EXCLUSIVE: There is a big change in the top TV ranks of Netflix. Jinny Howe has been named Head of UCAN (US-Canada) Scripted Series. Reporting to Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, she will succeed in the role Peter Friedlander, who will be departing the streamer after almost 14 years.
Howe has been a rising star since joining Netflix in 2018, with this marking her fourth promotion in four years. She was most recently Head of Drama Series for UCAN under Friedlander, overseeing all of the streamer’s drama areas: development and current series as well as shows coming out of Netflix’s roster of overall deals.
“Jinny brings an incredible energy and warmth to everything she does, and her creative instincts and deep industry relationships make her an inspiring leader for our scripted series team in the US and Canada,” Bajaria said. “She has a knack for championing bold, distinctive storytelling and building genuine creative partnerships, which have led to some of our most beloved originals like Bridgerton, Beef, and The Diplomat. Jinny is also genuinely fun to work with — spirited, quick-witted, and always ready with a food analogy for any occasion. (Everyone on the team knows and loves her for coining the term ‘gourmet cheeseburger!’) I can’t wait to see how she continues to shape our shows with her signature style and infectious enthusiasm.”
Friedlander is one of Netflix’s longest-serving creative executives, having joined the platform in October 2011 as the first dedicated employee on its original series team. As Bajaria shook up Netflix’s programming team when she took over in fall 2020, bringing new executives, she promoted Friedlander to Head of UCAN Scripted series.
“I want to thank Peter for his extraordinary contributions over the past 14 years — too many to count. Peter played a foundational role in shaping Netflix’s original series strategy, working on iconic shows that have defined our brand and captivated audiences worldwide,” Bajaria said. “He’s not only a remarkable executive and producer, but an even better friend. I have no doubt he’ll achieve great success in whatever he chooses to do next.”
It is unclear yet what Friedlander would do next. He is expected to take some time before he embarks on a new chapter with a return to producing considered a possibility. Before Netflix, he was an executive and producer at Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman’s Playtone.
Howe joined Netflix in 2018 after more than 13 years at John Wells Productions to oversee the development and production of serialized dramatic content in the character drama space. The first project she worked on was the maiden season of Bridgerton, followed by another Shondaland series, Inventing Anna, and John Wells Prods.’ Maid.
Over the past seven years, she has also played a key role on other popular and acclaimed Netflix originals such as Beef, The Night Agent, The Diplomat, Sirens and Untamed.
“I’m incredibly honored to step into this role to lead our powerhouse series team, and to work with some of the most visionary storytellers and artists in the business, whose creativity and passion inspire me everyday,” Howe said of her promotion. “My past seven years at Netflix have taught me the importance of leading with heart, integrity, and curiosity, and I’m constantly moved by how our shows can connect with so many people around the world. I’m so grateful to Bela for her unwavering support, and for always pushing us to be fearless and bold in all that we do. I’m excited to build on the strong foundation and momentum that Peter has established, and to continue the stellar work that is already underway with our amazing teams.”
Friedlander served as the creative executive overseeing such signature Netflix series as House of Cards, Black Mirror, Mindhunter, Marvel’s Daredevil and The Queen’s Gambit. Over the years, he shepherded Netflix’s first bilingual series in Narcos, its first live action interactive series in Bandersnatch, first limited series in Godless and its first animated anthology in Love, Death and Robots.
Most recently, as Head of UCAN Scripted Series, Friedlander oversaw a slate that included tentpoles Wednesday, Emily in Paris, Monster, One Piece, Stranger Things, Nobody Wants This and Three Body Problem.
“This has truly been the ride of a lifetime. Joining as the very first employee on the original series team and witnessing this company’s incredible journey — growing into one of the most beloved entertainment brands in the world — has been the thrill of my career,” Friedlander said. “I’m deeply grateful to Ted, Greg, and Bela for the opportunity to work alongside them, and to all my colleagues and the incredible talent I’ve had the honor of working with, whose creativity and talent have inspired me every day. A special thanks to Jinny, my partner since she joined in 2018. Watching her rise has been a privilege, and I know I’m leaving the company in the best hands with her at the helm.”
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