage Manager

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all films

  • Terrorists(2004)

    Producer · as Curtis Gorfurter

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films

  • Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy(2004)

    as Stage Manager

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films

  • Arrested Development(2003)

    Show 6 episodes · as Literal Doctor

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • Reno 911! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 15 episodes · as Sergeant Jack Declan · as Steve Hardcastle

  • Death of a Dynasty(2003)

    as Frat Boy #2

    Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all films

  • Promised Land (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Gerhard Snyman

  • Martin & Orloff(2002)

    Writer · as Martin Flam

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • Malunde (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Kobus

  • Curb Your Enthusiasm(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Fire Chief

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Bring It On(2000)

    as Sparky Polastri

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Home Movies(1999)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Upright Citizens Brigade(1998)

    Show 30 episodes · Creator · as Antoine

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • Escape From a Wonderful Life (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Writer · as Uncle Billy (voice)

  • Saturday Night Live(1975)

    Show 1 episode · as Creepy Fan (uncredited) · as Glenn's Friend (uncredited) · as Hidden Camera Victim (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all shows

Career shape

Star power in the 96th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 71 titles from 1975 to 2026; peak year 2007.

Biggest box office

Get Hard (2015)

$112M worldwide

Highest rated

Upright Citizens Brigade (1998)

Midcredits 86th

Film career

19752026

Peak 2007 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting66 of 71: 59 only acting, 7 with another role · typical Midcredits score64thWriting6 of 71: 3 only writing, 3 with another roleProducing5 of 71: 1 only producing, 4 with another roleOther crew2 of 71: 0 only other crew, 2 with another role

71 titles, 8 with more than one role — acting and writing overlap on 3 of them.

By decade

1970s1 · acting1990s3 · 3 acting · 2 crew2000s31 · 31 acting · 2 crew2010s26 · 22 acting · 5 crew2020s10 · 9 acting · 3 crew

Billing

usually 19th · top billed in 0% of 18 roles
0010

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Ian Roberts' films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 41st percentile, the median of all 27; across their 9 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 34th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

34thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 9

Approval · how many liked their films

38thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 9

Reach · how many have seen their films

57thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 9

Midcredits score across 55 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up21
  • 50th to 74th11
  • 25th to 49th15
  • Below 25th8

Shape of the crowd

20 of their 55 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved10
  • Divisive3
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser20
  • Broadly Agreed6
  • Mixed15

Most divisive · actor

Death of a Dynasty (2003)

94th percentile spread · 58% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Arrested Development (2003)

Midcredits 96th · 90% liked

Reviewers score the acting 67/100 in their films, across 6 reviewed titles; fans 80, detractors 43. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Ian Roberts work with?

People who share at least 2 of Ian Roberts' MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Matt Walsh shares the most, 5.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers, cinematographers and editors

Producers