Tina Fey is a powerhouse in comedy. She is a writer, actor, and producer who has shaped modern humor. For decades, her sharp wit and relatable characters have entertained millions. From her start on Saturday Night Live to creating hit TV shows and starring in movies, her work is both incredibly smart and laugh-out-loud funny.
This article celebrates her fantastic career. We will look at the most critical Tina Fey movies and TV shows. We will rank them, not just by how funny they are, but by how clever they are, too. You will see the full scope of her talent, from writing brilliant scripts to playing unforgettable characters. Her journey shows a deep understanding of what makes people laugh and what makes a story great.
The Foundation: Saturday Night Live (SNL)
Before she was a household name, Tina Fey was a key player behind the scenes at Saturday Night Live. She joined as a writer in 1997 and, in 1999, became the show’s first female head writer. This was a considerable achievement. Her writing brought a new, intelligent edge to the show’s comedy.
Soon, she moved in front of the camera. She co-anchored the popular “Weekend Update” segment with Jimmy Fallon and later Amy Poehler. Her delivery was confident and hilarious. She was not afraid to tackle political topics. Her most famous impression was of politician Sarah Palin. Her performance was so convincing and funny that many people still remember it today. SNL was where she honed her skills. She learned how to write jokes, create characters, and perform under pressure. This experience was the perfect launchpad for her career.
The Smartest: 30 Rock
Many people consider 30 Rock to be Tina Fey’s masterpiece. She created, wrote, and starred in this TV show. It is a brilliant satire of the television industry. The show is packed with fast-paced jokes, clever wordplay, and absurd situations. It requires you to pay attention, but the rewards are enormous.
In 30 Rock, Fey plays Liz Lemon, a head writer for a sketch comedy show. The character is basically a version of herself. Liz is intelligent, hardworking, and constantly stressed. She deals with a crazy boss, eccentric actors, and a bizarre team of writers. The show won many awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series. It is praised for its sharp writing and unique humor. 30 Rock stands as one of the most brilliant comedies ever made. It shows Fey’s genius as a writer and a performer.
The Iconic Teen Comedy: Mean Girls
Even if you have not seen many Tina Fey movies and TV shows, you probably know Mean Girls. Fey wrote the screenplay for this 2004 movie. It became a cultural phenomenon. The film is a sharp look at high school cliques and social rules. It is hilarious, but it also has a lot of heart and a good message.
Fey also co-stars as Ms. Norbury, a math teacher who tries to guide the main character. The movie’s lines are quoted endlessly. Phrases like “On Wednesdays we wear pink” and “She doesn’t even go here!” are part of our culture. Mean Girls proved that Fey could write for a younger audience without dumbing down her material. The movie is smart, funny, and timeless. It remains one of her most beloved works.
A Perfect Partnership: Movies with Amy Poehler
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are a legendary comedy duo. Their friendship and chemistry are clear every time they share the screen. They have starred in several movies together, creating comedy gold.
Baby Mama
In Baby Mama, Fey plays a successful single woman who wants a baby. She hires Poehler’s character to be her surrogate. The two women are complete opposites, which leads to hilarious conflicts. The movie is a sweet and funny look at friendship and motherhood.
Sisters
Sisters let Fey and Poehler unleash their wild sides. They play two adult sisters who decide to throw one last epic party in their childhood home. Fey plays the irresponsible sister, a departure from her usual type A characters. The movie is full of big laughs and shows the incredible comedic energy between the two stars. Their collaborations are always highlights in Tina Fey’s film and TV work.
Showing Range in Film
While known for comedy, Tina Fey has also taken on roles that show her versatility. She has appeared in dramas, romantic comedies, and animated films, proving she can do more than just make people laugh.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
This film was a more serious role for Fey. She played a journalist who decides to cover the war in Afghanistan. The movie is a dramedy, mixing humor with the harsh reality of a war zone. Fey gave a strong performance, showing her ability to handle dramatic material. It was a bold choice that paid off, proving her depth as an actor.
Date Night
In Date Night, she starred alongside Steve Carell. They played a bored married couple whose attempt at a romantic evening turns into a dangerous adventure. The movie blended action and comedy. Fey’s performance was relatable and funny, capturing the feeling of a long-term relationship.
Soul
Fey also excels at voice acting. In the Pixar movie Soul, she voiced the character 22, a cynical soul who is afraid of living on Earth. Her voice work was perfect for the character. She brought humor, sarcasm, and eventually, a lot of heart to the role. The movie was praised for its deep themes and beautiful animation. Fey’s performance was a key part of its success.
Returning to Television: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
After 30 Rock, Tina Fey co-created another hit TV show, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. While she was not the central star, her creative voice is all over it. The show is about a woman rescued from a doomsday cult who starts a new life in New York City. The topic sounds dark, but the show is incredibly optimistic and funny.
The series has the same fast joke style as 30 Rock but with a sunnier outlook. Fey also had a recurring guest role as a terrible therapist. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt showed that Fey could create another unique and beloved comedy world. It cemented her status as one of television’s most important creators. Tina Fey’s career is a masterclass in comedy, writing, and performing.
If you’re planning your next binge-watch, check out Jennifer Aniston Movies and TV Shows You Can’t Miss in 2025 for some top picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was Tina Fey’s first major TV show?
Her first major show as a creator and star was 30 Rock, which ran from 2006 to 2013 and was based on her experiences as head writer for Saturday Night Live.
2. Did Tina Fey write the movie Mean Girls?
Yes, Tina Fey wrote the screenplay for the 2004 hit Mean Girls and also co-starred as the teacher, Ms. Norbury.
3. What is Tina Fey’s most famous SNL impression?
Her impression of 2008 vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is widely considered her most famous and impactful work from her time on Saturday Night Live.
4. Have Tina Fey and Amy Poehler worked together often?
Yes, they are frequent collaborators and close friends. They co-anchored “Weekend Update” on SNL and have starred in movies together like Baby Mama and Sisters.
5. Is Tina Fey only an actor and writer?
No, she is also a successful producer. She co-created and produced the hit Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
