Sam Linsky and Adrienne O'Riain To Head Up Scripted Originals for TBS, TNT and truTV under Brett Weitz
Sam Linsky, SVP of Original Programming, to expand his responsibilities across all three linear networks alongside Adrienne O'Riain, who has been upped to SVP of Original Programming
Together, they will oversee the networks' scripted Originals
BURBANK, CA - June 26, 2020 - Brett Weitz, General Manager, TBS, TNT and truTV, has tapped Sam Linsky and Adrienne O'Riain to co-head Scripted Originals for the three linear networks. Linsky, SVP of Original Programming, who recently celebrated 25 years with the company, will expand his responsibilities, alongside O'Riain, who has been promoted to SVP. Together, they will be responsible for providing leadership and oversight of the network's scripted content, taking projects from concept to series and continuing the development of all scripted shows. Additionally, Linsky will work in partnership with Weitz and other company leaders to develop and execute strategic planning and programming initiatives.
"Sam and Adrienne make a great team. They are smart, strategic and dedicated creative executives who deliver ratings powerhouses and award winners, while also consistently rising to new challenges with striking results," said Weitz. "As we continue to evolve our brands, the importance of our scripted Originals can't be overstated. I am confident we are in the best possible hands under their stewardship."
Linsky and O'Riain's scripted slate includes TNT's high adrenaline, edge-of-your-seat tentpoles such as Snowpiercer, a postapocalyptic thriller starring Daveed Diggs and Jennifer Connelly, which premiered May 17 as the top new entertainment program on cable in 2020; Angel of Darkness, the sequel to the Emmy(R) Award-winning Alienist; Claws, which ranked as a top 10 cable drama in both 2018 and 2019; and Animal Kingdom, a top 10 cable drama in 2019. On TBS, they oversee edgy comedies with broad appeal, such as Miracle Workers, a top 5 cable comedy starring Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi; The Last O.G., a top original cable comedy in 2019; and Chad, the forthcoming coming-of-age high school comedy from SNL alum Nasim Pedrad. And on truTV, the pair oversee laugh-out-loud, audacious series such as Emmy(R) nominee At Home with Amy Sedaris, Tacoma FD and I'm Sorry, the critically- acclaimed series from Andrea Savage, all which have seen growth in their viewership season-to-season. Linsky also manages the partnership with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for WarnerMedia, as well as AEW: Dynamite, TNT's fan-favorite wrestling series that debuted in 2019 which notably, consistently has the youngest wrestling audience on television.
"It is an honor to be leading such an inspiring and creative group of people and to be able to continue my strong and successful relationships throughout WarnerMedia while working with Brett and Adrienne across these networks," said Linsky. "I have seen many evolutions of this company in my 25-year tenure, and the work that is being done by our teams now is truly remarkable."
In this expansion of his duties, Linsky will work closely with Weitz on the strategy and execution of long-term plans centered around the networks' evolution as well as with internal teams to define project scope, goals, and deliverables, including finance, strategic planning and new enterprise opportunities. Linsky's successful track record at the company includes overseeing Emmy(R) Award-winning series Southland and The Closer, Peabody Award winner Men of a Certain Age, and recent ratings powerhouses
Snowpiercer and AEW: Dynamite. Linsky's roster also includes The Last Ship, Major Crimes, American Dad!, King of the Nerds, and Cougar Town. Linsky joined Turner Broadcasting in 1997, first serving as assistant to the Vice President of Original Programming for TNT, and before that, was at Castle Rock Entertainment for two years.
"I've loved being part of the evolution of these brands over the years, and working with a team that is endlessly creative, and always striving to be passionate supporters of talent," said O'Riain. "I am thrilled to take on new responsibilities, and to expand our slate of scripted programming alongside Brett and Sam."
In her newly appointed role of SVP, O'Riain will work closely with teams across the company, and with the networks' top creative partners, to develop and produce scripted fare for all three networks. O'Riain previously served as Vice President, Original Programming for TNT, TBS and truTV. Joining the company in 2011, Adrienne has overseen numerous pilots and has helped launch some of its most high-profile series, including
Miracle Workers: Dark Ages, Good Behavior, The Last Ship and Dallas. Prior to WarnerMedia, Adrienne was part of Denis Leary and Jim Serpico's New York-based company, Apostle, where she developed drama and comedy projects through the company's deal at Sony, including the Fox series Canterbury's Law starring Julianna Margulies. She was also on the production teams for several Comedy Central shows, including Shorties Watchin' Shorties, The Comedy Central Roast of Jeff Foxworthy, and Denis Leary's Merry F&%$in Christmas.
About TBS
TBS, a WarnerMedia Entertainment brand, is a top-rated destination for television among young adults and known for escapist, lean-back entertainment, featuring smart, imaginative stories with heart and comedic edge. From scripted comedy series to late-night shows, game shows, and animated programming. TBS's Originals slate is comprised of some of the most popular shows on cable - Miracle Workers, CONAN, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, The Last O.G. and American Dad! as well as the upcoming comedy Chad. The network's slate of premium unscripted series includes the popular game show The Misery Index and the forthcoming revival of the beloved competition series Wipeout. TBS' lineup also includes comedy hits like Family Guy and The Big Bang Theory, classic sitcom favorites Friends and Seinfeld, blockbuster movies, and live event coverage of Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship and ELEAGUE, WarnerMedia's eSports gaming competition. Viewers can watch shows on the TBS app, available for iOS, Android, Xbox One and other platforms and devices. Website: www.tbs.com
About TNT
TNT, a WarnerMedia Entertainment brand, is watched by more people than any other cable network and known for big, lean-forward television that gives viewers the best seat in the house for electrifying stories, dynamic characters and thrilling events. TNT is home to some of television's most popular original series including Snowpiercer, The Alienist, Animal Kingdom, Claws and I Am the Night, the upcoming sequel The Alienist: The Angel of Darkness. TNT is expanding its programming to include premium unscripted with the docuseries Shaq Life, giving an all-access look at the larger-than-life personality. TNT also presents popular shows such as Bones and Castle, in addition to primetime specials and sports coverage, including the NBA and NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championships and the professional wrestling league All Elite Wrestling (AEW), which has exploded onto the scene with AEW Dynamite premiering as the night's #1 wrestling show. Website: www.tntdrama.com
About truTV
truTV, a WarnerMedia Entertainment brand, is a bold, fresh entertainment network that gives viewers audacious content with laugh-out-loud moments and relatable characters. With millions of engaged fans across linear, digital and social channels, the cable network features a growing roster of critically acclaimed and fan-favorite, premium scripted, non-scripted and hybrid series, such as Impractical Jokers, Hot Ones: The Game Show, At Home with Amy Sedaris, I'm Sorry, Tacoma FD, Tirdy Works, The Carbonaro Effect, and more. truTV is also a partner in airing the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship each year. Website: www.trutv.com
About WarnerMedia
WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content from a diverse array of talented storytellers and journalists to global audiences through its consumer brands including: HBO, HBO Now, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC, New
Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others. WarnerMedia is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T).
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