As I delve into the captivating lives of these esteemed TV producers, I find myself utterly awestruck by the sheer magnitude of their accomplishments. Jennie Snyder Urman, with her uncanny ability to breathe new life into classic IP and elevate it to prestige status, stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the industry. Her knack for pushing boundaries and delivering fresh twists on familiar tales is nothing short of inspiring.
Inquire anyone on television about the current business climate, and they’d likely respond with a strained smile similar to that grinning face emoji. It’s tough these days. The optimism following the strike has wilted under the financial strain of Hollywood. Securing a series order or renewal has seldom been as challenging as it is now.
2024 has been an exciting year for gaming and entertainment, with unexpected hits like FX’s Emmy-breaking Shogun and Amazon’s Fallout dominating the scene. Even broadcast networks are catching viewers’ attention again, thanks to stars like Kathy Bates and Joshua Jackson!
Indeed, resolving existential crises can be challenging due to their complex nature. However, some short-term strategies that many showrunners advocate include:
Indeed, we’re still very much alive in the game! There’s a strong argument for optimism across all major players in this year’s group of around 50 influencers in TV production. They discuss the future of television while expressing their views on projects they’ve been unable to sell, how they plan to navigate election night tension, and the ongoing debate about whether comedies should focus more on being amusing.
Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky
In May, Max’s “Hacks” resumed after a two-year hiatus as if no time had elapsed. The third season of this comedy series penned by a talented trio generated the same level of excitement as before, leading to a swift renewal and an impressive feat at the 2024 Emmys – overtaking the long-standing “The Bear” in the best comedy category. Aniello, Downs, and Statsky also received the writing award for their genre, while Jean Smart, the show’s star, used her acceptance speech for best actress to poke fun at our collective bewilderment regarding the ever-changing name of the platform on which the series is aired.
One of my most cherished Saturday Night Live sketches is…
Aniello “Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of Whitney Houston.”
Downs “Kate McKinnon in ‘Close Encounters’ and Kristen Wiig as Dooneese… isn’t that great?
Here’s a suggestion for rephrasing your text using more conversational language:
“I’m eagerly anticipating the go-ahead for ‘Mr. Big’, the script we penned prior to ‘Hacks’. Let’s get in touch with our representatives!”
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss and Alexander Woo
With Woo as part of their team, they finally produced a sequel to the popular series “Game of Thrones”. Titled “3 Body Problem“, this Netflix original series, reportedly the most expensive at $20 million per episode, garnered generally positive reviews, a surprising Emmy nomination for Best Drama, and an impressive 52 million views on Netflix. The streamer announced plans for two more seasons to wrap up the show, while Benioff and Weiss are also slated to produce another upcoming Netflix series, “Death by Lightning”, a drama about the assassination of James Garfield.
What I recently watched that left me feeling envious was:
Why is it that I can’t watch it? “I’d love to see Tumbbad, an Indian horror film.
Greg Berlanti
Following an inspiring speech at the Emmys Governors Award, Berlanti finds himself standing at a significant juncture in his career. As a prolific producer based at Warner Bros., he currently has only one active show that he created (the departing CW series Superman and Lois). However, there’s a growing trend in Berlanti’s work, as he’s increasingly focusing on producing other people’s projects (such as All American, The Girls on the Bus, and the upcoming NBC series Brilliant Minds) and even venturing into directing feature films (with July’s release of Fly Me to the Moon)).
“Overcoming writer’s block: Start writing early before your inner critic wakes up.
Danny Brocklehurst
With his successful run of adapting Harlan Coben’s series for Netflix, including “The Five,” “Safe,” “The Stranger,” “Stay Close” and the latest hit “Fool Me Once” which has garnered 108 million views so far, Brocklehurst is now attracting more interest in Hollywood. He also has upcoming projects like “Run Away” and “Missing You” from Coben, along with several writing credits from the UK and a recent venture with AMC titled “Parish.
I’d fix Hollywood by … “Making shows for lower budgets. Excellent drama can be made for less.”
“I’ve been anticipating the go-ahead for ‘Dirty’, my project destined for HBO. People seem to love the script, yet it hasn’t been produced yet.”
Quinta Brunson
Brunson’s hit TV show “Abbott Elementary” began its third season with record-breaking multiplatform viewership (6 million viewers within the first three days) and received nine Emmy nominations. As it enters its fourth season, which could potentially become more unconventional due to a crossover with “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, it continues to be the most acclaimed sitcom on television. Its creator-star is now aiming to capitalize on her popularity in movies by co-writing and starring in an upcoming Universal Pictures comedy titled “Par for the Course”.
On election night, I’ll be … “On my second martini of the day.”
The last thing I watched that made me jealous “Agatha All Along.”
Joanna Calo and Christopher Storer
Although the response to season three of “The Bear” might not have been as intense as that for seasons one and two, and yes, losing out on a comedy award must have stung, these are issues that come with success. The FX on Hulu comedy created by Storer and written by Calo remains Hulu’s most-watched half-hour series and is widely regarded as the industry’s favorite show heading into its fourth and potentially final season. With a record number of Emmy nominations, it bagged nine awards this year. Storer is set to release “The Lincoln Highway” in features, while Calo spent her recent break working on rewrites for Marvel’s high-stakes “Thunderbolts”.
As a gamer, one of my all-time favorite SNL sketches goes like this:
Calo “Meeting Dr. Steven Poop: ‘Okay, chuckle at his name, but this is the dude who could potentially be your kid’s miracle worker.’
Calo “Watching the girls from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City take a trip to Milwaukee made me envious, especially considering how much fun it’d be to grab a cold one with Heather.
Ryan Condal
Despite occasional criticism from fans and fellow creators like George R.R. Martin – “Why don’t you focus on finishing the books, George?” being a common remark – Condal’s achievements since taking control of the Game of Thrones franchise are difficult to fault. The second season of House of the Dragon garnered over 25 million viewers combined on HBO and Max, with its creator now dividing his time between executing season three as part of a four-season plan and producing the sister spinoff titled The Hedge Knight.
“Breaking My Writer’s Block: The Challenging Audience of 2,500 Crew Members.
Mickey Down and Konrad Kay
The void in our hearts left by “Succession” remains unfillable, yet an increasing number of critics are praising “Industry” as the most effective soother for this collective sorrow. Prior to delivering HBO their darkly comedic investment-banking drama, Duane and Kay were relatively unknown. However, they have now delivered three consecutive seasons that have garnered audience growth, which has recently secured them a three-year contract at the prestigious platform and an order for season four.
Last thing I watched that made me jealous
Down “Challengers.”
Tips for Younger Me, Kay: “The highest point seems elusive. The true pinnacle lies in being right smack in the midst of it all.
One way to improve Hollywood could be “by investing in unique concepts and allowing shows to continue beyond a single season.
Michele Fazekas and Eric Kripke
The series “The Boys” has garnered Kripke significant acclaim, earning him the title of Amazon’s favorite with an impressive 55 million viewers (on Prime Video) during its summer premiere. With a fifth and concluding season in production, plans for a longer lifespan are underway, including spinoff series “Gen V” helmed by experienced writer Fazekas, as well as a new entry titled “Vought Rising”. Notably, approximately 60% of the franchise’s audience is based outside the United States, according to Amazon’s estimates.
The most recent show I saw left me feeling envious
Fazekas “I was moved by the episode of ‘The Bear’ titled ‘Forks.’ It hit me in an unexpected way, and Olivia Colman should be in everything.”
Kripke “‘Fallout.'”
Why can’t I watch it online? Fazekas “I just found out that ‘Silkwood’ is not available for streaming anywhere. You can’t even rent or buy it digitally. Can someone fix this, please?” (Hulu recently addressed Michele’s request.)
“I’m rephrasing another’s idea, but let me clarify – it’s not truly a ‘block.’ It’s more like running out of creative fuel. Fill yourself back up by seeking inspiration.”
Julian Fellowes
At age 75, the Oscar-winning screenwriter known for “Gosford Park” seems to be experiencing an incredibly productive period in his career. Not only is he responsible for a fresh new season of “Belgravia” and finishing up work on the third “Downton Abbey” movie (which, despite being a film, still has ties to TV), but he also wrote all eight episodes for the second season of the rising drama series “The Gilded Age.” Following this, Max expedited production for a third season of the critically acclaimed best drama Emmy nominee, shooting it over the summer with a planned release in 2025.
The most recent show I saw left me feeling envious was ‘The Fall’, featuring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan. I stumbled upon it quite accidentally, but it stuck with me long after. Although I admired Anderson, I only knew Dornan from ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ which wasn’t my cup of tea, but let me tell you, he has left a lasting impression! The writing, direction, and acting were all exceptional. If only I could claim it as my own masterpiece!
“The go-ahead I’ve been eagerly anticipating” “I penned a script about Lord Nelson that I found quite appealing – I still find it so – but despite coming close on several occasions, it has yet to be produced.
Dan Fogelman and John Hoffman
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel like I’ve leveled up when it comes to my favorite streaming platform, Hulu. I’m currently immersed in the role of showrunner for a five-season comedy sensation called Only Murders in the Building, which has been making waves and attracting top-tier talent such as Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, and the latest addition, Melissa McCarthy.
The most recent film that left me feeling envious of others who’ve seen it is ‘The Wild Robot’. I watched it with my son, and it was the first movie to genuinely move him. I think it’s one of the best animated films, or films in general, I’ve come across recently.
On election night, I’ll be… Hoffman “Confident in the belief that things may not be as bad as they appear, enjoying a peaceful moment in my hideout in New Zealand.
Richard Gadd
Similar to Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s acclaimed 2019 success with Fleabag, Gadd’s unexpected hit Baby Reindeer (with 87.6 million views on Netflix) brought him Emmys for acting, writing, and best miniseries. Despite a $170 million lawsuit alleging defamation over a character perceived as a thinly-veiled depiction, Netflix couldn’t resist signing Gadd to an overall deal – a significant contract that came after HBO secured the U.S. rights for Gadd’s BBC drama Lions. (This man sure seems fond of animals.)
The last conversation with an exec that made me nervous “ ‘The algorithm says …’ ”
My go-to SNL sketch is the one titled “Can I still say ‘Dick in a Box?’ If not, then it’s definitely ‘Cowbell.’ No matter what, it’s always ‘Cowbell.’
Scott Gimple and David Zabel
Under Gimple’s guidance, the Walking Dead franchise remains significant for AMC, as they now grant Netflix access to both old and new installments following their cable and in-house streaming broadcasts. In the last year, the Daryl Dixon spinoff, managed by Zabel, has garnered critical acclaim, rejuvenating the 15-year-old zombie series. Additionally, a limited series titled The Ones Who Live premiered in April, marking AMC’s most watched debut in over six years.
Here’s some advice for your younger self: Strive for balance in all aspects of life, especially while working on ‘The Walking Dead’ from season two onwards. Don’t forget to capture more moments behind the scenes.
On election night, you’ll find me enjoying some sangria at a Madrid bar, perhaps putting on a little act as if I were Canadian.
What makes a comedy … a comedy?
Gimple “Only make you cry three times a season, tops.”
Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane
As a devoted fan, I have to say that the concept of transforming a cheesy 2005 action-comedy like Mr. & Mrs. Smith into a profound exploration of contemporary relationships might not seem promising at first glance, but Donald Glover, this versatile powerhouse, has a knack for turning the impossible into reality. Together with fellow Atlanta scribe Sloane, he’s breathing fresh life into this classic tale, and it appears to have paid off quite well. Their Prime Video drama garnered an impressive 16 Emmy nominations and was granted a second season, bringing in a new set of stars to take over from Glover and Maya Erskine. Sloane, returning as showrunner, has been hard at work in the writers’ room for months now.
My recent chat with a high-ranking official left me feeling jittery as he said, “We aren’t searching for groundbreaking innovations. Can you share any intellectual property you find particularly captivating?”
Sloane’s Tip for My Younger Self
Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence and Jason Segel
Lawrence is currently peddling TV shows as if it’s still 2018, particularly for Apple TV+ where he serves as the go-to producer. He recently finished up the Vince Vaughn dramedy “Bad Monkey” on the streaming service, just a week before the October 16th return of “Shrinking” – a series he created alongside star Segel and new cast member Goldstein, which has already been renewed for a third season. It’s also worth mentioning that there are murmurs about the fourth season of “Ted Lasso,” now that writer-actor Goldstein’s contract has been renewed. However, Lawrence isn’t exclusive to Apple. He’s also working on a comedy featuring Steve Carell for HBO.
The greenlight I’m waiting on
Goldstein “I want to make an old-school Muppets movie, but still trying to crack it.”
Segel “SpaceGhost. The script is written. Ready when you are.”
Easing My Writer’s Block, I’ve Found: “Writing continuously for six pages without stopping or editing. Letting thoughts flow freely, no matter how nonsensical they may seem. This helps to uncover ideas hidden deep within my subconscious that are worth exploring.
Noah Hawley
Following a successful comeback to Fargo, which earned 15 Emmy nominations and a shocking victory for supporting actor Lamorne Morris, Hawley chose to make a challenging move geographically and set up shop in Bangkok. It was there that he finished filming his highly anticipated, long-awaited serialized adaptation of the Alien franchise in July. The series, titled Aliens: Earth, is scheduled to premiere on FX on Hulu in 2025.
My all-time favorite SNL sketch “Eddy Murphy ‘Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood.’”
My latest discussion with an executive left me feeling uneasy, particularly concerning viewer engagement. The issue at hand was completion rates. It appears that viewers are becoming progressively less engaged with stories and are dropping off earlier in the series. There’s a growing trend of viewers showing reluctance to form viewing habits for shows, with fewer and fewer series making a lasting connection. As a result, networks and streaming platforms have to delay their decision about whether the viewership numbers of the final episode justify commissioning another season, often waiting until a month or two following the finale.
Soo Hugh
2022 saw the Apple TV+ adaptation of Pachinko grace our screens, but its fate may shift dramatically following an encouraging second season. My personal experience with this captivating generational saga has earned it a remarkable 100% fresh rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
Overcoming Writer’s Block with an Unusual Method: “Enjoying hilarious clips of Asian mothers performing facial massage on infants.
Why can’t I stream it? “North and South, the miniseries. Where is it?”
“My recent discussion with an executive left me feeling uneasy, but it seems everyone is a bit tense nowadays.”>
Dallas Jenkins
The creator-producer has reshaped the concept of success in today’s challenging television market by implementing an innovative distribution method. This approach first releases The Chosen on movie screens, followed by its availability on Prime Video, Peacock, and later The CW. This strategy has allowed the biblical narrative retelling to reach an estimated 200 million viewers worldwide, with over 5,000 attending the second annual ChosenCon. This success has enabled Jenkins to construct his own 80,000-square-foot studio in Texas for the anticipated seven seasons of his series.
“Instead of producing more films, I’d suggest focusing on quality. It might sound like a common solution, but it seems to be effective for many in the industry.”
Why can’t I stream it?
“A Few Good Men”
David E. Kelley
The much-acclaimed king of legal dramas, who had previously captivated audiences during summer’s hottest conversations with his Apple TV+ rendition of “Presumed Innocent,” released a powerful limited series. This series, highly praised by the streamer, is slated for a second season and will likely continue as an anthology. In 2024, we saw the debut of miniseries “A Man in Full” and the third season of “The Lincoln Lawyer,” both airing on Netflix. Next on his agenda, after much anticipation, is a collaboration with wife Michelle Pfeiffer, focusing on an adaptation of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
What recently left me green with envy “Dennis Lehane’s works.
Michelle King and Robert King
The streaming service Paramount+ decided to cancel the supernatural drama “Evil”… right before it turned into a huge success for another platform. Interestingly, the show became one of Netflix’s most-watched library titles earlier this year, helping to increase viewership of its final episodes. Despite this unexpected turn of events, the creative duo behind the show are optimistic about reviving it in the future. For now, they are focusing on a second season of “Elsbeth,” another spinoff from “The Good Wife” airing on CBS, and a Dennis Quaid-led true-crime drama titled “Happy Face,” set to debut on Paramount+ in 2025.
Advice I’d Give My Younger Self
Michelle King “Instead of focusing on specific features, dive into the world of television.”
Robert King “In one episode of The Good Wife, we did a Bitcoin tutorial when its value was only $3. We even considered buying Bitcoins as a joke for our cast and crew instead of the expensive windbreakers we ended up getting. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say that Bitcoin is such a bargain compared to those $35 windbreakers!” (As of writing, one Bitcoin is currently valued at approximately $67,836.76.)
On election night, I’ll be …
Michelle King “Glued to a screen and vaguely nauseous.”
The most recent thing I saw that left me envious was…
Robert King “I’m really fond of how intertwining dialogue is employed in English Teacher. The writing is superb, and the boldness the show displays when tackling subject matter is captivating.
Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks
2024 may be remembered as the year of an unforgettable presidential debate, but “Shogun” could very well take the runner-up spot. This costly drama, produced by FX and based on both the 1975 novel and 1980 miniseries, shifted focus onto its Japanese characters, as portrayed by the married team of Kondo and Marks. This reinterpretation shattered Hulu viewing records, with its premiere attracting nearly 9 million viewers within a week. The series was subsequently renewed for two seasons (despite being initially billed as a miniseries) and won 18 Emmys – a record-breaking achievement, making it the most awarded series in a single season in the history of the awards show.
My most cherished SNL sketch
Marks “The ending of Casablone, performed by Kate McKinnon and J. K. Simmons, remains vividly etched in my memory.”
Kondo “Should I be reborn, I would choose to be Kristen Wiig.
Overcoming My Writer’s Block
Kondo’s Approach “I venture out to a second-hand shop, where I excel – purchasing items I don’t truly require.
The latest show I saw left me feeling a bit envious…” or “The most recent program I watched stirred up some green-eyed feelings in me…
Alex Kurtzman
wrapping up Star Trek: Discovery in May following its fifth season, Kurtzman moves his Paramount+ space series’ spotlight towards the upcoming title, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. This series features prominent actors Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti and commenced filming in August, with a release scheduled after the third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Yet, that isn’t the only project Kurtzman has with a colon in its title. In early 2025, Star Trek: Section 31, a TV movie starring Michelle Yeoh, is set to premiere.
My all-time favorite SNL sketch “Sally O’Malley’s Rockette Audition.”
Jenna Lamia
For the first time, the actress and writer found success in showrunning, as their production held the top spot on Nielsen’s streaming charts for two consecutive weeks in September. Their adaptation of the novel “The Perfect Couple” by Elin Hilderbrand, titled similarly, featured a star-studded cast (Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning), and quickly climbed to become one of Netflix’s Top 10 shows for two months. Additionally, it included an unforgettable dance number that left a lasting impression. The success of this one-off production has led to discussions between Lamia and Hilderbrand about potential other titles to adapt from the author’s extensive collection.
Recently, I found myself envious upon witnessing a production as exceptional as ‘Presumed Innocent’, now that I’ve come to appreciate the intricacies involved in creating even the simplest piece.
The approval I’m eagerly anticipating for my romantic comedy titled ‘I Don’t’, featuring two characters who are commitment-phobes and their chance encounter on Divorce Court.
Lauren LeFranc
Typically, concealing Colin Farrell under a heavy suit and facial enhancements might invite criticism. However, in the case of LeFranc’s show, The Penguin, it seems to be paying off. This gritty spinoff of Matt Reeves’ 2022 film, The Batman, has achieved Max’s strongest opening numbers since The Last of Us in 2023 and has now garnered over 10 million viewers. It stands out as a comic book adaptation that has been well-received by critics, who have praised the performances of Farrell and his co-star Cristin Milioti.
The last thing I watched that made me jealous “Bluey … Never jealous. Just happy it exists.”
Why can’t I stream it? “Cocoon. Jessica Tandy forever.”
Issa López
In contrast to her predecessor, López effectively re-captured the spirit of the anthology’s initial release with “True Detective: Night Country.” This HBO series, marking López’s first cycle as a filmmaker, featured Jodie Foster on television and garnered over 13 million viewers for each of its six episodes. Impressed by this success, the network promptly secured an overall deal with López and commissioned a fresh idea from her for the franchise – a concept she hinted at during her victory lap for the series’ 19 Emmy nominations.
By advocating more strongly for an enhanced California tax incentive, I believe we could breathe new life into the struggling film industry here.
What defines a comedy as such? It’s the skillful blend of sharp wit and humor that elicits more than just a chuckle – even an amused snicker can be enough.
Chuck Lorre
The sitcom impresario said farewell to two long-running successes in 2024, airing the final seasons of both Young Sheldon and Bob Hearts Abishola. But he’s never without a few promising projects on the bench: Young Sheldon spinoff Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage hit CBS in October and a vehicle for stand-up Leanne Morgan scored a straight-to-series order with 16 episodes at Netflix. His Sebastian Maniscalco comedy Bookie returns for a second season in December on Max — where he’s also working on another Big Bang Theory spinoff.
A piece of advice for my younger self would be “Take a moment to relax” or “Breathe deeply.
Seth MacFarlane
As a devoted fan, I can attest that the creator of “Family Guy” is not only a financial lifeline for his animated series but also a reliable box office magnet when he ventures into live-action productions. His TV spinoff, “Ted,” based on the $760 million feature film about a man and his talking teddy bear, has become Peacock’s most viewed original to date. For two consecutive months in 2024, it held the top spot as the most streamed comedy on Nielsen charts, making its renewal a predictable outcome.
“The most recent discussion with a superior that left me feeling uneasy” – “When they informed me there would be no more water during meetings.
Beating Writer’s Block: “Flip on CBS as a reminder that it doesn’t have to be perfect, it simply needs to be completed.
Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne
It remains uncertain if “The Rings of Power” is proving beneficial for Amazon, with two seasons under its belt and production costs (including “Lord of the Rings” rights) edging towards $1 billion. However, McKay and Payne continue to carry out an arduous task: creating a luxurious, accurate portrayal of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, while keeping most fans from erupting in fury. Amazon’s reach remains ambiguous, though Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, recently boasted 55 million viewers for season two and aims to attract 150 million eventually. A decision on a third season has not been made yet, but indications suggest more Middle-earth content for the all-encompassing store.
“The most recent film or show I saw left me feeling envious”
McKay’s take: “Shogun. A timeless masterpiece, meticulously crafted with unmatched formal precision and boasting stellar performances.
The approval I’m anticipating
Payne “A Star Trek film, even though numerous scripts have been penned!”
McKay “A modern retelling of the Goliath tale in the form of an action-packed epic. This includes man-eating lions, a ten-foot-tall assassin, and the Ark of the covenant. Get in touch with us!
Ryan Murphy
If you’ve been away from media since August, congratulations! Here’s a quick rundown on Ryan Murphy’s recent busy period: In the span of 10 days in September, he introduced four new series – “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” on Netflix, “Grotesquerie” and “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” on FX on Hulu, and “Doctor Odyssey” on ABC. Each of these series was a hit on their respective platforms, with one even prompting the L.A. District Attorney’s office to reconsider a 35-year-old murder case. Additionally, Murphy released new seasons for “9-1-1”, “9-1-1: Lone Star”, and a fresh batch of “American Horror Stories” TV movies following a successful revival of “Feud” which earned 10 Emmy nominations last year. There are more spinoffs, anthology entries, and a new legal drama starring Kim Kardashian (“All’s Fair”) in the pipeline. This flurry of activity has led to Disney welcoming Murphy back into their fold after his successful collaboration with Netflix.
Eric Newman
In contrast to numerous attempts that didn’t pan out, Newman has emerged victorious in his endeavors. Indeed, this prolific writer-producer is set to introduce Robert De Niro to the realm of television. The renowned actor’s debut series, titled “Zero Day,” is slated to premiere on Netflix in early 2025. This is merely one of Newman’s recent projects on the streaming platform; he has recently debuted Sofía Vergara’s miniseries, “Griselda,” and is preparing to release the much-anticipated reunion of Taylor Kitsch titled “American Primeval.
Advice for my younger self “Focus less on what you want to be and more on what you want to do.”
Why can’t I stream it? “To Live and Die in L.A.“
Jonathan Nolan, Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner
This team – Robertson-Dworet and Wagner, along with director and executive producer Nolan, produced Amazon’s most successful launch ever with the series Fallout. The adaptation of the video game was watched for a staggering 2.9 billion minutes during its first week, according to Nielsen, far surpassing all previous originals. Since then, it has amassed a total of 100 million viewers. This impressive viewership count is likely why Amazon quickly renewed the series before taking into account its 16 Emmy nominations. My go-to solution for writer’s block? A 2mg Nicorette mini lozenge, as suggested by Nolan.
My writer’s block cure Nolan “2mg Nicorette mini lozenge.”
The most recent video I saw that made me feel a tad envious was ‘Sesame Street: Elmo Plays With Bubbles!’ On YouTube, this is the only content my toddler has let me watch for the past month.
My recent chat with an executive from CBC left me uneasy…
Wagner “An executive at CBC advised me against mocking the sport of curling, as our show was a comedy based on it. I relocated to L.A. just three weeks afterwards.
Shaye Ogbonna
The first-time showrunner scored with Peacock miniseries Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist — managing a definitely not intimidating cast that included Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle and motherfucking Samuel L. Jackson. It opened atop the streamer’s originals chart in September, garnering early awards buzz. Ogbonna’s hot fall also included penning an episode of The Penguin.
“Overcoming Writer’s Block – A Method I Found: Taking a shower, a tip I picked up from Aaron Sorkin, although we’re not close or anything, I don’t even know him personally. I read about it in a magazine, and surprisingly, it seems to do the trick.
The last thing I watched that made me jealous“South Side on Max. That show is poetry.”
Nkechi Okoro Carroll
Despite wrapping up its spinoff in July, the series “All American,” produced by Carroll, will make a comeback in 2025, being the only original drama still airing on The CW. At present, the channel seems rather puzzling as it is largely filled with Canadian imports and golf tournaments funded by Saudi sources. Meanwhile, the show “Found,” primarily focused on, has started its second season on NBC.
The last thing I watched that made me jealous “Nobody Wants This.”
Why can’t I stream it? “Kane & Abel TV Mini Series from 1985”
Tyler Perry
Despite the ongoing complexity at Paramount, there are still some creative minds thriving, and one of them is the incredibly productive Perry. In April, he inked a fresh deal with BET Media Group that resulted in renewals for eight series, including cornerstone shows like “Sistas” and “The Oval,” as well as a new order for crime drama titled “Route 187.” After years of single-handedly writing and directing most of his projects, Perry has started to share the reins on several productions, inviting collaborators to assist him in churning out hundreds of hours of original content each year from his Georgia studio, which is then distributed across BET and BET+.
Joe Port and Joe Wiseman
In its fourth season, the popular comedy show “Ghosts” is currently the most viewed and highest-rated broadcast comedy series. Following the end of “Young Sheldon“, it has become a reliable staple for CBS in their sitcom lineup. Although it may not receive much awards attention, with over 7 million Americans tuning in to watch it live (including commercial breaks) each Thursday night, it’s hard to ask for better success.
“Returning to the traditional advertising-based income system, as that approach sustained Hollywood for nearly a century.
“The approval I’m still awaiting
Matthew Read and Guy Ritchie
Ritchie could be considering delving back into TV production. His television adaptation of the “The Gentlemen” franchise, a joint project with Read, has been successful on Netflix, garnering over half a billion hours viewed in just two quarters and receiving an Emmy nomination for Ritchie’s direction. The streaming service has commissioned a second season of the Theo James comedy, with Read set to continue his role as producer while also working on “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” and upcoming miniseries “The Leopard,” both produced by Netflix as well.
Counsel to my earlier self
Read “Your journey with Arsenal ends here.”
To Improve the Film Industry, I’d… “Produce more musical films!
Shonda Rhimes
She may have elevated writers to celebrity status, but Rhimes has never rested on those laurels. The Netflix-set megaproducer and showrunner continues to deliver as she hits her seventh year at the streamer. Bridgerton launched its third season in May and has logged more hours viewed than any original series: 733 million of them, according to Netflix. She still has her executive producer credit on enduring hit Grey’s Anatomy, but her eyes are on the future — one that sees White House-set thriller The Residence, starring Uzo Aduba, expected to arrive in 2025.
One way of paraphrasing the original statement in natural and easy to read language is: “I’d improve Hollywood by empowering its writers.
My writer’s block cure “I don’t believe in writer’s block.”
Natasha Rothwell
Rothwell’s star is on the rise! Her initial creator credit, titled “How to Die Alone,” debuted on Hulu in September, following a seven-year development process. This critically acclaimed comedy comes just before another exciting project for the writer and actress: she will rejoin Mike White’s drama series “The White Lotus” early in 2025, having previously starred in its first season.
On election night, I’ll be … “Watching Steve Kornacki with champagne on ice.”
In the words of George Saunders, ‘Humor occurs when we’re confronted with truth more swiftly and straightforwardly than we expect.’ To me, a well-crafted comedy delivers truths in just such an unexpected yet honest manner.
Nick Santora
Amazon is quite fond of the series Reacher, which is Santora’s interpretation of Lee Child’s novels about a tough and muscular private investigator. In fact, they have already ordered a fourth season before even airing the third one. If both seasons manage to replicate the success of the first two – both being consistently popular on Nielsen’s streaming charts – it will prove to be a wise investment. This investment is set to grow with a spinoff series, also created by Santora.
Jac Schaeffer
Four years into Marvel Studios’ multibillion-dollar push into TV, the only thing that’s consistently worked has been under Schaeffer’s watch. Kicking off the film franchise’s Disney+ push with 2021’s WandaVision, she returned in September with her second original: spinoff Agatha All Along. The Kathryn Hahn vehicle cast its spell on critics and viewers, nearly 10 million of whom tuned in over the first week, an auspicious sign for the writer-producer’s place in the MCU ecosystem as its overall TV investment shrinks.
The last thing I watched that made me jealous “His Three Daughters. So small in scale and so enormous in meaning. No power blasts necessary.”
By providing on-set childcare, I believe we could make a significant difference in Hollywood, even though it may not completely resolve the existing issues.
Taylor Sheridan
Sheridan isn’t the only one keeping the lights on at Paramount+, but it sure would be hard to see a path forward for the streamer without him. His slate continues to grow with Nov. 17 arrival Landman, new seasons of Lioness, Tulsa King and Mayor of Kingstown and enough Yellowstone spinoffs to make his audience ask, “Kevin who?” Speaking of his juggernaut Montana drama, it returns for a final-ish sixth season on Nov. 10 as he preps the heir apparent, The Madison, which just booked Michelle Pfeiffer to star. And that news, more than his hit rate with audiences, says the most about Sheridan’s power. From Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman to Harrison Ford and Jon Hamm, he has become the A-listers’ TV collaborator of choice.
Paul Simms
To borrow a phrase from an ascendant pop star and a celebrated drag queen, he’s your favorite comedy writer’s favorite comedy writer. Simms has been at it for years, first creating NewsRadio for NBC back in 1995 after stints writing for David Letterman and Garry Shandling, but he’s really hit his stride since heading to FX. It’s where he’s got 29-time Emmy nominee What We Do in the Shadows, which saw its sixth and final season kick off Oct. 21, and is one of the most celebrated launches of the fall. Simms is also helping steer Brian Jordan Alvarez’s breakout, The English Teacher.
My all-time favorite SNL sketch “Fred Armisen’s alt-comedy stand-up Nicholas Fehn or Adam Sandler and Chris Farley as Hank and Beverly Gelfand with the Zagat guide.”
The last thing I watched that made me jealous “Steve Coogan’s This Time With Alan Partridge.”
Will Smith
No, not that Will Smith. It’s the English stand-up turned comedy writer (The Thick of It, Veep) who’s enjoying a particularly fruitful run in drama as the showrunner of MI5 spy thriller Slow Horses. A bankable player for Apple TV+ since its 2022 bow, it’s released four seasons at a rapid clip (a fifth is on the way) and, most recently, broke into the Emmy race with a writing win for Smith. His feat is all the more impressive considering it was one of the only drama awards Shogun didn’t take home.
The greenlight I’m waiting on “Krull 2.”
Why can’t I stream it? “Laurel and Hardy’s Hal Roach comedies. These films will soon be a hundred years old and they still bring me such joy.”
Darren Star
In 2020, when “Emily in Paris” first aired, it would have been surprising for anyone to imagine that the president of France would later request a rather unconventional American TV show to keep filming in the City of Lights. However, this is what transpired as the series on Netflix began exploring the possibility of “Emily in Rome” in its latest season. The main character may now be dividing her time between European capitals, but the comedy isn’t going anywhere from Netflix. With season four being No. 1 globally in August and production for season five already underway, it seems that this show has a long way to go on the streaming platform.
As a gamer, I’d tell my younger self: “Chill out about what’s coming next in the gaming world.
Jonathan E. Steinberg
This experienced writer has transformed into a versatile tool at 20th TV, managing two distinct and highly successful series on various platforms. The debut season of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians has been viewed for over 110 million hours on Disney+, marking an unusual triumph in young adult content for the streaming service and one that will come back for a second season in 2025. For those born in the 20th century, the second season of The Old Man, which Steinberg oversees alongside producing partner Dan Shotz, will conclude on October 24.
My all-time favorite SNL sketch “Will Ferrell’s Harry Caray was a work of art.”
It seems that the theatrical version of “Amadeus” and “SpaceCamp” are not as readily available as one might expect. Therefore, you may be having trouble streaming them.
Nicholas Stoller
Stoller, another successful showrunner in the YA genre at Disney+, outperformed the Marvel series Loki on streaming charts by Nielsen when it premiered towards the end of 2023. This reimagined Goosebumps was subsequently renewed as an anthology and returns on January 10th with David Schwimmer in the lead role. The filmmaker, who is also working on the upcoming romantic comedy You’re Cordially Invited starring Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, as well as shooting the second season of his Apple TV+ comedy Platonic featuring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen.
My all-time favorite SNL sketch “So many. But at the end of the day, ‘Back Home Ballers’ is my fave — that and an obscure sketch featuring Chris Parnell as a centaur being interviewed for a job by Christopher Walken.”
Let’s revise the law to prevent studios from having exclusive control over distribution. That’s a matter of fair competition!
Charlotte Stoudt
The Morning Show” is a high-budget and star-filled drama that’s known for its intricate production due to its blend of real-world events, fictional storyline, and an elaborate and costly cast list. This complexity may have been a factor in its mixed response during the first two seasons. However, when Stoudt took over as showrunner in the third season, many believe she helped steer it back on course – a valuable asset for Apple TV+, which relies heavily on the show for awards consideration. The program was recognized as one of the top 10 shows of the year by AFI and received 16 Emmy nominations, with Billy Crudup winning in the supporting actor category.
I’d fix Hollywood by … “Reopening Musso and Frank’s for lunch.”
The last thing I watched that made me jealous “My husband sleeping soundly.”
“The approval I’m anticipating” “A humorous sitcom set in a sperm bank, exploring contemporary romantic relationships as its subject matter
Julio Torres
Is it possible that the former Saturday Night Live star will accumulate a collection of shows similar to Greg Berlanti or Shonda Rhimes? That’s highly unlikely. However, in this era of financial constraints and refusals, there might not be anyone else who can persuade David Zaslav to loosen his purse strings for such innovative concepts. Such influence is truly remarkable. The HBO comedy Fantasmas, Torres’ surrealist sequel to Los Espookys, follows the adventures of his character as he searches for a golden oyster earring in a New York reminiscent of Michel Gondry’s imagination. It also serves as a critique of late-stage capitalism and our dwindling privacy rights. This show is expected to feature prominently on many year-end best-of lists.
My all-time favorite SNL sketch “Maybe ‘The Continental’ for its play with form.”
My writer’s block cure “Reminding myself nothing I do is … urgent.”
Jennie Snyder Urman
As a passionate gamer, I can relate this to my gaming experience. Rare victories in high-stakes matches are celebrated, and Urman’s success with Matlock is one such victory that has everyone talking. Initially, the modern take on the 80’s legal drama garnered over 10 million viewers on CBS. But what truly sets it apart is that Urman didn’t just rehash an old IP for an aging audience; instead, a clever, unassuming twist to the series’ conventional premise has transformed it from a routine procedural into a prestigious contender, making Kathy Bates a frontrunner in the awards circuit.
The greenlight I’m anticipating: “The medical series is set in 1872 Boston and follows a woman who masquerades as a man to become a surgeon. So many times, I’ve almost made it happen, but not quite yet. I remain hopeful!
Dick Wolf
Whoa there, fellow gaming enthusiast! Let me wrap up this list with a true legend in the world of television – Dick Wolf. The man’s roster is simply mind-boggling. Over four decades, he’s cooked up an enormous number of original series, and here’s the kicker: at this very moment, NBC has not one, not two, but three versions of Law & Order and three of his Chicago-verse series gracing our screens! And guess what? CBS is also hosting three different FBI shows. I could list them all out, but after Alex Kurtzman’s and Ryan Murphy’s entries, the colon key had a heart attack from exhaustion.
Methodology: THR chose the Most Influential TV Producers of 2024 from among all writer-producers who had live-action scripted series that aired original episodes in the U.S. between November 2023 and October 2024. It’s understood that roles and responsibilities can significantly differ from one show to another, but each candidate is evaluated based on their slates, deal size, ratings, importance to the platform and studio, cultural influence, awards, and, most importantly, their buzz or popularity.
In the October 23rd edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine, an intriguing tale was featured. If you’d like to keep up with such stories, consider subscribing by clicking here.
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2024-10-24 16:29