Nevins Named to Replace Greenblatt at Showtime

Premium network makes executive switch official as Imagine TV's David Nevins succeeds Robert Greenblatt as entertainment chief

By Jon Lafayette -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/28/2010 12:33:39 PM

Showtime Networks on Monday officially named David Nevins as president of entertainment. He replaces Robert Greenblatt, who is leaving the network when his contract expires in July.

Since 2002, Nevins had been president of Imagine Television, where he oversaw development and production. He also served as executive producer of Imagine's 24 and Friday Night Lights.

"I'm thrilled to welcome a creative executive of the caliber of David Nevins to our company," said Matt Blank, chairman and CEO of Showtime Networks, to whom Nevins will report. "David's career has been punctuated by genre-defining programming at every turn and has the perfect creative sensibility for Showtime Networks' next exciting chapter."

"Showtime has shown a remarkably consistent ability to develop unique, signature shows with that rare combination of creative integrity and mass appeal - and frankly they do the kind of shows I like to watch," said Nevins. Matt and Bob have done this by creating a nurturing environment where the best creative talent can thrive."

Before joining Imagine, Nevins was executive VP, programming at Fox Broadcasting Co. and senior VP, primetime series at NBC.

Greenblatt joined Showtime in July 2003 and provided Showtime with a deep bench of original shows including Dexter, Weeds, Nurse Jackie and Californication. The programming was partly responsible for the network's growth in subscribers and operating profit, Showtime said in a statement.

"I leave exceedingly proud that Showtime now stands as a vibrant, exciting, groundbreaking network and I predict it will remain so for many years to come," Greenblatt said.

"Bob Greenblatt is one of the finest executives in the business and has developed some of the most extraordinary original programming of the past decade," said Blank. "His legacy has us grateful and well-positioned for the company's future."