- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
CBS is the latest network to further commit to limited-series programming.
Stacy Mandelberg has joined the network in the newly created position of vp limited series and event programming, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
In her new role, Mandelberg will acquire, develop and oversee production of short-run scripted programming based on books, historical events and original ideas with high-concept appeal. She will report to Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment, and David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios.
STORY: Fox Hires Film Veteran in Push to Expand Event Series Programming
This past summer, CBS successfully launched the TV adaptation of Stephen King‘s Under the Dome with a shorter 13-episode run, later renewing it for a sophomore season. The network also premiered Hostages, rolling out the Toni Collette-Dylan McDermott thriller for 15 episodes before launching midseason effort Intelligence, toplined by Josh Holloway, for a similar run in 2014.
“There is a lot of interest — from writers, producers and actors — to tell shorter-form stories that make noise in the industry as well as on a network’s schedule,” said Stapf in the announcement. “This position formally establishes a point person to facilitate the pitching, development and production process.”
“We believe there is viewer demand for scripted projects with built-in promotional appeal that air over a few days, or maybe a couple weeks,” added Tassler in a statement. “It is programming that can complement our regular series and live event specials, and offer scheduling opportunities at various points of the year as an alternative to repeats.”
Mandelberg’s hire makes CBS the latest network to actively commit to the limited series space, following Fox’s hiring of film executive Jeni Mulein on Sept. 27. In June, NBC brought over ABC executive Quinn Taylor to restart its longform programming department as it and other networks — including cable — aim to increase originals and compete with live TV events.
She was previously senior vp at Von Zerneck/Sertner Films, where she oversaw the development and production of series and movies for TV with projects for cable networks like TNT, Lifetime and ABC Family, and CBS’ Category 7 miniseries. Prior to that, Mandelberg executive produced Lifetime telepic Haunting Sarah, was a programming executive at Atmosphere Entertainment and worked at Wilshire Court Productions.
Mandelberg, a guest professor at the American Film Institute and guest lecturer at Chapman University, has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a master’s degree from New York University.
E-mail: Philiana.Ng@THR.com
Twitter: @insidethetube
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day