JoAnn Alfano Joins Universal TV As Head Of Current Series & New Business
JoAnn Alfano, EVP of Scripted Programming, NBCUniversal International Studios, is returning to the domestic side of NBCUniversal’s TV operation where she had started her career. Alfano has been tapped as EVP, Current Series and New Business Development, for Universal Television.
Reporting to Universal TV President Pearlena Igbokwe, Alfano will oversee the studio’s current series department and, using her background, will also help identify development opportunities in the international scripted marketplace, liaising with NBCUniversal International Studios when appropriate.
In the head of current series part of the job, Alfano is succeeding EVP Current Programming Chris Sanagustin who left the studio for a new job.
“Having someone of JoAnn’s stature join Universal Television is a real coup for us,” Igbokwe said. “I can’t think of anyone more capable or knowledgeable to entrust our beloved series to and we get the added benefit of her international marketplace expertise. #SheSaidYes.”
During her five-year tenure at NBCUniversal International Studios, Alfano executive produced a number of series including You Me and the Apocalypse (Sky/NBC), Deadline Gallipoli (Foxtel), Glitch (Australian Broadcasting Corp./Netflix) as well as the #1 new Canadian series of 2017/18, The Disappearance (CTV).
Before joining the International Studios, Alfano executive produced the ABC drama Resurrection, which she developed as President of Television at Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Prior to that, she was Head of Programming for Lifetime Television and Lifetime Movie Network.
Before joining Lifetime Networks, Alfano was President of Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video Television, where she developed and executive produced the Emmy-winning NBC comedy 30 Rock.
While at NBC, Alfano served in numerous capacities including head of both Drama and Comedy Development, as well as overseeing the production of numerous NBC shows, including Emmy winner Will & Grace, Peabody Award-winning drama Homicide: Life on the Street, Ed, Profiler, Scrubs and Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
Related stories
Graham Linehan To Adapt 'The IT Crowd' For NBC
Execs Talk Peak TV and Breaking Through With Savvy Viewers - Produced By
'Chicago Fire' Co-EP Michael Gilvary Inks Overall Deal With Universal Television
Get more from Deadline.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
