December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 21. The Nurse Is In: Robert Greenblatt

Robert Greenblatt
Title: President, Entertainment Showtime Networks
Last Year: #48
Age: So old that my first show (90210) has been remade!
Education: U of Illinois, BFA, Theatre Management; U of WI, MBA, Arts Administration; USC, MFA in Film

Why Him? Plenty of programming execs would gladly trade places with the understated Greenblatt, whose Midas touch with originals since joining Showtime 5 years ago has essentially remade the network.

Fan-bloody-tastic: A feel-good series about serial killing is a gamble, so the late-Oct announcement of a 2-season renewal for Dexter arguably is Greenblatt’s biggest win. Dex brought in 5 Emmy noms this year and is Showtime’s top-rated drama and most profitable DVD title. Season 3, which began in Oct, exceeded 3mln viewers in its premiere week.

Year Ahead:
Greenblatt and Showtime’s ’09 can be summed up in 5 words: Edie Falco is Nurse Jackie. The dark comedy about a lapsed Catholic caregiver with a penchant for Vicodin and Adderall sounds delicious.

Favorite Part of My Job: No advertisers

Worst Part: Never being invited on the corporate jet

Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most: Private jets

Best Business Advice Received: Forget about the ratings

Philosophy of Life: What you can’t control you can’t worry about

Favorite Word: STIP

Least Favorite Word: OBIDA

Hero: Warren Buffett

SA

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