The CW's Mark Pedowitz Extends Deal as Network President

Mark Pedowitz has extended his deal to serve as president of The CW, a representative of the network told TheWrap Wednesday.

Pedowitz has been president of the network, which hosts popular shows like “Riverdale,” “Arrow” and “The Flash,” since April 2011. Pedowitz oversees all aspects of the network including programming, sales, marketing, distribution, finance, research and publicity in his role as president.

During his tenure at The CW, Pedowitz has overseen the launch of the network’s first summer schedule, and broadened the network’s digital reach with the launch of The CW app. It was also under Pedowitz that the network received its first Golden Globe Award nominations and wins for “Jane the Virgin” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.”

Also Read: 'Jane the Virgin' Star Yael Grobglas Talks Saying Goodbye to Her Other Half -- for Now

In the pipeline for TheCW is the new DC comic character series “Black Lightning” and “Life Sentence,” which stars “Pretty Little Liars” alum Lucy Hale.

Pedowitz served as ABC Studio’s president from 2004-2009, during which time hits “Lost,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Desperate Housewives” were produced. Prior to that he was Executive Vice President at ABC Entertainment Television Group, Senior Vice President, Business Affairs and Administration at MGM/UA Television Production Group, and executive producer through Pine Street Entertainment, an independent production banner. He began his career in entertainment as an attorney at MCA, Inc.

He was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in October 2016.

The Hollywood Reporter first reported Pedowitz’s contract extension.

Evolution of Archie, From 1940s Comics to CW's 'Riverdale' (Photos)

Archie Andrews is making his TV debut on the CW's "Riverdale," but those who've grown up with the iconic character from the comics will barely recognize him.
Archie Andrews made his comic book debut in 1941, drawn by artist Bob Montana. The character's iconic design remained largely unchanged for more than 70 years.
Archie Comics
After Jon Goldwater, CEO of Archie Comics and the son of the character's original creator, took control of the company, he made the shocking decision to kill off the character in 2014. The following year, the entire franchise was rebooted with a more modern look drawn by artist Fiona Staples.
Archie Comics
New Zealand actor K. J. Apa is the newest face of the red-headed teen in The CW's "Riverdale," from Archie Comics' Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and executive producer Greg Berlanti.
CW
The "blonde bombshell" Betty Cooper was introduced alongside Archie and her best friend/romantic rival Veronica Lodge in 1941's Pep Comics #22.
Archie Comics
In 2015, Betty was redrawn with a modern, sportier image and more complex facial expressions. The "Betty & Veronica" title got its own reboot in July 2016.
Archie Comics
Lili Reinhart plays Betty on The CW series, which hints that the girl-next-door character could have a bit more edge than readers have come to expect.
CW
"Rich girl" Veronica Lodge was also introduced Pep Comics #22 in 1941, and has vied with Betty for Archie's affections ever since.
Archie Comics
Veronica made her debut in Mark Waid and Fiona Staples' reboot in Archie #3, showing up to Riverdale with a shorter haircut and more stylish wardrobe.
Archie Comics
Camila Mendes plays the new girl at Riverdale High who moves to town after a mysterious scandal involving her father.
CW
Forsythe Pendleton "Jughead" Jones III was introduced in 1941 as a crown-wearing teenager with an insatiable appetite and lackadaisical attitude.
Archie Comics
Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson collaborated to reboot the Jughead series in late 2015, and shortly after the character came out as asexual.
Archie Comics
Cole Sprouse plays Jughead on The CW's "Riverdale," swapping the character's signature crown for a beanie and dreams of becoming a novelist.
CW
Josie, the lead singer and guitarist of Josie and the Pussycats, was first introduced in 1963's Archie Pals ‘n’ Gals #23 as a scatterbrained redhead.
Archie Comics
The Josie and the Pussycats title was rebooted in 2016, like much of the rest of the Archie Comics library, by writers Marguerite Bennett and Cameron DeOrdio with art by Audrey Mok.
Archie Comics
In The CW's "Riverdale," Josie is played by Ashleigh Murray as an ambitious, hard-nosed teen determined to make it as a musician without Archie's input as a songwriter.
CW
Created by writer/artist Dan Parent, the blond-haired, blue-eyed Kevin Keller became Archie Comics' first openly gay character in in 2010's Veronica #202.
Archie Comics
In 2016, Kevin became the star of the digital-first series "Life With Kevin," which follows the character post-high school as he explores life in the big city.
Archie Comics
Newcomer Casey Cott fills the role of Kevin on the CW series, playing confidant to Betty as she struggles with a crush on her childhood best friend.
CW
First introduced in 1982, Cheryl Blossom, of the high-class neighboring town of Pembrooke, became the rich, conniving rival to Veronica for Archie Andrews' heart.
Archie Comics
Cheryl made her first appearance in the New Riverdale canon in Archie #13 as the haughty queen bee of Pembrooke Academy attended by Veronica.
Archie Comics
Madelaine Petsch plays the rich, entitled head cheerleader whose brother's mysterious disappearance becomes the central mystery of "Riverdale."
CW

1 of 22

Iconic comic book character has evolved into a moody teenager played by K. J. Apa in The CW’s new series

Archie Andrews is making his TV debut on the CW's "Riverdale," but those who've grown up with the iconic character from the comics will barely recognize him.

View In Gallery

Evolution of Archie, From 1940s Comics to CW's 'Riverdale' (Photos)

7DAYFREETRIAL

7
DAY
FREE
TRIAL