He began his career as a writer for The Late Show with David Letterman, and then moved on to be the screenwriter and producer for notable television series including Reaper, Workaholics, Scrubs, and Desperate Housewives.
Etten was born in a neighborhood on the north side of Chicago.
Beginning as a writer for the Late Show with David Letterman, Etten has since been a part of the crews of the dramedies Ed and Desperate Housewives, the latter for which he also served as a producer.
[2] In 2011, Etten began as executive producer of Comedy Central's new show, Workaholics.
On November 15, 2019, Etten co-wrote and produced the Tom Gormican film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.