Showtime executive shakeup: Gary Levine in advisory role; Jana Winograd exits to restructure

Changes continue at Showtime, with Vice Presidents of Entertainment Gary Levine and Jana Winograd stepping down from their positions. The announcement was made this morning by Paramount Global’s Chris McCarthy, who oversaw the pay cable network in a November restructuring that saw longtime Showtime CEO David Nevins leave the company.

McCarthy is expected to announce a new leadership team for Showtime, soon to be named Paramount+ with Showtime, which is rumored to include a new role for its top scripted executive Keith Cox on the basic cable side.

Since McCarthy took over Showtime in November, it was revealed that the pay cable network would be merged into Paramount+, fueling speculation about the futures of Levine and Winograd, especially the latter whose duties would likely become redundant in the new structure.

“Many of the current functions that Jana oversees, including business affairs, production, operations and casting, are being centralized and, therefore, Jana will be gone,” McCarthy wrote in the memo. (You can read it in full below.)

McCarthy also unveiled his new content strategy for Showtime that relies heavily on IP, such as expanding existing series. billions And Dexter on TV Universe, which Levine helped build as Showtime’s top creative executive.

“I’m thrilled to say that Gary will be taking on a new role as Senior Creative Advisor at Showtime, reporting to me,” said McCarthy. “I’m delighted that he will now be able to dig into so many original shows and franchises in a more focused way, while mentoring me and Showtime’s leaders,” McCarthy added, using one of Levine’s favorite phrases.

Levine had been rumored long before Nevins’ departure after more than two decades at the network.

Meanwhile, Cox will adapt new programming strategies for Showtime as Taylor is involved in Sheridan’s expansion. Yellowstone suffrage

Here are McCarthy’s internal notes:

Greetings to all,

I want to give you an update on our co-presidents of entertainment at Showtime, Gary Levine and Jana Winograd.

Gary Levine

Gary came to me because after more than 22 years overseeing all original programming at SHOWTIME, he was ready to use his strong creative skills in a more focused way. I’m thrilled to say that Gary will be taking on a new role as Senior Creative Advisor at SHOWTIME, reporting to me. Gary has been a creative force at Showtime for nearly two decades, with Dexter, Billions, The Chi, Homeland, The L Word, Nurse Jackie, Californication, Shameless, Weeds, Yellow Jackets, Your Honor and many more, which is why I’m thrilled he’s at Showtime. Come here for the next chapter.

Gary’s interests are many, including his devotion to the theater and his moonlighting as a cantor at his synagogue. His office doesn’t display many items, but they are clearly cherished — including a shovel from his former colleagues at ABC that is inscribed with one of Gary’s phrases, “Let’s dig.” As anyone who has worked with Gary will tell you, he is incredibly personable – but when it comes to work he wants to cut to the chase and “dig in”. I’m excited that he will now be able to mentor me and Showtime’s leaders as well as dig into several original shows and franchises in a more focused way.

Gary’s contributions to SHOWTIME may exceed those of anyone in the network’s history He’s left his undeniable mark, and I’m so happy he’ll be here as we build the next generation of programming.

Jana Winograd

With the integration of Showtime across the company, many of the current functions, including Jana business affairs, production, operations and casting, are being centralized and therefore, Jana will be gone.

In her six years here, Jana has been a passionate advocate for Showtime. His talented and steady leadership has helped evolve the business and our partnership with the creative community. Along with Gary and the creative teams, Jana has been instrumental in launching many of our biggest wins, including the acclaimed recent series, Dexter: New Blood, Yellowjackets and Your Honor.

Not only is Jana an accomplished steward of the Showtime brand, but her strategic expertise has raised the network’s profile internally and around the world. Perhaps most of all, it’s clear how much Jana has dedicated herself to the Showtime family, mentoring junior staff members and maintaining an open-door policy for colleagues at all levels. Undoubtedly, she has been a supportive and motivating force for all at Showtime

On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Jana’s thoughtful and passionate partnership over the past few months. Jana has been instrumental in positioning SHOWTIME to continue to thrive as a brand, studio and streaming service

I will soon provide an update on a new, unified leadership structure for our organization. In the meantime, please join me in congratulating Gary on his new role and thanking Jana for her many contributions and wishing her continued success for years to come.

thanks,

Chris