Show Time at Showtime for Greenblatt
By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 6/25/2003 4:47:00 PM
Showtime Networks Inc. has tapped Bob Greenblatt to succeed Jerry Offsay as its head of programming.
Greenblatt -- currently a principal in The Greenblatt Janollari Studio and previously executive vice president of primetime programming at Fox Broadcasting Co. -- will become Showtime's president, entertainment.
He will join the network's Los Angeles offices July 14 and report directly to chairman and CEO Matt Blank.
Blank said Greenblatt was "the right guy at the right time. Bob has had a terrific career as a network executive, as well as with his production studio. He has the right sensibilities for Showtime's type of programming."
Blank noted that Greenblatt's success with series -- which Showtime has strategically made a greater focus of its original-programming strategy -- played a key role in his hiring.
"Bob's track record over the past 10 years in terms of development and shows on the air has been phenomenal," Blank said. "He has a real sense for the finding the unique voice, which is perfect for premium TV."
Along with partner Dave Janollari, Greenblatt has served as executive producer for Home Box Office's hit show, Six Feet Under. The studio also has had plenty of experience working with fellow Viacom Inc. network UPN, where Greenblatt Janollari is currently developing Eve, starring the hip-hop diva, for the upcoming season.
This past season, UPN and Viacom sibling MTV: Music Television ran Platinum, a family drama set against the backdrop of the hip-hop industry.
Another UPN series, One on One, is in its third season of production.
During his eight years at Fox, Greenblatt was involved in the production and
development of The X-Files, Ally McBeal, Party of Five,
Melrose Place, King of the Hill and Beverly Hills 90210.
In addition, he helped to develop The Sopranos and Dawson's
Creek.
Blank said Offsay would be available to help Greenblatt through a transitional period, and he had entered into "an open-ended production deal" to develop telepics for Showtime.
