Amazon Studios Shakeup: Joe Lewis Exits as Head of Comedy and Drama

Exec’s departure follows resignation of programming head Roy Price last week

Joe Lewis
Joe Lewis

Amazon Studios head of comedy and drama development, Joe Lewis, has exited, TheWrap has learned.

Sharon Tal Yguado, who recently joined the company to handle event series, will take over his responsibilities in heading up all scripted programming.

The move follows a Wall Street Journal report earlier this month that cited anonymous staffers who claimed Lewis pressured “The Tick” producers to cast his girlfriend, Yara Martinez, in the pilot and then beef up her role.

This is a major time of transition for Amazon Studios, as head Roy Price resigned last week amid sexual harassment accusations. Chief operating officer Albert Cheng has taken over for Price on an interim basis.

During his Amazon stint, Lewis developed such series as “Red Oaks,” “Mozart in the Jungle” and “One Mississippi.” He had previously held positions at Comedy Central and 20th Century Fox.

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