Robert Greenblatt Teams Up with NBCU Again: First Project is ‘The Lies I Tell’ Adaptation at Universal TV
Robert Greenblatt Returns to NBCUniversal as Producer
Robert Greenblatt, former Chairman of NBC Entertainment, is making a return to NBCUniversal after eight years, signing a first-look deal with Universal Television to develop and produce projects through his production company, The Green Room. This partnership continues his longstanding relationship with Universal Television, which has persisted since he left NBCU in 2018.
The initial project under this new agreement is The Lies I Tell, an adaptation of Julie Clark’s 2022 bestselling novel, with Ken Olin attached as an executive producer.
Greenblatt previously led NBC Entertainment for seven years, where he was instrumental in overseeing the network’s primetime, late-night, and scripted daytime programming. His tenure included management of Universal Television, Universal Television Alternative Studio, and Universal Stage Productions.
Currently, he is an executive producer on HBO’s acclaimed period drama The Gilded Age. This series was a personal project for Greenblatt, who initially greenlit it as part of NBC’s programming during his time at NBCU. He later transitioned the series to HBO while overseeing WarnerMedia and launching HBO Max.
"Bob is a well-respected creative force in the industry. Welcoming him back to Universal Television feels both exciting and fitting," stated Erin Underhill, President of Universal Television. "His taste, vision, and relationships have shaped some of television’s most enduring hits, and we can’t wait to collaborate with him on what comes next."
This new deal marks a reunion for Greenblatt and Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Television Studios, NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted. Igbokwe was Greenblatt’s Head of Drama Development during his time at Showtime Networks, and he brought her to NBCUniversal shortly after taking the reins at NBC in 2011.
"I’m overjoyed to be coming back to NBCU to produce shows with my old friends at Universal Television," Greenblatt remarked. He emphasized the exceptional work being done under Igbokwe’s leadership and expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with her team.
The Lies I Tell is described as a cat-and-mouse thriller featuring Meg, a con artist, and Kat Roberts, a journalist determined to expose her past. As their paths converge, Kat’s perceptions of Meg shift, leaving her questioning who Meg’s true target is.
Greenblatt’s executive roles at NBC and Showtime have resulted in notable hits, including The Voice, This Is Us, The Blacklist, and The Good Place, alongside award-winning productions such as Ragtime, which recently returned to Lincoln Center.
Ken Olin will work alongside Greenblatt as an executive producer on all projects from The Green Room under the Universal Television deal. Olin’s previous experience includes roles at Hello Sunshine, where he worked on The Morning Show, and he also executive produced the film Where the Crawdads Sing.
As Greenblatt steps back into the NBCUniversal fold, the implications for future television projects may resonate throughout the industry, signaling new opportunities for creative storytelling and collaboration.
