The CW has hired a head of unscripted programming — a position that could shape much of the network’s programming under new owner Nexstar.
Heather Olander will fill the newly created position at the broadcast network, reporting to Brad Schwartz, president of entertainment at The CW. She comes from NBCUniversal, where she was most recently executive vp alternative development and programming for USA, Syfy and Peacock.
Olander’s hiring is a key one for The CW, whose new majority owners have pledged to turn a profit by 2025. The network’s reliance on scripted shows filling most of its primetime hours is likely to shift — it may renew as few as three homegrown original dramas for the 2023-24 season (All American has already been picked up), leaving lots of space for unscripted fare and for Olander to put a stamp on the schedule.
“As we re-imagine our programming strategy, we are...
Heather Olander will fill the newly created position at the broadcast network, reporting to Brad Schwartz, president of entertainment at The CW. She comes from NBCUniversal, where she was most recently executive vp alternative development and programming for USA, Syfy and Peacock.
Olander’s hiring is a key one for The CW, whose new majority owners have pledged to turn a profit by 2025. The network’s reliance on scripted shows filling most of its primetime hours is likely to shift — it may renew as few as three homegrown original dramas for the 2023-24 season (All American has already been picked up), leaving lots of space for unscripted fare and for Olander to put a stamp on the schedule.
“As we re-imagine our programming strategy, we are...
- 2/1/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Heather Olander has been named head of unscripted programming at the CW.
Olander will be responsible for overseeing development and production of alternative reality series, events and specials on behalf of the network. Her hiring signals the beginning of a major pivot at the CW, which previously focused largely on scripted programming but will have “minimal” carryover in its content by the 2023-2024 broadcast season under new majority owners Nexstar.
Olander joins the CW two years after her 2020 exit from NBCUniversal, where she worked for nearly a decade. She entered the company in 2011 as senior vice president of alternative development and programming for USA Network. She added Syfy to her purview in 2014. In 2019, she began running alternative development for Peacock in addition to her work with USA and Syfy, being promoted to executive vice president of alternative development and programming across the three brands.
Among the slate of unscripted series...
Olander will be responsible for overseeing development and production of alternative reality series, events and specials on behalf of the network. Her hiring signals the beginning of a major pivot at the CW, which previously focused largely on scripted programming but will have “minimal” carryover in its content by the 2023-2024 broadcast season under new majority owners Nexstar.
Olander joins the CW two years after her 2020 exit from NBCUniversal, where she worked for nearly a decade. She entered the company in 2011 as senior vice president of alternative development and programming for USA Network. She added Syfy to her purview in 2014. In 2019, she began running alternative development for Peacock in addition to her work with USA and Syfy, being promoted to executive vice president of alternative development and programming across the three brands.
Among the slate of unscripted series...
- 2/1/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
The CW Network has tapped Heather Olander as head of unscripted programming, Brad Schwartz, president of entertainment, announced Wednesday. In the newly created position, the executive will oversee development and production of alternative reality series, events and specials.
“As we re-imagine our programming strategy, we are truly fortunate to have Heather Olander leading the unscripted team at The CW,” Schwartz said in a statement. “Heather is an industry dynamo with a stellar reputation for discovering talent and cultivating relationships with content producers. With her boundless creativity, I’m confident we’ll develop innovative nonfiction series for The CW Network that catalyzes conversations.”
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Olander added, “I’m incredibly honored to join Brad and the team at this exciting time of transformation for The CW. I’m looking forward to developing a fresh slate of non-scripted programming and collaborating...
“As we re-imagine our programming strategy, we are truly fortunate to have Heather Olander leading the unscripted team at The CW,” Schwartz said in a statement. “Heather is an industry dynamo with a stellar reputation for discovering talent and cultivating relationships with content producers. With her boundless creativity, I’m confident we’ll develop innovative nonfiction series for The CW Network that catalyzes conversations.”
Also Read:
Paramount+ Follows Other Streamers in Removing Several Original Series From Platform
Olander added, “I’m incredibly honored to join Brad and the team at this exciting time of transformation for The CW. I’m looking forward to developing a fresh slate of non-scripted programming and collaborating...
- 2/1/2023
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Streaming viewers smell what “Young Rock” is cooking. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s new sitcom debuted to the largest digital audience of any NBC comedy ever, TheWrap has learned.
NBC executives are no jabronies.
At this point, “Young Rock’s” Feb. 16, 2021 series premiere (and its encores) has amassed a 3.4 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic and 11.8 million total viewers. Since those numbers include digital platforms — Hulu, the NBC app and Peacock — we really can’t compare them to programming on another network. But we can tell you that using NBC’s in-house data, multiplatform ratings for the “Young Rock” debut are lower than only the network’s “This Is Us” season premiere last fall.
We can also look at “Young Rock’s” growth. The series premiere drew a 1.0 rating in “live” TV viewing. With three days of delayed viewing, that linear-only number grew to a 1.4. Then add another 0.7, or another one-third of the overall viewing,...
NBC executives are no jabronies.
At this point, “Young Rock’s” Feb. 16, 2021 series premiere (and its encores) has amassed a 3.4 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic and 11.8 million total viewers. Since those numbers include digital platforms — Hulu, the NBC app and Peacock — we really can’t compare them to programming on another network. But we can tell you that using NBC’s in-house data, multiplatform ratings for the “Young Rock” debut are lower than only the network’s “This Is Us” season premiere last fall.
We can also look at “Young Rock’s” growth. The series premiere drew a 1.0 rating in “live” TV viewing. With three days of delayed viewing, that linear-only number grew to a 1.4. Then add another 0.7, or another one-third of the overall viewing,...
- 3/8/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
This weekly feature is in addition to TVLine’s daily What to Watch listings and monthly guide to What’s on Streaming.
With nearly 500 scripted shows now airing across broadcast, cable and streaming, it’s easy to forget that a favorite comedy is returning, or that the new “prestige drama” you anticipated is about to debut. So consider this our reminder to set your DVR, order a Season Pass, pop a fresh Memorex into the Vcr… however it is you roll.
More from TVLineWhat's New on Netflix'Missing' Shows, Found! Latest Intel on 30+ SeriesGrey's Anatomy's Giacomo Gianniotti Wraps 'Fast-Paced' Directorial...
With nearly 500 scripted shows now airing across broadcast, cable and streaming, it’s easy to forget that a favorite comedy is returning, or that the new “prestige drama” you anticipated is about to debut. So consider this our reminder to set your DVR, order a Season Pass, pop a fresh Memorex into the Vcr… however it is you roll.
More from TVLineWhat's New on Netflix'Missing' Shows, Found! Latest Intel on 30+ SeriesGrey's Anatomy's Giacomo Gianniotti Wraps 'Fast-Paced' Directorial...
- 3/6/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin has stomped a mudhole in countless pro wrestlers. Tonight, the WWF/WWE legend plays in the mud with country star Luke Combs on the “Straight Up Steve Austin” Season 2 debut.
Combs can’t believe he got to go off-roading with Austin. For his part, Austin can’t believe Season 2 of his unorthodox talk show, which was supposed to begin production on March 30, is in the can and coming to USA Network.
“I didn’t even think we were gonna film [in 2020],” Austin told TheWrap. “A window of opportunity opened up between August and Nov. 3 and we jumped on it. We were able to secure all the guests that we had and do some reshuffling around.”
Good thing they have one hell of a production team — for several reasons.
Austin told us that his only original idea (personally) for Season 2 was “I wanna go four-wheeling with Luke Combs.
Combs can’t believe he got to go off-roading with Austin. For his part, Austin can’t believe Season 2 of his unorthodox talk show, which was supposed to begin production on March 30, is in the can and coming to USA Network.
“I didn’t even think we were gonna film [in 2020],” Austin told TheWrap. “A window of opportunity opened up between August and Nov. 3 and we jumped on it. We were able to secure all the guests that we had and do some reshuffling around.”
Good thing they have one hell of a production team — for several reasons.
Austin told us that his only original idea (personally) for Season 2 was “I wanna go four-wheeling with Luke Combs.
- 1/11/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
She's a star for a reason. Steve Austin is opening up about season two of his USA series Straight Up Steve Austin, which premieres tonight, Jan. 11, at 11 p.m. While the new season features interviews with many famous faces, there was one celebrity in particular that left the former WWE star in awe. "Tiffany Haddish surprised me because I was familiar with her stand-up comedy and she's funny as hell and she's one of the hottest properties in Hollywood right now. But to meet her in person, she just has like a magnetic force that kind of surrounds her and I haven't felt that with too many people," Austin told E! News exclusively. "So that was surprising. But other than that, every show...
- 1/11/2021
- E! Online
This weekly feature is in addition to TVLine’s daily What to Watch listings and monthly guide to What’s on Streaming.
With more than 530 scripted shows now airing across broadcast, cable and streaming, it’s easy to forget that a favorite comedy is returning, or that the new “prestige drama” you anticipated is about to debut. So consider this our reminder to set your DVR, order a Season Pass, pop a fresh Memorex into the Vcr… however it is you roll.
More from TVLineWhat's New on Netflix in January — Plus: HBO Max, Disney+ and OthersJanuary TV Calendar: 100+ Premiere Dates,...
With more than 530 scripted shows now airing across broadcast, cable and streaming, it’s easy to forget that a favorite comedy is returning, or that the new “prestige drama” you anticipated is about to debut. So consider this our reminder to set your DVR, order a Season Pass, pop a fresh Memorex into the Vcr… however it is you roll.
More from TVLineWhat's New on Netflix in January — Plus: HBO Max, Disney+ and OthersJanuary TV Calendar: 100+ Premiere Dates,...
- 1/9/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
The death of Jon Huber, who wrestled in WWE as Luke Harper and more recently in Aew as Brodie Lee, shook the sports-entertainment world in late December 2020. It wasn’t so much his in-ring ability (which was highly respected and decorated) or even his age that brought most of the men and women who literally look like comic book superheroes to their knees: Huber was known to be a true family man in a business that isn’t exactly built for family men.
While we had a wrestling’s Mt. Rushmore-level legend on the phone, TheWrap asked “Stone Cold” Steve Austin for his thoughts on Huber’s very untimely passing.
“I just absolutely couldn’t believe it because the guy was a tremendous hand in the business, but he was a sweetheart of a guy,” Austin said. “When he was in WWE, we would talk every now and then on...
While we had a wrestling’s Mt. Rushmore-level legend on the phone, TheWrap asked “Stone Cold” Steve Austin for his thoughts on Huber’s very untimely passing.
“I just absolutely couldn’t believe it because the guy was a tremendous hand in the business, but he was a sweetheart of a guy,” Austin said. “When he was in WWE, we would talk every now and then on...
- 1/8/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
WWE Superstar Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin to Host USA Network Competition Series ‘Cannonball’ (Exclusive)
Awe-some! WWE wrestler Mike “The Miz” Mizanin is set to host USA Network’s upcoming competition series “Cannonball,” TheWrap has learned exclusively.
Joining Mizanin (“Miz & Mrs”) on the “Wipeout”-like show are co-host Rosci Diaz and sideline reporter Simon Gibson.
The 10-episode “Cannonball” will premiere on USA in the summer. “Cannonball” will feature contestants from across America who face off in the “biggest, wettest, slippery-est water sports competition ever created,” according to the popular cable channel. From sliding off a 100-foot waterslide to rocketing off one of the world’s fastest drop towers, “Cannonball” contestants will battle a variety of water obstacles to win a $10,000 cash prize.
“Cannonball” is produced by ITV America’s ITV Entertainment, based on the original format by ITV Studios Netherlands Content B.V. and licensed by ITV Studios. The series was created by John de Mol, who serves as executive producer along with Shye Sutherland,...
Joining Mizanin (“Miz & Mrs”) on the “Wipeout”-like show are co-host Rosci Diaz and sideline reporter Simon Gibson.
The 10-episode “Cannonball” will premiere on USA in the summer. “Cannonball” will feature contestants from across America who face off in the “biggest, wettest, slippery-est water sports competition ever created,” according to the popular cable channel. From sliding off a 100-foot waterslide to rocketing off one of the world’s fastest drop towers, “Cannonball” contestants will battle a variety of water obstacles to win a $10,000 cash prize.
“Cannonball” is produced by ITV America’s ITV Entertainment, based on the original format by ITV Studios Netherlands Content B.V. and licensed by ITV Studios. The series was created by John de Mol, who serves as executive producer along with Shye Sutherland,...
- 1/14/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
USA Network has picked up an eight-episode second season of its hit unscripted series Straight Up Steve Austin for premiere this summer.
Hosted by retired WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the interview-based series was 2019’s No. 1 new unscripted cable series for Men 18-49 and Men 25-54, according to Nielsen L+3. In every episode, Steve and a celebrity guest head out to different cities across America to take part in one-of-a-kind adventures, while swapping stories about their lives and careers. Per USA, “it’s a unique twist on the standard interview show, with no studio, no couch and no cue cards — just a straight up good time and good old-fashioned American fun.”
Straight Up Steve Austin is produced by Line by Line Media, with Austin and Dave Barsky (Dirty Jobs) as executive producers.
Straight Up Steve Austin’s first season guests included country singer and actor Trace Adkins, Nascar legend Dale Earnhardt Jr.,...
Hosted by retired WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the interview-based series was 2019’s No. 1 new unscripted cable series for Men 18-49 and Men 25-54, according to Nielsen L+3. In every episode, Steve and a celebrity guest head out to different cities across America to take part in one-of-a-kind adventures, while swapping stories about their lives and careers. Per USA, “it’s a unique twist on the standard interview show, with no studio, no couch and no cue cards — just a straight up good time and good old-fashioned American fun.”
Straight Up Steve Austin is produced by Line by Line Media, with Austin and Dave Barsky (Dirty Jobs) as executive producers.
Straight Up Steve Austin’s first season guests included country singer and actor Trace Adkins, Nascar legend Dale Earnhardt Jr.,...
- 1/10/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Straight up, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is stoked for his new USA Network series “Straight Up Steve Austin.” Interviewing the WWE legend and former “Broken Skull Challenge” host, you could hear the excitement in his (gravely) voice.
“It was fun because with my podcast usually I’m sitting here or right next door in my studio, and it’s just me one-on-one with the guest and I just have a very simple recording set up: two microphones, and it’s just us,” the Texas Rattlesnake told TheWrap. “[On the new TV show], you’ve got some really cool people coming out, we have different activities lined up, and you’ve got a crew of about 85 people filming all this. So it’s way different — it’s my podcast magnified a thousand times.”
There will be “a lot coming at ya” when this one premieres, Austin promised. Sounds like it.
Also Read: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin...
“It was fun because with my podcast usually I’m sitting here or right next door in my studio, and it’s just me one-on-one with the guest and I just have a very simple recording set up: two microphones, and it’s just us,” the Texas Rattlesnake told TheWrap. “[On the new TV show], you’ve got some really cool people coming out, we have different activities lined up, and you’ve got a crew of about 85 people filming all this. So it’s way different — it’s my podcast magnified a thousand times.”
There will be “a lot coming at ya” when this one premieres, Austin promised. Sounds like it.
Also Read: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin...
- 8/12/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Two years ago, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin told TheWrap that he’s “down with anybody using the Stunner,” a pro-wrestling move he made into an iconic finisher. At the time, Kevin Owens had just begun busting it out in WWE competition. With a few years of the maneuver now under K.O.’s contracting belt (he’s been losing some serious weight and waistline lately), we asked Austin, now the host of his own USA Network talk show, to grade the current “SmackDown Live” Superstar.
“I would give it a B+,” Austin said of Owens’ use. “I’m a huge K.O. fan, but I’ve seen a couple of the deliveries that have been a little off.”
It’s almost like Austin is reading Wrestling Twitter when Owens does the move Mondays on “Raw” (as a “Wildcard”) or Tuesdays on “SmackDown Live,” the latter of which is technically K.
“I would give it a B+,” Austin said of Owens’ use. “I’m a huge K.O. fan, but I’ve seen a couple of the deliveries that have been a little off.”
It’s almost like Austin is reading Wrestling Twitter when Owens does the move Mondays on “Raw” (as a “Wildcard”) or Tuesdays on “SmackDown Live,” the latter of which is technically K.
- 8/6/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
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