Michael Thorn (left, in image) has been named president of entertainment for the Fox Broadcasting Company, said Fox Television Group Chairmen and CEOs Gary Newman and Dana Walden on Wednesday.
Fox’s current president of entertainment, David Madden, is moving on to AMC, where he oversee programming for AMC and Sundance TV, according to several reports. Madden, who has been Fox’s president of entertainment for three years, will replace Joel Stillerman, who was named Hulu’s chief content officer in May.
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Thorn comes to FBC from sister company Twentieth Century Fox Television, where he’s been executive vice president of development. In that role, he’s led scripted development efforts for the studio, overseeing both comedy and drama. Most recently, he worked on last season’s breakout hit, NBC’s This Is Us. He’s also overseen development of such series as Empire, Speechless and The Mick, among many others.
“We’ve worked with Michael for the past decade, and in terms of creative chops and leadership skills, he’s one of the best,” said Newman and Walden in a statement. “He’s distinguished himself in our organization and in the creative community as an incredible executive who cares deeply about the work and our creative partners. As someone who’s worked at the studio, a broadcast network and spent time as a producer, Michael’s had the best possible training for this position. We’re elated he’ll be stepping into this expanded role.”
Thorn joined Twentieth Century Fox Television seven years ago as senior vice president, drama development, from Los Marbles Television. There, he oversaw scripts television and executive produced such series as Teen Wolf, Supreme Courtships and more.
Prior to that, he was team head of drama development at NBC where he developed such programs as Heroes and Friday Night Lights. He also served as vice president, primetime series, at NBC Studios, overseeing all drama development and current programming for the studio.
Before coming to NBC, Thorn was vice president, series development and programming at USA Network, working on such shows as Monk and Touching Evil.
As for Madden, who was under increasing pressure as Fox struggles to find new hits, his move to AMC makes sense, considering his studio and development experience. At Fox TV Studios, Madden had overseen such prestige series as The Americans for FX and The Killing for AMC.
“This brings to a close an incredible 17-year run working with our friend and colleague, David. He’s a gifted executive who brings passion, intelligence and a tremendous amount of experience to all he does. We know he’ll be successful in the next stage of his career and we wish him all the best,” added Walden and Newman.
READ MORE: The Hollywood Reporter, The Wrap
[Image courtesy of The Wrap]
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