HBO’s Kary Antholis to Step Down, HBO Films’ Len Amato to Add Oversight of Miniseries, Cinemax

Amato will now serve as president, HBO Films, Miniseries and Cinemax Programming

Kary Antholis and Len Amato HBO
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Kary Antholis is stepping down from his role at HBO and Cinemax after more than 25 years.

Antholis is exiting as president, HBO miniseries and Cinemax, with HBO Films president Len Amato set to absorb his responsibilities.

“I am deeply grateful to HBO for over a quarter century of opportunities to work with many of the world’s great storytellers,” Antholis said in a statement. “I am particularly pleased that HBO’s generosity – in addition to encouraging me to develop and produce TV projects – will allow me to pursue my long-held vision of creating a digital media enterprise focused on crime journalism and storytelling.”

The news of his departure comes amid a period of top-level turnover at the premium cabler. Chairman and CEO Richard Plepler exited the company last week, with former NBC boss Robert Greenblatt taking over as head of HBO, in addition to Turner and WarnerMedia’s upcoming streaming service, as of this week.

“Kary has been a key creative force at HBO and Cinemax over the past three decades,” said HBO programming president Casey Bloys. “We are extremely appreciative of all that he has accomplished and contributed to the company, and we look forward to working with him as a producer and innovative voice in his new endeavors.”

During his time at the helm, Antholis has overseen such projects as “The Night Of,” “Mildred Pierce” and “Olive Kitteridge” at HBO, as well as shepherding Cinemax’s scripted originals, including “Strike Back,” “Banshee,” “The Knick” and “Outcast.”

Amato’s new title will be president, HBO Films, Miniseries and Cinemax Programming.

“Len has had a distinguished career leading HBO Films to award-winning results,” said Bloys. “He is uniquely qualified to add HBO Miniseries and Cinemax to his responsibilities; and we are thrilled that he will now be overseeing these three areas.”

Added Amato, “Leading HBO Films is one of the great joys of my life and I’m honored to expand my responsibilities to include HBO Miniseries and Cinemax. It’s a privilege to continue working with my colleagues and all the incredible artists who make HBO a very special destination for great talent and whose vision creates such relevant and impactful storytelling.”

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