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Industry Leaders Gather for Unscripted Content Event Featuring Andy Cohen
The lineup for an upcoming unscripted content event has been finalized, with Andy Cohen set to deliver a keynote Q&A. The event will host executives from major streaming platforms, broadcasters, cable networks, and notable talent and producers.
Joining Cohen will be Stephen Colletti, famed for his role in Laguna Beach: Orange County, who recently produced and acted in Roku’s The Reunion: Laguna Beach. Brian Tannenbaum, head of originals at Roku, will also be part of the lineup. Additionally, Cori Abraham, Senior Vice President of Unscripted Content at Versant—operating networks such as USA, E!, Syfy, and Oxygen—has been added to the event roster.
Event Details:
Date and Time:
Friday, May 1, 2026
12:30 PM – Doors Open
1:00 PM – Panels Begin
4:15 PM – Panels Conclude, Reception StartsLocation:
Lumen West LA, 3rd Floor Events Deck
11355 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
RSVPs for the event have closed, but a waitlist is available. Those who have RSVPed need to arrive promptly to secure seating.
The audience will consist of industry professionals and voters from the TV Academy and guilds, aiming to foster discussions about the future of the unscripted entertainment sector.
Cohen’s keynote is particularly significant as The Real Housewives franchise, which he executive produces, celebrates its 20th anniversary. The franchise has achieved notable success, with around a dozen U.S. iterations, numerous international adaptations, and over 30 spinoffs.
During his presentation, Cohen will discuss the latest installment, The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, which premiered this month. He will explore the franchise’s business model, the success of his late-night show, Watch What Happens Live!, and other ventures, including Radio Andy.
The event will feature executives from leading streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and Peacock, as well as major broadcast networks including ABC, CBS, Fox, and The CW. Notable attendees include Jeff Gaspin, VP of Unscripted at Netflix; Jenn Levy, Head of Unscripted and Documentary Television at Amazon; Rob Mills, EVP of Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television; and Mitch Graham, EVP of Alternative Programming at CBS.
Additionally, the lineup includes Jason Sarlanis, President of TNT, TBS, TruTV, ID & HLN; Heather Olander, Head of Unscripted Programming at The CW; Eli Lehrer, EVP and Head of Programming at The History Channel; and Cori Abraham, SVP of Development at Versant.
Stars from prominent shows will also be in attendance, including Joel McHale, host of Fox’s The 1% Club; Jay Pharoah, host of The Quiz With Balls; Kristen Kish from Bravo’s Top Chef; and Colletti.
Panels will discuss the nuances of producing successful reality shows. One featured discussion, titled “How to Have a Hit Reality Series,” will include renowned producers such as Alex Baskin from Vanderpump Rules, Jeff Jenkins from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Carlos King from the Love & Marriage franchise, Julie Pizzi from Below Deck, and Steven Weinstock from Summer House.
The panel “Love on Television” will focus on the contemporary state of dating shows, featuring industry figures such as David Eilenberg from Love Island USA, Jazzy Collins who has cast for The Bachelor, Jennifer O’Connell from Age of Attraction, and SallyAnn Salsano from Jersey Shore.
This event promises to be an engaging forum for leaders in unscripted storytelling, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities within the industry.
