Exclusive: Amazon Freevee has put in development a medical drama series from Adam Sussman (12 Monkeys) and Mark Perez (Game Night).
Co-written and executive produced by Sussman and Perez, the Untitled Alternative Medical Drama is a medical procedural following doctors that utilize non-traditional approaches to solve unique cases.
Bill McGoldrick also executive produces with Sussman and Perez.
Sussman’s writing credits include 12 Monkeys, Night Stalker and The Blacklist. He’s repped by Trevor Engelson at Underground and Hansen Jacobson Teller.
Perez penned the screenplay for the 2018 feature Game Night, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, Universal Pictures’ Accepted. He’s repped by CAA and Adam Kaller at Hansen Jacobson Teller.
Co-written and executive produced by Sussman and Perez, the Untitled Alternative Medical Drama is a medical procedural following doctors that utilize non-traditional approaches to solve unique cases.
Bill McGoldrick also executive produces with Sussman and Perez.
Sussman’s writing credits include 12 Monkeys, Night Stalker and The Blacklist. He’s repped by Trevor Engelson at Underground and Hansen Jacobson Teller.
Perez penned the screenplay for the 2018 feature Game Night, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, Universal Pictures’ Accepted. He’s repped by CAA and Adam Kaller at Hansen Jacobson Teller.
- 5/1/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Chernin Entertainment is the latest media company to undergo a round of layoffs.
We hear that a number of executives including Bill McGoldrick are leaving Peter Chernin’s company as part of the cost-cutting moves. It’s believed to be part of trimming at Chernin Entertainment as the former Fox boss builds up his The North Road Company.
McGoldrick, who previously was President of Original Content at NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, joined Chernin Entertainment in August 2021 as EVP Film and Television.
Also leaving are Juan Alfonso, Ian Smith and Jordan Compton. Alfonso, who was SVP Film and Television, also joined in summer 2021, having held exec roles at Starz and Disney. Smith and Compton were creatives executives.
Chernin Entertainment is part of The North Road Company, which was formed in July 2022, bringing together Chernin Entertainment, the U.S. assets of Red Arrow Studios, which includes Love Is Blind producer Kinetic Content,...
We hear that a number of executives including Bill McGoldrick are leaving Peter Chernin’s company as part of the cost-cutting moves. It’s believed to be part of trimming at Chernin Entertainment as the former Fox boss builds up his The North Road Company.
McGoldrick, who previously was President of Original Content at NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, joined Chernin Entertainment in August 2021 as EVP Film and Television.
Also leaving are Juan Alfonso, Ian Smith and Jordan Compton. Alfonso, who was SVP Film and Television, also joined in summer 2021, having held exec roles at Starz and Disney. Smith and Compton were creatives executives.
Chernin Entertainment is part of The North Road Company, which was formed in July 2022, bringing together Chernin Entertainment, the U.S. assets of Red Arrow Studios, which includes Love Is Blind producer Kinetic Content,...
- 11/6/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is all about action after finding success with The Recruit and the launch of The Night Agent, starring Gabriel Basso. To capitalize on its audience’s thirst for blood, bullets, and revenge, Netflix is giving the green light to an eight-episode series order to an adaptation of Man on Fire. Netflix’s Man on Fire TV series is based on the first two of the five books in A.J. Quinnell’s series and follows features that similarly adapt the author’s works, also known as Philip Nicholson.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series “tells the story of John Creasy, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family.”
Tony Scott directed a version of Man on Fire in 2004, starring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, while Glen Scott played the character in a 1987 Italian feature.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series “tells the story of John Creasy, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family.”
Tony Scott directed a version of Man on Fire in 2004, starring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, while Glen Scott played the character in a 1987 Italian feature.
- 3/28/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Netflix has ordered Man on Fire, a drama series adaptation based on A.J. Quinnell’s Man on Fire and The Perfect Kill, the first two books in Quinnell’s five-book series. The project hails from writer/executive producer Kyle Killen, New Regency Productions, producer of Tony Scott’s classic 2004 film starring Denzel Washington, and Chernin Entertainment.
Related: 2023 Netflix Pilot & Series Orders
Written and executive produced by Killen, the eight-episode series tells the story of John Creasy, the role played by Washington in the 2004 film and by Scott Glenn in a 1987 Italian feature, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family.
Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan and Michael Schaefer executive produce for New Regency Productions, which controls the rights to the IP and financed the 2004 film. Peter Chernin,...
Related: 2023 Netflix Pilot & Series Orders
Written and executive produced by Killen, the eight-episode series tells the story of John Creasy, the role played by Washington in the 2004 film and by Scott Glenn in a 1987 Italian feature, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family.
Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan and Michael Schaefer executive produce for New Regency Productions, which controls the rights to the IP and financed the 2004 film. Peter Chernin,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is putting its money on another action thriller drama. The streamer announced a straight-to-series order for an eight-episode TV adaptation of “Man on Fire,” based on the first two books of A.J. Quinnell’s series.
The new show follows John Creasy, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family. Creasy was previously played by Denzel Washington in the 2004 adaptation directed by Tony Scott, and by Scott Glenn in an Italian film from 1987.
Kyle Killen (“Fear Street: Part One – 1994” and “Halo”) will serve as writer, executive producer and showrunner on the series. The show comes from New Regency Productions, whose film studio previously produced and financed the Washington flick, and Chernin Entertainment.
Also Read:
The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now
Killen executive produces alongside Chernin Entertainment’s Peter Chernin,...
The new show follows John Creasy, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family. Creasy was previously played by Denzel Washington in the 2004 adaptation directed by Tony Scott, and by Scott Glenn in an Italian film from 1987.
Kyle Killen (“Fear Street: Part One – 1994” and “Halo”) will serve as writer, executive producer and showrunner on the series. The show comes from New Regency Productions, whose film studio previously produced and financed the Washington flick, and Chernin Entertainment.
Also Read:
The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now
Killen executive produces alongside Chernin Entertainment’s Peter Chernin,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
A series adaptation of “Man on Fire” has been ordered straight-to-series at Netflix, Variety has confirmed.
The series is based on the first two novels to feature the former French Foreign Legion soldier Creasy by A. J. Quinnell, specifically “Man on Fire” and “The Perfect Kill.” The first book was originally published in 1981, while the second was published in 1992.
Netflix has given the show an eight-episode order. The logline states that the show “tells the story of John Creasy, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family.”
Kyle Killen is attached to write and executive produce the series under his Chapter 11 banner, with Chapter 11’s Scott Pennington also executive producing. Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Bill McGoldrick and Juan Alfonso will also executive produce via Chernin Entertainment. Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan...
The series is based on the first two novels to feature the former French Foreign Legion soldier Creasy by A. J. Quinnell, specifically “Man on Fire” and “The Perfect Kill.” The first book was originally published in 1981, while the second was published in 1992.
Netflix has given the show an eight-episode order. The logline states that the show “tells the story of John Creasy, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family.”
Kyle Killen is attached to write and executive produce the series under his Chapter 11 banner, with Chapter 11’s Scott Pennington also executive producing. Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Bill McGoldrick and Juan Alfonso will also executive produce via Chernin Entertainment. Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan...
- 3/28/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Fresh off its debut of The Night Agent, Netflix has ordered another action thriller series.
The streaming giant has handed out a straight-to-series, eight-episode order for a TV adaptation of Man on Fire. The show is based on the first two of the five-book run in A.J. Quinnell’s series and follows a pair of features that similarly adapted the works of the author also known as Philip Nicholson.
The Netflix series tells the story of John Creasy, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family.
The character was previously played by Denzel Washington in director Tony Scott’s 2004 film and a 1987 Italian feature with Scott Glenn.
Kyle Killen (Fear Street) is on board as writer, exec producer and showrunner. The series hails from New Regency Productions, whose film studio produced the Washington pic,...
The streaming giant has handed out a straight-to-series, eight-episode order for a TV adaptation of Man on Fire. The show is based on the first two of the five-book run in A.J. Quinnell’s series and follows a pair of features that similarly adapted the works of the author also known as Philip Nicholson.
The Netflix series tells the story of John Creasy, a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family.
The character was previously played by Denzel Washington in director Tony Scott’s 2004 film and a 1987 Italian feature with Scott Glenn.
Kyle Killen (Fear Street) is on board as writer, exec producer and showrunner. The series hails from New Regency Productions, whose film studio produced the Washington pic,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chernin Entertainment has expanded its executive leadership with three key hires: NBCUniversal veteran Bill McGoldrick, Starz exec Juan Alfonso , and Fox 21 legal pro Vibiana Molina.
McGoldrick has been named executive vice president of film and television, with Alfonso serving as senior vice president over those two portfolios. Molina was named executive vice president of business affairs earlier this year. In addition to their hires, Christina Porter and Jordan Compton have been named creative executives.
The three senior roles will report into Jeno Topping, Chernin’s president of film and TV who announced the additions on Thursday.
The expansion comes as the company ramps up development and production, having closed several key content deals in the past year including a multi-year first-look partnership with Spotify to adapt original podcasts for television, film, and digital video. They also partnered with Award-winning producer Connor Schell, former senior executive at ESPN, to produce high-end unscripted.
McGoldrick has been named executive vice president of film and television, with Alfonso serving as senior vice president over those two portfolios. Molina was named executive vice president of business affairs earlier this year. In addition to their hires, Christina Porter and Jordan Compton have been named creative executives.
The three senior roles will report into Jeno Topping, Chernin’s president of film and TV who announced the additions on Thursday.
The expansion comes as the company ramps up development and production, having closed several key content deals in the past year including a multi-year first-look partnership with Spotify to adapt original podcasts for television, film, and digital video. They also partnered with Award-winning producer Connor Schell, former senior executive at ESPN, to produce high-end unscripted.
- 8/26/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Bill McColdrick has found his next job after stepping down as President of Original Content at NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer last November amid restructuring. The well-liked veteran TV development executive has joined Peter Chernin’s Chernin Entertainment as EVP of Film and Television.
McGoldrick is one of three senior executive additions at the company’s team over the past several months, along with Starz’s Juan Alfonso, who was appointed SVP of Film and Television, and Fox 21’s Vibiana Molina, tapped as EVP of Business Affairs. Additionally, Christina Porter and Jordan Compton have joined the team as Creative Executives.
Following the existing company structure, all executives will work on projects for both the film and television slates. They all report to Jenno Topping, Chernin Entertainment’s President of Film and Television.
Chernin Entertainment has a first-look film deal at Netflix. Additionally, the company closed several major content deals in the past year,...
McGoldrick is one of three senior executive additions at the company’s team over the past several months, along with Starz’s Juan Alfonso, who was appointed SVP of Film and Television, and Fox 21’s Vibiana Molina, tapped as EVP of Business Affairs. Additionally, Christina Porter and Jordan Compton have joined the team as Creative Executives.
Following the existing company structure, all executives will work on projects for both the film and television slates. They all report to Jenno Topping, Chernin Entertainment’s President of Film and Television.
Chernin Entertainment has a first-look film deal at Netflix. Additionally, the company closed several major content deals in the past year,...
- 8/26/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Bill McGoldrick, former president of original content for NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks, has joined Chernin Entertainment as Executive Vice President of Film and Television, the company announced Thursday. In addition, Starz veteran Juan Alfonso was named SVP of Film and Television and Vibiana Molina as EVP of business affairs.
All the executives will report to Jenno Topping, Chernin Entertainment’s president of Film and Television.
Chernin has grown its content production in the last year, including a multiyear first-look partnership with Spotify to adapt the audio streamer’s original podcasts for TV, film and digital video. The company also partnered with award-winning producer Connor Schell, former senior executive at ESPN, to produce high-end, unscripted content.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Juan, Vibiana, Christina and Jordan to our existing team of powerhouse creative executives,” Topping said in a statement.
While at NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks, McGoldrick oversaw development and current for all...
All the executives will report to Jenno Topping, Chernin Entertainment’s president of Film and Television.
Chernin has grown its content production in the last year, including a multiyear first-look partnership with Spotify to adapt the audio streamer’s original podcasts for TV, film and digital video. The company also partnered with award-winning producer Connor Schell, former senior executive at ESPN, to produce high-end, unscripted content.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Juan, Vibiana, Christina and Jordan to our existing team of powerhouse creative executives,” Topping said in a statement.
While at NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks, McGoldrick oversaw development and current for all...
- 8/26/2021
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Chernin Entertainment is staffing up for its film and TV expansion.
Former Peacock, USA Network and Syfy head of originals Bill McGoldrick, ex-Starz senior vp originals Juan Alfonso and Fox 21 exec vp business and legal affairs Vibiana Molina have joined Chernin Entertainment, reporting to film and TV president Jenno Topping. Additionally, Escape Artists’ Christina Porter and Amblin’s Jordan Compton have joined the Peter Chernin-led company as creative execs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Juan, Vibiana, Christina and Jordan to our existing team of powerhouse creative executives. These talented execs each bring their own unique and valuable expertise to Chernin Entertainment during this important and exciting growth juncture. We ...
Former Peacock, USA Network and Syfy head of originals Bill McGoldrick, ex-Starz senior vp originals Juan Alfonso and Fox 21 exec vp business and legal affairs Vibiana Molina have joined Chernin Entertainment, reporting to film and TV president Jenno Topping. Additionally, Escape Artists’ Christina Porter and Amblin’s Jordan Compton have joined the Peter Chernin-led company as creative execs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Juan, Vibiana, Christina and Jordan to our existing team of powerhouse creative executives. These talented execs each bring their own unique and valuable expertise to Chernin Entertainment during this important and exciting growth juncture. We ...
- 8/26/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chernin Entertainment is staffing up for its film and TV expansion.
Former Peacock, USA Network and Syfy head of originals Bill McGoldrick, ex-Starz senior vp originals Juan Alfonso and Fox 21 exec vp business and legal affairs Vibiana Molina have joined Chernin Entertainment, reporting to film and TV president Jenno Topping. Additionally, Escape Artists’ Christina Porter and Amblin’s Jordan Compton have joined the Peter Chernin-led company as creative execs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Juan, Vibiana, Christina and Jordan to our existing team of powerhouse creative executives. These talented execs each bring their own unique and valuable expertise to Chernin Entertainment during this important and exciting growth juncture. We ...
Former Peacock, USA Network and Syfy head of originals Bill McGoldrick, ex-Starz senior vp originals Juan Alfonso and Fox 21 exec vp business and legal affairs Vibiana Molina have joined Chernin Entertainment, reporting to film and TV president Jenno Topping. Additionally, Escape Artists’ Christina Porter and Amblin’s Jordan Compton have joined the Peter Chernin-led company as creative execs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Juan, Vibiana, Christina and Jordan to our existing team of powerhouse creative executives. These talented execs each bring their own unique and valuable expertise to Chernin Entertainment during this important and exciting growth juncture. We ...
- 8/26/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
After eight years at NBCUniversal, most recently as Group SVP Communications, USA Network & Syfy, Katherine Nelson will be leaving the company at the end of the month.
Nelson’s departure was expected in light of the major restructuring of NBCUniversal TV and streaming operations last fall that left no suitable senior role for her and led to the exits of the top programming executives she worked closely with, Chris McCumber, Bill McGoldrick and Dawn Olmstead.
A seasoned and well respected PR executive, Nelson has served in her most recent role since 2016, overseeing communications for corporate, publicity, talent relations, events and awards for USA and Syfy. From 2017-2020, Nelson also oversaw communications and marketing for UCP. She led national publicity for all scripted and unscripted series and specials, and oversaw live and digital events, including screenings, festivals, press conferences, junkets, red carpets, TCA, Comic-Cons and more.
Nelson previously served as SVP...
Nelson’s departure was expected in light of the major restructuring of NBCUniversal TV and streaming operations last fall that left no suitable senior role for her and led to the exits of the top programming executives she worked closely with, Chris McCumber, Bill McGoldrick and Dawn Olmstead.
A seasoned and well respected PR executive, Nelson has served in her most recent role since 2016, overseeing communications for corporate, publicity, talent relations, events and awards for USA and Syfy. From 2017-2020, Nelson also oversaw communications and marketing for UCP. She led national publicity for all scripted and unscripted series and specials, and oversaw live and digital events, including screenings, festivals, press conferences, junkets, red carpets, TCA, Comic-Cons and more.
Nelson previously served as SVP...
- 3/11/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Susan Rovner finalized her Entertainment Content executive team on Tuesday, a few months after she joined NBCUniversal to lead its newly formed development unit.
Rovner was hired last year over from Warner Bros. to lead NBCU’s Entertainment Content (i.e. program development) business. That came after a massive reorganization under NBCU CEO Jeff Shell, who restructured the television side of the business into three parts: direct to consumer, entertainment programming and entertainment business. Peacock chief Matt Strauss runs the direct to consumer unit, while Frances Berwick heads up the entertainment business division, where she’ll work closely with Rovner.
As part of Tuesday’s restructure, roughly 50 people will be leaving the company, with the majority coming from inside the division. There were additional cuts in scheduling, acquisitions and marketing.
Here is how the new structure under Rovner is laid out:
Under Lisa Katz, President, Scripted Content: Cara Dellaverson & Alex Sepiol...
Rovner was hired last year over from Warner Bros. to lead NBCU’s Entertainment Content (i.e. program development) business. That came after a massive reorganization under NBCU CEO Jeff Shell, who restructured the television side of the business into three parts: direct to consumer, entertainment programming and entertainment business. Peacock chief Matt Strauss runs the direct to consumer unit, while Frances Berwick heads up the entertainment business division, where she’ll work closely with Rovner.
As part of Tuesday’s restructure, roughly 50 people will be leaving the company, with the majority coming from inside the division. There were additional cuts in scheduling, acquisitions and marketing.
Here is how the new structure under Rovner is laid out:
Under Lisa Katz, President, Scripted Content: Cara Dellaverson & Alex Sepiol...
- 2/2/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
The other shoe has dropped at NBCUniversal.
The expected layoffs in Susan Rovner’s Entertainment Content Division have begun. Sources say 50 employees were let go Tuesday from Rovner’s newly consolidated team. The merged programming team was the hardest hit with Tuesday’s layoffs. Other divisions, including scheduling and acquisitions, were also impacted.
The moves come after Rovner’s senior leaders of scripted, unscripted and late night solidified their respective teams. Cara Dellaverson and Alex Sepiol (who headed drama for Peacock under former head of originals Bill McGoldrick) will co-lead drama and current development under head of scripted Lisa Katz....
The expected layoffs in Susan Rovner’s Entertainment Content Division have begun. Sources say 50 employees were let go Tuesday from Rovner’s newly consolidated team. The merged programming team was the hardest hit with Tuesday’s layoffs. Other divisions, including scheduling and acquisitions, were also impacted.
The moves come after Rovner’s senior leaders of scripted, unscripted and late night solidified their respective teams. Cara Dellaverson and Alex Sepiol (who headed drama for Peacock under former head of originals Bill McGoldrick) will co-lead drama and current development under head of scripted Lisa Katz....
The other shoe has dropped at NBCUniversal.
The expected layoffs in Susan Rovner’s Entertainment Content Division have begun. Sources say 50 employees were let go Tuesday from Rovner’s newly consolidated team. The merged programming team was the hardest hit with Tuesday’s layoffs. Other divisions, including scheduling and acquisitions, were also impacted.
The moves come after Rovner’s senior leaders of scripted, unscripted and late night solidified their respective teams. Cara Dellaverson and Alex Sepiol (who headed drama for Peacock under former head of originals Bill McGoldrick) will co-lead drama and current development under head of scripted Lisa Katz....
The expected layoffs in Susan Rovner’s Entertainment Content Division have begun. Sources say 50 employees were let go Tuesday from Rovner’s newly consolidated team. The merged programming team was the hardest hit with Tuesday’s layoffs. Other divisions, including scheduling and acquisitions, were also impacted.
The moves come after Rovner’s senior leaders of scripted, unscripted and late night solidified their respective teams. Cara Dellaverson and Alex Sepiol (who headed drama for Peacock under former head of originals Bill McGoldrick) will co-lead drama and current development under head of scripted Lisa Katz....
Heather Olander is exiting her position as executive vice president of alternative for USA, Syfy and Peacock, TheWrap has learned.
Her departure comes nine years after she first joined NBCUniversal as SVP of alternative development and programming at USA. She later oversaw unscripted programming for Syfy and the recently launched streaming service Peacock.
Olander is the latest executive to depart NBCUniversal following the company’s restructuring earlier this year. Bill McGoldrick, president of original content and the executive to whom Olander most recently reported, stepped down last month.
As part of the restructuring, the recently installed chairman of entertainment content, Susan Rovner, divided NBCUniversal’s unscripted programming efforts into two parts. Rod Aissa was tasked with overseeing all lifestyle and documentary programming, while Jenny Groom was set to head up reality and talent competition as well as game show formats.
During her time at NBCU, Olander was credited with building USA’s unscripted slate,...
Her departure comes nine years after she first joined NBCUniversal as SVP of alternative development and programming at USA. She later oversaw unscripted programming for Syfy and the recently launched streaming service Peacock.
Olander is the latest executive to depart NBCUniversal following the company’s restructuring earlier this year. Bill McGoldrick, president of original content and the executive to whom Olander most recently reported, stepped down last month.
As part of the restructuring, the recently installed chairman of entertainment content, Susan Rovner, divided NBCUniversal’s unscripted programming efforts into two parts. Rod Aissa was tasked with overseeing all lifestyle and documentary programming, while Jenny Groom was set to head up reality and talent competition as well as game show formats.
During her time at NBCU, Olander was credited with building USA’s unscripted slate,...
- 12/17/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Heather Olander, who built USA Network’s non-scripted division with series such as Chrisley Knows Best, is leaving NBCUniversal after 10 years.
Olander, who is EVP Alternative Development & Programming, USA, Syfy & Peacock, is exiting the company following a number of restructures. It follows the departure of her boss Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, last month, and a reorg around NBCU’s unscripted divisions.
In November, Susan Rovner split non-scripted into two divisions – one, run by Rod Aissa, that would include unscripted lifestyle and documentary programming across the portfolio, and another, led by Jenny Groom, that would include reality competition, talent competition and game show formats.
Olander joined USA Network in 2011, added Syfy to her unscripted/alternative oversight in 2014, and added unscripted development for streamer Peacock in late 2019.
She was responsible for building USA Network’s slate of non-scripted shows including Chrisley Knows Best, which is...
Olander, who is EVP Alternative Development & Programming, USA, Syfy & Peacock, is exiting the company following a number of restructures. It follows the departure of her boss Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, last month, and a reorg around NBCU’s unscripted divisions.
In November, Susan Rovner split non-scripted into two divisions – one, run by Rod Aissa, that would include unscripted lifestyle and documentary programming across the portfolio, and another, led by Jenny Groom, that would include reality competition, talent competition and game show formats.
Olander joined USA Network in 2011, added Syfy to her unscripted/alternative oversight in 2014, and added unscripted development for streamer Peacock in late 2019.
She was responsible for building USA Network’s slate of non-scripted shows including Chrisley Knows Best, which is...
- 12/17/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Heather Olander, executive vice president of alternative development and programming for NBCUniversal’s USA Network, Syfy and Peacock, is exiting the company after nine years. Separately, Peacock content acquisition and strategy exec Frances Manfredi is departing as part of the greater corporate restructuring of the last few months.
Having first joined NBCU in 2011 as senior vice president of alternative programming for cabler USA Network following stints in original series development and current programming at CBS and MTV, Olander is credited with building USA’s unscripted business from the ground up and expanding the network’s footprint in reality. in 2014, Olander folded in programming duties for sister cable network Syfy; in 2019, Olander began overseeing alternative development for NBCU’s newly launched ad-supported streaming service Peacock.
She had previously reported to longtime NBCU programming exec Bill McGoldrick, who had spent nearly two decades at the company and exited a month ago.
Olander...
Having first joined NBCU in 2011 as senior vice president of alternative programming for cabler USA Network following stints in original series development and current programming at CBS and MTV, Olander is credited with building USA’s unscripted business from the ground up and expanding the network’s footprint in reality. in 2014, Olander folded in programming duties for sister cable network Syfy; in 2019, Olander began overseeing alternative development for NBCU’s newly launched ad-supported streaming service Peacock.
She had previously reported to longtime NBCU programming exec Bill McGoldrick, who had spent nearly two decades at the company and exited a month ago.
Olander...
- 12/17/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
As Peacock is going all-out to celebrate the arrival of The Office, the woman who negotiated the deal to bring the beloved comedy to the streamer is leaving.
Veteran acquisitions and distributions exec Frances Manfredi has departed NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring. She has spent the past two decades with the conglomerate and was tapped last year to serve as president of content acquisition and strategy at Peacock. She worked closely with former head of originals Bill McGoldrick and reported to Peacock chairman Matt Strauss.
In addition to leading the auction for library rights to The Office, Manfredi is ...
Veteran acquisitions and distributions exec Frances Manfredi has departed NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring. She has spent the past two decades with the conglomerate and was tapped last year to serve as president of content acquisition and strategy at Peacock. She worked closely with former head of originals Bill McGoldrick and reported to Peacock chairman Matt Strauss.
In addition to leading the auction for library rights to The Office, Manfredi is ...
- 12/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
As Peacock is going all-out to celebrate the arrival of The Office, the woman who negotiated the deal to bring the beloved comedy to the streamer is leaving.
Veteran acquisitions and distributions exec Frances Manfredi has departed NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring. She has spent the past two decades with the conglomerate and was tapped last year to serve as president of content acquisition and strategy at Peacock. She worked closely with former head of originals Bill McGoldrick and reported to Peacock chairman Matt Strauss.
In addition to leading the auction for library rights to The Office, Manfredi is ...
Veteran acquisitions and distributions exec Frances Manfredi has departed NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring. She has spent the past two decades with the conglomerate and was tapped last year to serve as president of content acquisition and strategy at Peacock. She worked closely with former head of originals Bill McGoldrick and reported to Peacock chairman Matt Strauss.
In addition to leading the auction for library rights to The Office, Manfredi is ...
- 12/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amid the ongoing NBCUniversal restructuring, additional layoffs are being enacted across the television and streaming division’s entertainment networks business. The cuts, being implemented today, impact fewer than 5% of employees in the division helmed by Frances Berwick, according to a source familiar with the matter.
And more job cuts are likely to occur in early 2021 on the content side of the business, which is now under the purview of new TV and streaming programming chief Susan Rovner, who joined the company last month.
The personnel reduction is part of the planned changes that NBCUniversal, and comes on the heels of several rounds of leadership reshuffling at the entertainment giant, which has included the exits of execs such as USA Network and Syfy boss Chris McCumber and longtime programming exec Bill McGoldrick, who had most recently served as head of programming for NBCU’s streaming service Peacock. NBC Entertainment chief Paul Telegdy...
And more job cuts are likely to occur in early 2021 on the content side of the business, which is now under the purview of new TV and streaming programming chief Susan Rovner, who joined the company last month.
The personnel reduction is part of the planned changes that NBCUniversal, and comes on the heels of several rounds of leadership reshuffling at the entertainment giant, which has included the exits of execs such as USA Network and Syfy boss Chris McCumber and longtime programming exec Bill McGoldrick, who had most recently served as head of programming for NBCU’s streaming service Peacock. NBC Entertainment chief Paul Telegdy...
- 11/18/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal began its next round of layoffs this week with the cuts primarily centered on the Entertainment Networks division led by Frances Berwick.
Less than 5% of the staff is impacted by the cuts, an individual familiar with the situation told TheWrap, who added that it was less than 100 people. However, further layoffs will be coming early next year that will primarily affect Susan Rovner’s Entertainment Programming unit. NBCU instituted earlier staff cuts in August across its cable networks, broadcast, the movie studio and theme parks businesses
NBCU is in the midst of a massive overhaul of its television and streaming business that has resulted in the departure of several top executives including Chris McCumber, Dawn Olmstead and Bill McGoldrick. Additionally, Paul Telegedy and Meredith Ahr were fired over multiple accusations of bad workplace behavior and for fostering a toxic work environment.
NBCU has already filled Olmstead’s position as president of Universal Content Productions,...
Less than 5% of the staff is impacted by the cuts, an individual familiar with the situation told TheWrap, who added that it was less than 100 people. However, further layoffs will be coming early next year that will primarily affect Susan Rovner’s Entertainment Programming unit. NBCU instituted earlier staff cuts in August across its cable networks, broadcast, the movie studio and theme parks businesses
NBCU is in the midst of a massive overhaul of its television and streaming business that has resulted in the departure of several top executives including Chris McCumber, Dawn Olmstead and Bill McGoldrick. Additionally, Paul Telegedy and Meredith Ahr were fired over multiple accusations of bad workplace behavior and for fostering a toxic work environment.
NBCU has already filled Olmstead’s position as president of Universal Content Productions,...
- 11/18/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Longtime programming exec Bill McGoldrick is leaving NBCUniversal after spending the better part of more than 20 years at the company and its predecessors.
McGoldrick’s departure comes amid a restructuring of NBCUniversal’s television and streaming content teams under new programming chief Susan Rovner, who on Tuesday unveiled her new leadership team. In his own memo to staff, McGoldrick wrote, “As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed. That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.”
Most recently, McGoldrick served as head of programming for Peacock, the NBCU direct-to-consumer streaming service that launched earlier this year. Under a broader restructuring that began in August, NBCU has been combining its programming operations for streaming, broadcasting and cable.
McGoldrick’s...
McGoldrick’s departure comes amid a restructuring of NBCUniversal’s television and streaming content teams under new programming chief Susan Rovner, who on Tuesday unveiled her new leadership team. In his own memo to staff, McGoldrick wrote, “As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed. That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.”
Most recently, McGoldrick served as head of programming for Peacock, the NBCU direct-to-consumer streaming service that launched earlier this year. Under a broader restructuring that began in August, NBCU has been combining its programming operations for streaming, broadcasting and cable.
McGoldrick’s...
- 11/17/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Five weeks after joining NBCUniversal, Susan Rovner has put her stamp on the company’s TV and streaming division by setting her programming leadership team.
The main takeaways from the reshuffle, which Rovner shared via an internal memo, are Lisa Katz becoming President of Scripted Content and Rovner splitting the unscripted portfolio between reality shows and competition formats/game shows.
Interestingly, five of the six execs named to the leadership are women.
The latest reshuffle, which follows the restructure by Television and Streaming chairman Mark Lazarus, has led to the departure of Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer.
McGoldrick, who most recently oversaw original content for Peacock and scripted series across its cable group, is the latest top exec to exit NBCUni. On Monday, it was revealed that NBC’s Co-President of Scripted Programming Tracey Pakosta was moving to Netflix to become Head of Comedy,...
The main takeaways from the reshuffle, which Rovner shared via an internal memo, are Lisa Katz becoming President of Scripted Content and Rovner splitting the unscripted portfolio between reality shows and competition formats/game shows.
Interestingly, five of the six execs named to the leadership are women.
The latest reshuffle, which follows the restructure by Television and Streaming chairman Mark Lazarus, has led to the departure of Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer.
McGoldrick, who most recently oversaw original content for Peacock and scripted series across its cable group, is the latest top exec to exit NBCUni. On Monday, it was revealed that NBC’s Co-President of Scripted Programming Tracey Pakosta was moving to Netflix to become Head of Comedy,...
- 11/17/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Just a little more than a month after officially joining NBCUniversal as the entertainment giant’s television and streaming chief, Susan Rovner has set her leadership team, a move that includes making Lisa Katz sole head of scripted content and splitting unscripted into two units.
In an internal note to staff, Rovner started off by writing that she has spent the past month getting to know the organization, its employees and “watching A Lot of television.”
“I accepted this role because Jeff Shell’s and Mark Lazarus’ vision for this new organization was so compelling that it became undeniable,” wrote Rovner. “Spending these past few weeks with the people charged with executing that vision – not only Jeff [Shell] and Mark [Lazarus], but also Frances [Berwick], Matt [Strauss] and their leadership teams – have given me great confidence that together we’re going to be able to fulfill on that promise of building an unrivaled home...
In an internal note to staff, Rovner started off by writing that she has spent the past month getting to know the organization, its employees and “watching A Lot of television.”
“I accepted this role because Jeff Shell’s and Mark Lazarus’ vision for this new organization was so compelling that it became undeniable,” wrote Rovner. “Spending these past few weeks with the people charged with executing that vision – not only Jeff [Shell] and Mark [Lazarus], but also Frances [Berwick], Matt [Strauss] and their leadership teams – have given me great confidence that together we’re going to be able to fulfill on that promise of building an unrivaled home...
- 11/17/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Bill McGoldrick is departing his post as President, Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer. He just informed his staff of his exit in an email.
“As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed,” he wrote. “That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.” (You can read the full letter below).
McGoldrick, a well liked executive within and outside NBCU, is the latest top-level veteran NBCU TV executive to leave in the last couple of months as the company’s Television and Streaming division, run by Mark Lazarus, underwent a reorganization.
The first announcement in August, in which Lazarus unveiled the new centralized structure, included the exit of NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy as all NBCU English-language linear...
“As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed,” he wrote. “That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.” (You can read the full letter below).
McGoldrick, a well liked executive within and outside NBCU, is the latest top-level veteran NBCU TV executive to leave in the last couple of months as the company’s Television and Streaming division, run by Mark Lazarus, underwent a reorganization.
The first announcement in August, in which Lazarus unveiled the new centralized structure, included the exit of NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy as all NBCU English-language linear...
- 11/17/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Susan Rovner is setting her leadership team a month into her tenure as chairman of entertainment programming at NBCUniversal.
As part of the continued reorganization at NBCU this year, Bill McGoldrick will depart the company where he’s served as president of original content for NBCU’s entertainment networks and direct-to-consumer.
Lisa Katz will assume all oversight of scripted content development as president of scripted content. Katz had serves as co-president of scripted programming along with Tracey Pakosta, who is leaving to join Netflix as its head of comedy development. Katz will also oversee current programming casting.
Unscripted development is being broken into two parts. Rod Aissa will oversee all lifestyle and documentary programming, while Jenny Groom will head up reality and talent competition, as well as game show formats.
Tracie Wilson will continue to run NBCU’s syndication programming like “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and Katie Hockmeyer will retain oversight of late night programming.
As part of the continued reorganization at NBCU this year, Bill McGoldrick will depart the company where he’s served as president of original content for NBCU’s entertainment networks and direct-to-consumer.
Lisa Katz will assume all oversight of scripted content development as president of scripted content. Katz had serves as co-president of scripted programming along with Tracey Pakosta, who is leaving to join Netflix as its head of comedy development. Katz will also oversee current programming casting.
Unscripted development is being broken into two parts. Rod Aissa will oversee all lifestyle and documentary programming, while Jenny Groom will head up reality and talent competition, as well as game show formats.
Tracie Wilson will continue to run NBCU’s syndication programming like “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and Katie Hockmeyer will retain oversight of late night programming.
- 11/17/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Bill McGoldrick, the well-respected head of programming at Peacock, USA Network and Syfy, is leaving NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring.
The executive, who oversaw both scripted and unscripted programming for the streamer and pair of basic cable networks, announced his departure in a memo to staff Tuesday that came alongside news that NBCUniversal chairman of entertainment Susan Rovner had selected her senior leadership team. (Read McGoldrick’s memo to staff, below.)
Sources say McGoldrick campaigned for a role at the company that would have kept him exclusively focused on streamer Peacock. With NBCUniversal consolidating entertainment programming under ...
The executive, who oversaw both scripted and unscripted programming for the streamer and pair of basic cable networks, announced his departure in a memo to staff Tuesday that came alongside news that NBCUniversal chairman of entertainment Susan Rovner had selected her senior leadership team. (Read McGoldrick’s memo to staff, below.)
Sources say McGoldrick campaigned for a role at the company that would have kept him exclusively focused on streamer Peacock. With NBCUniversal consolidating entertainment programming under ...
- 11/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Bill McGoldrick, the well-respected head of programming at Peacock, USA Network and Syfy, is leaving NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring.
The executive, who oversaw both scripted and unscripted programming for the streamer and pair of basic cable networks, announced his departure in a memo to staff Tuesday that came alongside news that NBCUniversal chairman of entertainment Susan Rovner had selected her senior leadership team. (Read McGoldrick’s memo to staff, below.)
Sources say McGoldrick campaigned for a role at the company that would have kept him exclusively focused on streamer Peacock. With NBCUniversal consolidating entertainment programming under ...
The executive, who oversaw both scripted and unscripted programming for the streamer and pair of basic cable networks, announced his departure in a memo to staff Tuesday that came alongside news that NBCUniversal chairman of entertainment Susan Rovner had selected her senior leadership team. (Read McGoldrick’s memo to staff, below.)
Sources say McGoldrick campaigned for a role at the company that would have kept him exclusively focused on streamer Peacock. With NBCUniversal consolidating entertainment programming under ...
- 11/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Dick Wolf’s groundbreaking 1990s cop drama New York Undercover is making a return.
NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock is in negotiations for a new incarnation of New York Undercover, which is expected to receive a series commitment, we have learned. It hails from former The Chi showrunner Ayanna Floyd Davis, Dick Wolf and Universal Television where the company is based.
Written by Floyd Davis, the new series is described as re-examination of the original, reflecting the current times. It is picking up 20 years after the end of the original series that changed the face of TV cop dramas.
Floyd, who will serve as showrunner, executive produces with Wolf Entertainment’s Wolf, Peter Jankowski and Arthur Forney. Uni TV, part of Universal Studio Group, produces in association with Wolf Entertainment.
The original 1994 series, which aired for four seasons on Fox, starred Malik Yoba and Michael DeLorenzo as undercover detectives,...
NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock is in negotiations for a new incarnation of New York Undercover, which is expected to receive a series commitment, we have learned. It hails from former The Chi showrunner Ayanna Floyd Davis, Dick Wolf and Universal Television where the company is based.
Written by Floyd Davis, the new series is described as re-examination of the original, reflecting the current times. It is picking up 20 years after the end of the original series that changed the face of TV cop dramas.
Floyd, who will serve as showrunner, executive produces with Wolf Entertainment’s Wolf, Peter Jankowski and Arthur Forney. Uni TV, part of Universal Studio Group, produces in association with Wolf Entertainment.
The original 1994 series, which aired for four seasons on Fox, starred Malik Yoba and Michael DeLorenzo as undercover detectives,...
- 10/23/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Susan Rovner has officially started her new role as Chairman, Entertainment Content for NBCUniversal’s Television and Streaming division.
The exec, whose last day as President of Warner Bros Television was Friday, takes over today in charge of creative strategy across all of NBCU’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms as well as first-run syndication.
Working alongside Frances Berwick, who was promoted to Chairman, Entertainment Networks, in the company’s recent reshuffle that also led to the departure of Paul Telegdy, she will report to Television and Streaming Chairman Mark Lazarus.
Rovner will be in charge of programming across NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids, USA and Peacock and will oversee the teams in charge of development and current programming for scripted, unscripted, late night and specials as well as the first-run syndication unit, which produces seven programs including The Kelly Clarkson Show.
In the head-of-content role, she is...
The exec, whose last day as President of Warner Bros Television was Friday, takes over today in charge of creative strategy across all of NBCU’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms as well as first-run syndication.
Working alongside Frances Berwick, who was promoted to Chairman, Entertainment Networks, in the company’s recent reshuffle that also led to the departure of Paul Telegdy, she will report to Television and Streaming Chairman Mark Lazarus.
Rovner will be in charge of programming across NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids, USA and Peacock and will oversee the teams in charge of development and current programming for scripted, unscripted, late night and specials as well as the first-run syndication unit, which produces seven programs including The Kelly Clarkson Show.
In the head-of-content role, she is...
- 10/5/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Telegdy is exiting his post as NBC Entertainment chairman as NBCUniversal today unveiled the new centralized structure under Mark Lazarus, Chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. It includes a larger role for Lifestyle Networks president Frances Berwick.
As expected, the reorganization is consolidating all NBCU English-language linear networks into one group, overseen by Berwick on the business side and an executive to be named later on the programming side.
Word is that NBCU is looking at candidates internally and externally for the job. One possible scenario that has been buzzed about involves Bill McGoldrick, currently President, Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, potentially adding NBC programming oversight.
Telegdy’s departure comes a week after he became the subject of an internal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct. In June, he also was named in a discrimination action by Gabrielle Union over her firing from America’s Got Talent.
Joining...
As expected, the reorganization is consolidating all NBCU English-language linear networks into one group, overseen by Berwick on the business side and an executive to be named later on the programming side.
Word is that NBCU is looking at candidates internally and externally for the job. One possible scenario that has been buzzed about involves Bill McGoldrick, currently President, Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, potentially adding NBC programming oversight.
Telegdy’s departure comes a week after he became the subject of an internal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct. In June, he also was named in a discrimination action by Gabrielle Union over her firing from America’s Got Talent.
Joining...
- 8/6/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal is stepping up efforts to reorganize its top leadership structure with the goal of streamlining content and programming operations as it prepares for significant layoffs across the company.
At the same time, NBCU is poised to launch an investigation into allegations that NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy has made racist, sexist and homophobic statements and questionable behaviors that have alienated some employees.
Multiple sources close to the situation said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s VP of local language originals and an NBCU alumnus, was approached within the last month by senior NBCU executives about taking a job that would have involved oversight of the NBC broadcast network as well as other cablers in the NBCU fold including USA Network, Syfy and Bravo. Bajaria is understood to have turned down the overture. She declined to comment on the matter late Monday.
The approach to Bajaria underscores the focus of newly appointed...
At the same time, NBCU is poised to launch an investigation into allegations that NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy has made racist, sexist and homophobic statements and questionable behaviors that have alienated some employees.
Multiple sources close to the situation said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s VP of local language originals and an NBCU alumnus, was approached within the last month by senior NBCU executives about taking a job that would have involved oversight of the NBC broadcast network as well as other cablers in the NBCU fold including USA Network, Syfy and Bravo. Bajaria is understood to have turned down the overture. She declined to comment on the matter late Monday.
The approach to Bajaria underscores the focus of newly appointed...
- 8/4/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Peacock is developing a teen comedy drama about Black teenagers in L.A. from Real Husbands of Hollywood creator Chris Spencer and Grown-ish writer Chad Sanders.
How To Survive Inglewood is created and written by by the pair, who will exec produce alongside Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary of Revelations Entertainment. Matt Milkovich is producing for Revelations Entertainment
Ucp, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio.
The comedy drama follows Black teenagers trying to get through the absurd, treacherous, and embarrassing obstacles that come with adolescence. After moving from the suburbs to Inglewood, the Sanders family will find that teenage years are universally magical, confusing, scary, and hormonal, but in this new environment, the emotional swings are crazier because the stakes are higher.
Chris Spencer and Chad Sanders (left) were recently set to write the Universal Pictures-Will Packer Productions sports drama One and Done.
The project...
How To Survive Inglewood is created and written by by the pair, who will exec produce alongside Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary of Revelations Entertainment. Matt Milkovich is producing for Revelations Entertainment
Ucp, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio.
The comedy drama follows Black teenagers trying to get through the absurd, treacherous, and embarrassing obstacles that come with adolescence. After moving from the suburbs to Inglewood, the Sanders family will find that teenage years are universally magical, confusing, scary, and hormonal, but in this new environment, the emotional swings are crazier because the stakes are higher.
Chris Spencer and Chad Sanders (left) were recently set to write the Universal Pictures-Will Packer Productions sports drama One and Done.
The project...
- 7/30/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Bill McGoldrick has spent the past year crafting a roster of original programming for NBCUniversal's upstart streaming service Peacock.
He greenlit a new Battlestar Galactica to pair with Ron Moore's beloved former Syfy series; ordered a new comedy from Mike Schur to live alongside his cult comedy Parks and Recreation; and ordered up a modern update on Saved by the Bell. But McGoldrick's plan to unveil his array of originals at launch, accompanied by coverage of the 2020 Olympics, went out the window when the novel coronavirus pandemic brought the industry to a production standstill.
Now, McGoldrick — an ...
He greenlit a new Battlestar Galactica to pair with Ron Moore's beloved former Syfy series; ordered a new comedy from Mike Schur to live alongside his cult comedy Parks and Recreation; and ordered up a modern update on Saved by the Bell. But McGoldrick's plan to unveil his array of originals at launch, accompanied by coverage of the 2020 Olympics, went out the window when the novel coronavirus pandemic brought the industry to a production standstill.
Now, McGoldrick — an ...
- 7/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: In his first foray into the premium TV series marketplace, uber producer Dick Wolf is prepping American Babylon, a period drama chronicling the epic story of the creation of Las Vegas – the American Dream written in blood and neon. He has partnered on the project with long-time collaborator Tom Thayer, Pulitzer Prize winner and The Pacific writer Robert Schenkkan and The Pacific creator Bruce C. McKenna.
The marquee pitch, from Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, will be taken out to premium cable networks and streamers later this month.
Created by Schenkkan and written by him and McKenna, American Babylon is inspired by “The Money and the Power: The Making of Las Vegas and Its Hold on America“ by Sally Denton & Roger Morris, to which Universal Television has acquired the rights.
It chronicles the rise of Las Vegas through the intersecting struggles of three families: Young mobster Sammy Wise and his iron-willed wife,...
The marquee pitch, from Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, will be taken out to premium cable networks and streamers later this month.
Created by Schenkkan and written by him and McKenna, American Babylon is inspired by “The Money and the Power: The Making of Las Vegas and Its Hold on America“ by Sally Denton & Roger Morris, to which Universal Television has acquired the rights.
It chronicles the rise of Las Vegas through the intersecting struggles of three families: Young mobster Sammy Wise and his iron-willed wife,...
- 7/13/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Amber Ruffin has become a breakout star thanks to her appearances on Late Night With Seth Meyers during quarantine.
This included the writer and performer taking over the top of the NBC late-night show during the Black Lives Matters protests, detailing her own run-ins with police.
So, it’s no surprise that NBCU streamer Peacock is keen to get her own late-night show, The Amber Ruffin Show, up and running as quickly as possible.
Meyers, who is an exec producer on the show, which was originally unveiled as part of Peacock’s first tranche of original programming, told Deadline, “It’s hard to say what’s going to happen in the fall but we’re still very hopeful that you’re going to get to see it sooner rather than later.”
Bill McGoldrick, Peacock’s President of Original Content at NBCU Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, reiterated this. “We are trying...
This included the writer and performer taking over the top of the NBC late-night show during the Black Lives Matters protests, detailing her own run-ins with police.
So, it’s no surprise that NBCU streamer Peacock is keen to get her own late-night show, The Amber Ruffin Show, up and running as quickly as possible.
Meyers, who is an exec producer on the show, which was originally unveiled as part of Peacock’s first tranche of original programming, told Deadline, “It’s hard to say what’s going to happen in the fall but we’re still very hopeful that you’re going to get to see it sooner rather than later.”
Bill McGoldrick, Peacock’s President of Original Content at NBCU Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, reiterated this. “We are trying...
- 7/13/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Matt Strauss, a veteran Comcast exec who took the helm of NBCUniversal streaming service Peacock last fall, knew one thing for certain when he started: He wasn’t creating a copycat offering.
“TV tends to be very dynamic,” he told Deadline in an interview ahead of Peacock’s July 15 nationwide expansion. “It’s current. It’s social. Many streaming services feel more like a casino. There’s no sense of time or place.”
Emphasizing live and timely programming “plays to our strengths. Why not go broader with the ambition of not limiting ourselves to just movies and TV and kids? Why not lean into sports or news or reality?” Peacock will seek to do that with features like a “channels” tab on the home screen, which pulls up an on-screen programming guide highlighting programming tied to networks, show brands and talent. Another element is a “trending” section, which points users...
“TV tends to be very dynamic,” he told Deadline in an interview ahead of Peacock’s July 15 nationwide expansion. “It’s current. It’s social. Many streaming services feel more like a casino. There’s no sense of time or place.”
Emphasizing live and timely programming “plays to our strengths. Why not go broader with the ambition of not limiting ourselves to just movies and TV and kids? Why not lean into sports or news or reality?” Peacock will seek to do that with features like a “channels” tab on the home screen, which pulls up an on-screen programming guide highlighting programming tied to networks, show brands and talent. Another element is a “trending” section, which points users...
- 7/12/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock’s marquee library offering, The Office, is coming to the platform in January 2021. It is expected to make a splash, with the streamer planning a campaign around the event. An Office reboot is not part of the plans.
“Because it does not launch until January, we have not talked specifically about The Office reboots for Peacock; we’ve talked about things we can do to support The Office once it gets to our service but a reboot has not come up specifically for Peacock,” Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline during an interview tied to Peacock’s July 15 launch.
NBCU last year acquired streaming rights to NBC’s The Office for $500+ million, taking it away from Netflix where the series starring Steve Carell has flourished. Another hugely popular TV comedy that moved away Netflix with a blockbuster deal, Friends, was slated to...
“Because it does not launch until January, we have not talked specifically about The Office reboots for Peacock; we’ve talked about things we can do to support The Office once it gets to our service but a reboot has not come up specifically for Peacock,” Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline during an interview tied to Peacock’s July 15 launch.
NBCU last year acquired streaming rights to NBC’s The Office for $500+ million, taking it away from Netflix where the series starring Steve Carell has flourished. Another hugely popular TV comedy that moved away Netflix with a blockbuster deal, Friends, was slated to...
- 7/10/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
At the start of the year, Peacock closed a mega deal for the majority of Dick Wolf’s library including the Law & Order and Chicago franchises.
A month later, the uber producer signed a huge nine-figure deal spanning broadcast and streaming that will keep him at sibling Universal Television for at least five years.
So, it’s no surprise that NBCU’s streamer is looking to do originals with the New York-born creator.
Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCU Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline that it is currently in conversations with Wolf about his first project for the streaming service, which launches nationwide on July 15.
“We definitely want to do something with Dick Wolf but we haven’t landed on a specific show yet,” he said.
McGoldrick was coy about what that show might be, but we hear two possibilities that are on the table are...
A month later, the uber producer signed a huge nine-figure deal spanning broadcast and streaming that will keep him at sibling Universal Television for at least five years.
So, it’s no surprise that NBCU’s streamer is looking to do originals with the New York-born creator.
Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCU Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline that it is currently in conversations with Wolf about his first project for the streaming service, which launches nationwide on July 15.
“We definitely want to do something with Dick Wolf but we haven’t landed on a specific show yet,” he said.
McGoldrick was coy about what that show might be, but we hear two possibilities that are on the table are...
- 7/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The reboot of Battlestar Galactica is one of Peacock’s big drama bets and the NBCU streamer’s originals chief says that the sci-fi drama is “progressing nicely.”
Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCU Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline that the company is hot on the project, which is being led by Little Drummer Girl showrunner Michael Lesslie.
“I have seen an outline that we’re excited about,” he said.” “It’s obviously a big undertaking and we’re aware of the importance of that IP and we’re being pretty deliberate but it’s progressing nicely.”
McGoldrick admitted that Battlestar Galactica “comes with a great deal of responsibility” and “we want to do it great service”.
Deadline understands that Lesslie is currently writing the draft script and is expected to deliver that to McGoldrick and his team in the next couple of months. Then Lesslie is...
Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCU Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline that the company is hot on the project, which is being led by Little Drummer Girl showrunner Michael Lesslie.
“I have seen an outline that we’re excited about,” he said.” “It’s obviously a big undertaking and we’re aware of the importance of that IP and we’re being pretty deliberate but it’s progressing nicely.”
McGoldrick admitted that Battlestar Galactica “comes with a great deal of responsibility” and “we want to do it great service”.
Deadline understands that Lesslie is currently writing the draft script and is expected to deliver that to McGoldrick and his team in the next couple of months. Then Lesslie is...
- 7/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the handful of originals that will launch NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming platform is Psych 2: Lassie Come Home. The second Psych followup movie, reuniting the cast and the creative auspices of the long-running USA Network crime dramedy, had been originally commissioned by USA but was shifted to Peacock. There, it may be be followed by more standalone films.
“The Psych movie we are very excited about; people are buzzing about being able to see it on the service,” Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline during an interview tied to Peacock’s July 15 launch. “We are going to see how this movie performs but we’ve loved the collaboration, we are going to be in constant conversation with that group, and we are open to talking about more.”
Also making more Psych original movies a strong proposition is the strength of the Psych library,...
“The Psych movie we are very excited about; people are buzzing about being able to see it on the service,” Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline during an interview tied to Peacock’s July 15 launch. “We are going to see how this movie performs but we’ve loved the collaboration, we are going to be in constant conversation with that group, and we are open to talking about more.”
Also making more Psych original movies a strong proposition is the strength of the Psych library,...
- 7/10/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock, NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, launches nationwide July 15 with originals including an adaptation of Brave New World, the original movie Psych 2 and a number of British titles.
Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCU Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, would have hoped that he and his team would have had a few more originals at launch, including reboots of Saved By the Bell and Punky Brewster, but these were curtailed by Covid-19.
In an interview with Deadline, McGoldrick and President of Content Acquisition and Strategy Frances Manfredi lay out the nascent platform’s content strategy, its comedy push, what shows tested well during its three-month cable trial and which A-list creatives it is targeting to work with.
The service has been available to Comcast Xfinity Flex customers since the beginning of May and McGoldrick and Manfredi revealed that some of its strongest performers include the Kevin Costner cowboy drama Yellowstone,...
Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCU Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, would have hoped that he and his team would have had a few more originals at launch, including reboots of Saved By the Bell and Punky Brewster, but these were curtailed by Covid-19.
In an interview with Deadline, McGoldrick and President of Content Acquisition and Strategy Frances Manfredi lay out the nascent platform’s content strategy, its comedy push, what shows tested well during its three-month cable trial and which A-list creatives it is targeting to work with.
The service has been available to Comcast Xfinity Flex customers since the beginning of May and McGoldrick and Manfredi revealed that some of its strongest performers include the Kevin Costner cowboy drama Yellowstone,...
- 7/9/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“Brave New World” and “Psych 2: Lassie Come Home” are among the original projects that will premiere on Peacock when NBCUniversal’s streaming service launches nationally on July 15.
NBCUniversal announced on Tuesday that a variety of original projects will be hitting the streaming service when the platform launches. The other original Peacock series that will be available at launch are “The Capture,” “Intelligence,” and “Lost Speedways.” The children’s-focused “Cleopatra in Space” and “Where’s Waldo?” will also be available at launch, as will the sports documentary “In Deep with Ryan Lochte.” All first season episodes of those series will be available at launch, indicating that Peacock will eschew the weekly release format of recently-released streaming services such as Disney+ and Apple TV+.
Of particular note is that the full seasons of the aforementioned releases will only be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Select episodes of Peacock’s original series will...
NBCUniversal announced on Tuesday that a variety of original projects will be hitting the streaming service when the platform launches. The other original Peacock series that will be available at launch are “The Capture,” “Intelligence,” and “Lost Speedways.” The children’s-focused “Cleopatra in Space” and “Where’s Waldo?” will also be available at launch, as will the sports documentary “In Deep with Ryan Lochte.” All first season episodes of those series will be available at launch, indicating that Peacock will eschew the weekly release format of recently-released streaming services such as Disney+ and Apple TV+.
Of particular note is that the full seasons of the aforementioned releases will only be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Select episodes of Peacock’s original series will...
- 5/15/2020
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
When Peacock opens to consumers, it will have a wealth of original content.
NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, today announced its original content that will be available to stream on July 15, 2020, when the service launches nationally.
Peacock Premium customers can stream all first season episodes of Brave New World, The Capture, Intelligence and Lost Speedways; sports documentary In Deep with Ryan Lochte; and the entire full-length film Psych 2: Lassie Come Home on July 15.
Additionally, Peacock Kids is home to new episodes of Curious George and two original series from DreamWorks Animation: Cleopatra in Space and Where’s Waldo?.
Premiere dates for future Peacock Originals and exclusive content will be announced later this year.
“Our variety of Peacock Originals at launch demonstrates how we deliver timely and timeless content – no matter the genre or format,” said Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, Peacock.
“We’re proud to establish our voice...
NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, today announced its original content that will be available to stream on July 15, 2020, when the service launches nationally.
Peacock Premium customers can stream all first season episodes of Brave New World, The Capture, Intelligence and Lost Speedways; sports documentary In Deep with Ryan Lochte; and the entire full-length film Psych 2: Lassie Come Home on July 15.
Additionally, Peacock Kids is home to new episodes of Curious George and two original series from DreamWorks Animation: Cleopatra in Space and Where’s Waldo?.
Premiere dates for future Peacock Originals and exclusive content will be announced later this year.
“Our variety of Peacock Originals at launch demonstrates how we deliver timely and timeless content – no matter the genre or format,” said Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, Peacock.
“We’re proud to establish our voice...
- 5/14/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
NBCUniversal’s new streaming service Peacock has unveiled the list of original series and movies that will be available when the platform rolls out nationwide July 15.
This first wave of Peacock originals include the streamer’s “Brave New World” adaptation, the “Psych” movie sequel “Psych 2: Lassie Come Home,” new drama “The Capture,” David Schwimmer workplace comedy “Intelligence,” the documentary film “In Deep with Ryan Lochte,” unscripted series “Lost Speedways,” and kids’ shows “Cleopatra in Space,” “Where’s Waldo?” and “Curious George.”
Premiere dates for future Peacock originals will be announced later this year, according to the streaming service.
“Our variety of Peacock Originals at launch demonstrates how we deliver timely and timeless content – no matter the genre or format,” Peacock’s president of original content Bill McGoldrick said in a statement. “We’re proud to establish our voice and are excited to build on our strategy to attract a wide audience to Peacock.
This first wave of Peacock originals include the streamer’s “Brave New World” adaptation, the “Psych” movie sequel “Psych 2: Lassie Come Home,” new drama “The Capture,” David Schwimmer workplace comedy “Intelligence,” the documentary film “In Deep with Ryan Lochte,” unscripted series “Lost Speedways,” and kids’ shows “Cleopatra in Space,” “Where’s Waldo?” and “Curious George.”
Premiere dates for future Peacock originals will be announced later this year, according to the streaming service.
“Our variety of Peacock Originals at launch demonstrates how we deliver timely and timeless content – no matter the genre or format,” Peacock’s president of original content Bill McGoldrick said in a statement. “We’re proud to establish our voice and are excited to build on our strategy to attract a wide audience to Peacock.
- 5/14/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Peacock, NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, has set its opening slate of original content that will be available on its July 15 launch. It includes all first season episodes of Brave New World, The Capture, Intelligence and Lost Speedways; sports documentary In Deep with Ryan Lochte; and feature-length film Psych 2: Lassie Come Home. Additionally, Peacock Kids will feature new episodes of Curious George and two original series from DreamWorks Animation: Cleopatra in Space and Where’s Waldo?. Premiere dates for future Peacock Originals and exclusive content will be announced later this year.
“Our variety of Peacock Originals at launch demonstrates how we deliver timely and timeless content – no matter the genre or format,” said Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, Peacock. “We’re proud to establish our voice and are excited to build on our strategy to attract a wide audience to Peacock.”
The full slate follows below.
Drama
Brave...
“Our variety of Peacock Originals at launch demonstrates how we deliver timely and timeless content – no matter the genre or format,” said Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, Peacock. “We’re proud to establish our voice and are excited to build on our strategy to attract a wide audience to Peacock.”
The full slate follows below.
Drama
Brave...
- 5/14/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
With the coronavirus pandemic forcing production on many scripted and un-scripted series to shutter, there were plenty wondering precisely how many original feathers NBCU’s Peacock would be able to launch with, especially after chairman Matt Strauss said the bulk of the streaming service’s originals slate had been pushed to 2021.
The service has now answered that question, announcing which originals will be available upon its July 15 launch. Headlining the list is the series adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” which is set to star “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and “Hail, Caesar!” vet Alden Ehrenreich, “Downton Abbey” alum Jessica Brown Findlay, and Harry Lloyd.
In addition, subscribers to the new service will be able to watch the first seasons of international thriller “The Capture,” David Schwimmer comedy “Intelligence,” sports documentary “In Deep with Ryan Lochte,” and the feature “Psych 2: Lassie Come Home” when the streamer launches.
The service has now answered that question, announcing which originals will be available upon its July 15 launch. Headlining the list is the series adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” which is set to star “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and “Hail, Caesar!” vet Alden Ehrenreich, “Downton Abbey” alum Jessica Brown Findlay, and Harry Lloyd.
In addition, subscribers to the new service will be able to watch the first seasons of international thriller “The Capture,” David Schwimmer comedy “Intelligence,” sports documentary “In Deep with Ryan Lochte,” and the feature “Psych 2: Lassie Come Home” when the streamer launches.
- 5/14/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is hatching a new short-form series called “The At-Home Variety Show.”
Beginning Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. Et, the series will stream every weekday for four weeks. “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane will introduce each segment, which will generally be under 10 minutes and will feature performances from NBCU stars including Jane Lynch, Soleil Moon-Frye, Fred Armisen, Kevin Hart and more.
Peacock will donate funds to the Feeding America, Americares and United Way charities, which are helping those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, including essential workers. Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the charities via Peacock’s website.
Also Read: NBC's Peacock Will Have an Xbox One App
“We are excited to stream ‘The At-Home Variety Show’ on Peacock,” said Bill McGoldrick, president of original content at Peacock. “Peacock’s launch coincides with a moment in our history when connection, community and content are more important than ever.
Beginning Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. Et, the series will stream every weekday for four weeks. “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane will introduce each segment, which will generally be under 10 minutes and will feature performances from NBCU stars including Jane Lynch, Soleil Moon-Frye, Fred Armisen, Kevin Hart and more.
Peacock will donate funds to the Feeding America, Americares and United Way charities, which are helping those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, including essential workers. Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the charities via Peacock’s website.
Also Read: NBC's Peacock Will Have an Xbox One App
“We are excited to stream ‘The At-Home Variety Show’ on Peacock,” said Bill McGoldrick, president of original content at Peacock. “Peacock’s launch coincides with a moment in our history when connection, community and content are more important than ever.
- 5/11/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
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