Jane Espenson grew up in Ames, Iowa where she watched too much television. At age 13 she attempted to write an episode of MAS*H. It didn't work out. She attended college at UC Berkeley, studying linguistics as an undergrad and graduate student. While in grad school she submitted spec episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and got her tiny foot wedged in the last open door of show business. After winning a spot in the Walt Disney writers' fellowship, she worked in sitcoms for a number years. Her first staff job at a drama was her job at Buffy the Vampire Slayer, followed by a year as Co-Executive Producer at Gilmore Girls, and brief stints as Co-Executive Producer of the cancelled FOX dramas Tru Calling and The Inside. She is currently Co-Executive Producer of the sitcom Jake in Progress, now airing on ABC on Monday nights.

She often tells people she has the best job in the world.