Reality TV Summit: Andy Cohen Keynote and Insights from Top Executives, Producers, and Talent
Unscripted Summit Set for May 1 in Los Angeles
The Unscripted Summit will convene on Friday, May 1, starting at 1 p.m. PT at Lumen West LA, located at 11355 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064. This curated event will bring together industry leaders and FYC voters from the television Academy and guilds to explore the future of the unscripted sector.
The keynote address will be delivered by Andy Cohen, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Real Housewives franchise, which he executive produces. Recognized as one of the most successful unscripted franchises, it boasts numerous U.S. versions, international adaptations, and over 30 spinoffs.
Cohen is expected to discuss the highly anticipated Real Housewives of Rhode Island, which premiered earlier this month, as well as the ongoing success of Watch What Happens Live!, a late-night show known for featuring reality stars and A-listers, including Jon Hamm discussing the latest Summer House drama. He will also touch on his other projects, including Radio Andy.
The summit will feature an impressive roster of executives from leading streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and Peacock, alongside representatives from major broadcast networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox, and The CW, and cable groups like A+E Global Media and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Notable executives scheduled to attend include Jeff Gaspin, VP of Unscripted at Netflix; Jenn Levy, Amazon’s Head of Unscripted and Documentary Television; Rob Mills, EVP of Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television; Mitch Graham, EVP of Alternative Programming at CBS; Rachel Smith, EVP of Unscripted Content at Bravo and Peacock; and Allison Wallach, Head of Unscripted Programming at Fox Entertainment Studios.
Additional participants include Jason Sarlanis, President of TNT, TBS, TruTV, ID & HLN at Warner Bros. Discovery; Heather Olander, Head of Unscripted Programming at The CW; and Eli Lehrer, EVP and Head of Programming at The History Channel.
Stars from popular shows will also be featured, including Joel McHale, host of Fox’s The 1% Club; Jay Pharoah, host of The Quiz With Balls; and Kristen Kish, who hosts Bravo’s Top Chef.
Producers responsible for some of television’s most acclaimed unscripted series will share insights on the challenges and triumphs of creating reality shows. Panels will cover a range of topics, including one focused on “How to Have a Hit Reality Series,” featuring industry leaders such as Alex Baskin, Jeff Jenkins, Carlos King, Julie Pizzi, and Steven Weinstock.
Another panel will examine the landscape of dating shows with discussions led by thought leaders like David Eilenberg, Jazzy Collins, Jennifer O’Connell, and SallyAnn Salsano.
This event promises to be a gathering of innovative minds at the forefront of the unscripted television genre.
