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NBC is restoring its current department and tapping veteran NBC program executive Vernon Sanders to run it as EVP Current Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios. In his new role, Sanders will be responsible for overseeing all currently broadcast scripted programming for the network and studio.
The most recent executive to hold the post at NBC was Erin Gough Wehrenberg who served as EVP current series until February 2008 when the network restructured its operations, folding oversight of current series into the comedy and drama departments.
But informally, there had been some division of duties within the NBC/UMS’s drama and comedy departments lately, with some executives focusing more on development and others more on current series. Also part of the decision to have dedicated current department was NBC’s increased volume of new series this year. The network will introduce at least 12 new scripted series next season.
“There is no one more invested in the success of our new and existing shows than Vernon, who has played a key role in the development of so many of them,” said Angela Bromstad, President, Primetime Entertainment, for NBC/UMS.
Sanders, who will report to Bromstad, had served as SVP drama programming since his return to NBC Universal in June 2009. He was responsible for such new series as Undercovers and Love Bites as well as Parenthood. He also has overseen development for the drama pilot Prime Suspect.
In Sanders’ earlier stint at UMS as SVP comedy series, he oversaw NBC’s 30 Rock and The Office during the 2007-08 season. Sanders also developed the pilot for the CBS’ series Worst Week. Previously, he was VP comedy programming, from 2004-07 at UMS and its predecessor NBC Uni TV Studio where he was the current executive on The Office.
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Since what happened to Conan, I don’t watch NBC—it is completely boycotted in my house, my friends houses, and all the relatives I’ve told homes too. We hope NBC is disbanded and gone from television society within the next few years or so and their politics and treatment of their employees are to blame!
@Patti.
Seriously? The trials and tribulations of a whiny millionaire 32.5 times over mean that much to you that you want NBC completely disbanded? That would mean that everyone who works there and all of their families would lose their jobs and be out of work. And then all of THOSE people who depended on them for their livelihoods would also be out of work, as would be the families of 225+ affiliates who carry NBC’s programming.
You’re truly a scary, immature twit.
I agree 100% with bleeds in color, Patty’s comments on NBC are beyond ignorant…and just what are NBC’s “politics” that you disagree with? Conan is a TV show, get over it, and BTW it’s cancellation was justified. And I also imagine that all of your friends and relatives are lying to you. Schmuck
Patti got double-owned.
Passion is good, read between the lines and you have a good indicator on what a large percentage of the viewing feels. For whatever reason, I haven’t watch Leno since the switch. On the employee issue, I do think that GE drove NBC into the ground with it’s round after round of cuts.
Undercovers was a pretty good pilot from what I’ve heard. And Parenthood is a great series.
@Peter.
Yes, Parenthood is a wonderful show. And I was prepared to completely dismiss Undercovers from the trailers that I saw until I watched the pilot. While it’s not great TV by any stretch, it’s perfectly watchable and actually fun.
Their both more like USA shows. Undercovers is like Burn Notice and less like Alias in the sense that its more enjoyable than riveting. That said, The Event and Rubicon both look riveting but I question their longevity. Can they sustain a full season? Yes, I know Rubicon is on AMC and The Event is on NBC, but they seem like the same type of show that FlashForward was. And FlashForward was awful. Will Rubicon and The Event make the same mistake? It looks like the appointment of Jeff Gaspin has really helped NBC. With that said, I am completely opposed to the Comcast/ NBC deal.
Can you give us another update on the status of “Our Show”….is it still in play, and if so, with NBC or cable? The improv aspect of this show should have a lot of appeal, not to mention the science fiction angle. What is taking NBC so long, and why didn’t they decide on it in May?
Vernon is fantastic. Period. One of the smartest execs out there. Great move, NBC.
Vernon is a great Exec who deserved this a long time ago…
That said, it’s fun to watch the NBCUNI/COMCAST “minority merger rush” where every minority exec they can find is being pushed publicly to disprove to Washington the fact that both companies have been screwing minority execs for years. Not a bitter comment just a fact that these two “boys clubs” being coming together is a bad idea…except when great execs (who happen to be minorities) finally get their just due. Vernon should have asked for Zucker’s job.
SB
that is a back-handed compliment at best. why don’t you just say vernon is a great exec, who deserved the promotion? you don’t even know you’re offensive. bringing race into the equation when the guy is a qualified exec period, exposes your bias. be quiet and let the man enjoy his success at face value, regardless of his color, dim-wit.
Vernon is great but NBC is a headless chicken.
Parenthood is an embarrassment — pure shlock — and all the other shows listed are mediocre at best, including the overhyped “Undercovers” pilot (pilot was well-shot, but script was a mess). NBC is suddenly getting cut limitless slack from critics/writers/producers, because they are all so relieved NBC is back in the scripted programming business. But the truth is, NBC’s scripted programming is terrible right now and will have to get light years better to grab audiences back. Good luck, Vernon.
I read the 1st 20 pages of Undercovers and saw some clips and I enjoyed the 1st 20 pages that I read. It looks like it is just as good as Burn Notice.
So, Chuck is terrible? I think the majority of critics disagree. How would you have done Parenthood differently? Its obvious you obviously didn’t watch Parenthood past the pilot. I loved Parenthood. Its pilot was awful. But, it improved in quality over the 1st season. After all, its from the same guy who did Friday Night Lights and stars a Gilmore Girl, Lauren Graham. The writing got better around episode 5. And Undercovers? It’s a show suited for USA and that’s a huge compliment.
I agree with James. In fact, the quality on Parenthood has gotten so good its almost beginning to resemble the Gilmore Girls. I trust Jason Katims.
I met Vernon while sitting in an audience, before all of this news came out in the trades. He impressed me as a cool, intelligent guy with a relaxed sense of humor. Good guy. Good values. I don’t know anything about his exec qualities. Didn’t even know he was so highly placed until I read DH just now. How would I? Not a lot of execs take the time to talk to everyday people like me. I wish him much success.