Lauren Corrao to Replace Karey Burke as Head of Programming at Freeform

Burke moved over to ABC last fall

Lauren Corrao Freeform

Freeform has named Lauren Corrao its new head of original programming, the network announced on Thursday.

The Tornante TV vet will serve as executive vice president, original programming and development for the Disney network. She replaces Karey Burke, who was tapped to serve as president of ABC Entertainment last fall.

Corrao will oversee all scripted and unscripted development, current originals as well as casting and talent development. She reports directly to Freeform president Tom Ascheim.

“Lauren’s wealth of experience coupled with her incredible creative instinct as well as close working relationships with many talented writers and producers will be invaluable to Freeform,” Ascheim said in a statement. “In collaboration with the programming team, she will undoubtedly grow our slate of successful series and continue to build an environment for the talent community to tell powerful stories that become a lasting part of the cultural zeitgeist.”

“I am honored to be joining Freeform and continuing to elevate the tremendous work that Tom, Karey and the team have done to make it a destination that truly connects with its audience,” Corrao said. “I’m incredibly inspired by the energy, inclusivity and diverse voices that populate this network and cannot wait to get started.”

Corrao most recently served as co-president of Michael Eisner’s indie studio Tornante TV, where she developed and executive produced several projects, including AMC’s Zachary Quinto-led horror-fantasy series, “NOS4A2.”

She previously spent eight years at Comedy Central rising to the role of president, Original Programming and Development, where she oversaw shows such as “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Colbert Report,” and developed “Chappelle’s Show,” “RENO 911,” “The Sarah Silverman Program,” “Tosh 2.0,” “Workaholics,” as well as the network’s event programming such as the “Comedy Central Roast” franchise and one-hour standup comedy specials.

Comments