CBS Television Studios has hired Ghen Maynard to head up its new unscripted department. Maynard will become Senior Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, CBS Television Studios.
For Maynard, this new position is a return to CBS where he developed and launched Survivor, big Brother, The Amazing Race and America’s Next Top Model.
CBS TELEVISION STUDIOS FORMS NEW UNSCRIPTED PROGRAMMING DEPARTMENT
Highly Regarded Reality Programming Producer/Executive Ghen Maynard Returns to CBS as Senior Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, CBS Television Studios
CBS Television Studios has formed a new unscripted programming department with highly regarded reality programming producer/executive Ghen Maynard named to the newly-created position of Senior Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming. The announcement was made today by David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios, to whom Maynard will report.
In his new position, Maynard will oversee development of new alternative programming for the Studio. He will work with producers across the industry to create and develop a wide range of unscripted content for all broadcast and cable networks, streaming services and digital platforms.
For Maynard, it marks a return to CBS, where he previously developed and launched four of reality television’s longest-running hits: “Survivor,” still a ratings powerhouse after 16 years; the U.S. version of the hit franchise “Big Brother”; the 15-time Emmy Award-winning “The Amazing Race”; and “America’s Next Top Model.”
“We’re thrilled to have Ghen return to CBS to help build our Studio’s alternative department,” said Stapf. “Ghen has an outstanding track record in the unscripted arena, having developed some of reality television’s biggest hits. His creative instincts and strong relationships within the alternative community will be key as we grow our roster of unscripted hits and new formats.”
Currently, CBS Television Studios’ unscripted roster includes the “Carpool Karaoke” television series for Apple Music, based on the segment that has become a global, viral video sensation on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” and “Drop the Mic” for TBS, also based on a segment from “The Late Late Show.” Both are produced in association with Fulwell 73.
“I am very grateful to both Les [Moonves] and David for the opportunity to build this exciting new venture at my old home, where I will get to work again with so many good friends,” said Maynard.
Recently, Maynard has also independently sold, produced pilots and series, and/or consulted on projects at several networks and production companies, including AMC, CBS, The CW, TNT and UPtv among others.
In addition to leading the CBS Television Network’s reality programming from 2000-2004, Maynard also served as Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming & Entertainment Content for New Media for the CBS Paramount Network Television Group from 2006-2008.
From 2004-2006, he was Executive Vice President, Primetime Development at NBC Entertainment, where he and his team developed “My Name is Earl,” “Heroes” and others.
He began his CBS career in 1997 in the drama development department, moving up to Vice President, Drama Development and was part of the team responsible for “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Judging Amy” and “The District” before moving into alternative development.
Maynard is a graduate of Harvard College, where he concentrated in social psychology while working full-time as publisher of the best-selling Let’s Go travel guides.
Photo courtesy of CBS