CBS Television Studios has formed a new unscripted programming department, with reality programming producer and executive Ghen Maynard named to the newly created position of senior executive vice president of alternative programming, the studio announced Monday.
“We’re thrilled to have Ghen return to CBS to help build our Studio’s alternative department,” studio president David Stapf said in a statement. “Ghen has an outstanding track record in the unscripted arena, having developed some of reality television’s biggest hits. His creative instincts and strong relationships within the alternative community will be key as we grow our roster of unscripted hits and new formats.”
Currently, CBS Television Studios’ unscripted roster includes the “Carpool Karaoke” television series for Apple Music, based on “The Late Late Show” segment, and “Drop the Mic” for TBS, also based on a segment from “The Late Late Show.” Both are produced in association with Fulwell 73.
For Maynard, this marks a return to CBS, where he previously developed and launched four of reality television’s longest-running hits: “Survivor,” the U.S. version of the hit franchise “Big Brother,” the 15-time Emmy Award-winning “The Amazing Race” and “America’s Next Top Model.” In his new role, he will report to Stapf.
“I am very grateful to both Les [Moonves] and David for the opportunity to build this exciting new venture at my old home, where I will get to work again with so many good friends,” Maynard said.
Recently, Maynard independently sold produced pilots and series, and he consulted on projects at several networks and production companies, including AMC, CBS, The CW, TNT and UPtv.
Maynard began his CBS career in 1997 in the drama-development department, eventually moving up to vice president. He was part of the team responsible for “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Judging Amy” and “The District,” before he moved into alternative development.
Maynard is a graduate of Harvard College, where he concentrated in social psychology while working full-time as publisher of the best-selling Let’s Go travel guides.