Keith Cox Exits Paramount After 20 Years to Join Chris McCarthy and Team at NBCUniversal
Keith Cox Departs Paramount Television After Two-Decade Tenure
Keith Cox, a prominent executive at Paramount Television, is set to leave the company following the recent Skydance merger. With a career spanning over 20 years, Cox has served as programming president for several brands, including TV Land, Paramount Network, and Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios. His final day at the studio will be June 5.
While his future plans remain uncertain, sources suggest that Cox is in discussions to join his former boss, Chris McCarthy, at NBCUniversal. McCarthy, who has been busy forming a new team at NBCU, has previously worked with notable figures in the industry, including David Glasser from 101 Studios and Jez Butterworth, who recently signed a five-year contract with Universal Entertainment.
At Paramount, Cox was most recently involved with the revitalized Paramount Television Studios. Matt Thunell, the studio’s president, communicated Cox’s departure in an internal memo, highlighting some of Cox’s most significant achievements over his tenure.
Originally hired in 2006 as EVP of Development and Original Programming for TV Land, Cox transformed the network from a repository of classic sitcoms into a producer of original content. Notable successes include the multi-camera sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which aired for 128 episodes, as well as Younger, a groundbreaking single-camera series that rejuvenated the career of creator Darren Star. Their collaboration continued with the popular series Emily in Paris, which transitioned to Netflix and became one of the streamer’s signature comedies.
As head of programming at the rebranded Paramount Network, Cox greenlit the acclaimed series Yellowstone, directed by Taylor Sheridan and produced by David Glasser’s 101 Studios. This decision forged a successful partnership that led to additional hits, including the prequels 1883 and 1923, as well as Tulsa King, Landman, and the upcoming spinoff Dutton Ranch.
Cox’s influence extended to the incorporation of Butterworth’s work, leading to the development of series such as MobLand and The Agency. Other projects under his leadership included George & Tammy and Waco.
After the consolidation of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios into the new Paramount TV Studios, Cox continued to oversee significant series, maintaining key productions through this transition.
Following his departure, Cox’s direct reports, Antonia Covault and Todd Baynes, will move to new positions within the company, now reporting to Carolyn Harris, EVP and Head of Current Series.
In internal memos, both Thunell and Cox reflected on his impactful journey over the past two decades. Thunell expressed gratitude for Cox’s contributions, emphasizing his role in shaping iconic series and supporting creative partnerships.
Cox’s farewell highlighted his personal experiences and the collaborative spirit that drove successful projects at Paramount, underscoring the relationships that defined his two decades at the company. As he embarks on a new chapter, the legacy of his work at Paramount remains significant in the television landscape.
