Mike Darnell Reups for Three More Years as Fox’s ‘Mr. Reality’

Darnell, who has overseen unscripted programming at Fox since 1994, is rewarded with three more years as president of alternative entertainment

Mike Darnell, who since 1994 has kept Fox in the limelight with an assortment of both legitimate and crazy reality and alternative series, has signed a new three-year deal to continue on as president, alternative entertainment, with Fox Broadcasting Co.

The new deal was first reported by New York Magazine's Vulture and confirmed to TheWrap by Fox.

Besides the more mainstream "American Idol," "So You Think You Can Dance," "Hell's Kitchen," "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader," "Don't Forget the Lyrics" and "The Simple Life," Darnell also is responsible for "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance," "Temptation Island" and "More to Love."

He is currently working on the culinary competition show "Masterchef," a third show on the network featuring Gordon Ramsay, which is due to premiere July 27.

Although he has overseen development of reality programming at Fox since 1994, Darnell was named to his current post in 2007. His responsibilities include development and oversight of all unscripted programming, as well as original movies and specials.

Darnell joined Fox as director of specials after spending more than three years as executive producer of specials at Fox Television Stations Group. Before that, he worked in various positions in the news department at KTTV-TV in Los Angeles.
 

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