Fox has found its new head of reality TV in the form of Simon Andreae, a former Discovery executive.
Andreae, whose official title will be Executive Vice President of Alternative Entertainment, replaces Mike Darnell, who exited the network in the spring.
In the role, Andreae will oversee the network’s slate of unscripted programming and specials, as well as lead a development effort to expand Fox’s unscripted fare, according to the network.
During the months-long search for Darnell’s replacement, Fox placed David Hill as interim overseer of hit singing competitions “American Idol” and “The X Factor.” Fox told TheWrap that Hill, who oversaw the finalization of “Idol’s” judging panel of Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., will continue in his role as Andreae transitions into his new role at his new network. There will be plenty of work to go around, Fox said.
Previously, Andreae served as senior vice president of West Coast development and droduction, at Discovery Channel, where he oversaw the development of “Naked and Afraid,” “Fast N’ Loud,” as well as the award winning series “Curiosity,” among others.
“This was a highly sought-after role in town, and given Fox’s legacy in groundbreaking unscripted entertainment, we were looking for a particular caliber of executive – and we found the perfect fit in Simon,” said Kevin Reilly, chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Not only is Simon known for innovative thinking, he’s a dynamic leader who has been a producer and a network executive on both sides of the pond, and he has the energy and drive to open a new chapter in Fox unscripted.”
Also read: Former Fox Exec Mike Darnell Moving to Warner Bros. TV
“I’m very grateful to Kevin and his team for giving me this opportunity. My intention is to help build on FOX’s rich heritage of risk and innovation and to help support and extend its range of category-defining shows and world-leading talent,” Andreae added.