Photo Source: NBC
Laura Lancaster, the network's vice president of drama programming, has departed after six years. She's been replaced by Pearlena Igbokwe, a 20-year veteran of Showtime. She'll report to Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment who announced the news Tuesday.
Salke's praised Igbokwe's "impressive track record" at Showtime, where she oversaw every season of "Dexter," supervised the series “Nurse Jackie” and “The Big C,” and helped develop Tracey Ullman’s “State of the Union," Damon Wayans’ “Underground,” Kirstie Alley’s “Fat Actress,” and the television adaptation of the film “Barbershop," according to a release.
“She will bring a unique perspective to development that will help us reach our goal of once again making NBC the home of some of the best and most respected dramas on television," Salke said in a statement.
Igbokwe also developed several original movies for Showtime, including “Jasper, Texas," “Bojangles,” and “Strange Justice."
NBC's drama lineup has been marked by duds in recent seasons and an over-reliance on the "Law and Order" family of shows. In 2011, "Prime Suspect” and "The Playboy Club" were notable misses. Midseason entry "Awake" got some traction but was canceled in May before the final two of its 13 episodes aired. The series finished its run and maintained a passionate fan base despite going off the air.
Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, said Igbokwe will help lift the network out of fourth place.
"She will be instrumental in reinvigorating our drama slate and making the network a haven for the top creative people in our business," said Greenblatt, who worked with Igbokwe for seven years at Showtime.
Lancaster will segue into a consultancy role to help with the transition. Her departure was first reported by TheWrap.
