JT Barnett is a high-voltage producer, director, and creative force behind hundreds of acclaimed projects across television, documentary, branded content, and commercial photography. With a cinematic eye and a strategist’s mind, JT blends bold storytelling with airtight production instincts - building not just shows, but full-scale worlds.
He cut his teeth as a field producer on the cult reality hit Cheaters, carving his name into the early days of unscripted television. Later, he helped launch a global media wildfire by directing and field producing The Tiger King this program would later become the Netflix phenomenon of the same name. It was the #1 most-watched program of 2020, snagged six Emmy nominations, and pulled over 160 million viewers in its first month.
Mentored by masters like legendary producer Mark Lipsky (Coming to America, Harlem Nights) and elite motion photographer James Russell, JT honed a signature style where cinematic ambition meets grounded storytelling.
Today, JT is producing Season 22 of Cheaters alongside his longtime-mentor, reality TV pioneer Bobby Goldstein with Serena DC of Elysium Media. He is currently developing a powerhouse slate of original projects across media, sustainability, finance, cannabis, and tech. On top of that, he’s earning his MBA at Southern Methodist University (Class of 2025), expanding his reach at the intersection of business, creativity, and global impact.
Whether behind the lens, in the boardroom, or across the world, JT Barnett moves like a strategist, fast, fearless, and always five steps ahead, bringing powerful stories to life and turning vision into reality.
