Amazon MGM Studios is reorganizing its scripted television division into a genre-based structure, bringing in Netflix executive Blair Fetter as head of worldbuilding and genre series. Current heads Laura Lancaster and Nick Pepper are transitioning to producing deals. The changes aim to streamline operations and enhance creative decision-making under television chief Peter Friedlander.
Amazon MGM Studios announced a major restructuring of its scripted series team on January 26, 2026, shifting from a split between wholly-owned and co-productions to a streamlined organization focused on specific genres: drama and comedy, worldbuilding, animation, and unscripted.
Peter Friedlander, who joined as head of global television four months earlier from Netflix, outlined the changes in a memo to staff. Blair Fetter, a former Netflix executive who oversaw spectacle series there, will start as head of worldbuilding and genre series on February 2, reporting directly to Friedlander. At Netflix, Fetter contributed to projects including Stranger Things, Ozark, The Queen’s Gambit, BoJack Horseman, The Haunting of Hill House, and 3 Body Problem. "His ability to discover and develop expansive worlds paired with his commitment to high-quality storytelling makes him an ideal addition to my leadership team," Friedlander said.
Laura Lancaster, head of U.S. SVOD TV development and series for co-productions, and Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD TV development and series for wholly-owned, are leaving their roles for producing deals with the studio. Lancaster oversaw series such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, and The Terminal List, along with upcoming titles like Spider-Noir, Blade Runner 2099, and God of War. Pepper managed projects including Overcompensating, Hazbin Hotel, Secret Level, Tomb Raider, Elle, and Carrie. "Nick and Laura have been invaluable builders of our scripted series slate, and we are deeply grateful for their significant contributions to our success," Friedlander noted.
Under the new structure, Tom Lieber and Matt King will report to Fetter on worldbuilding and genre programming. Melissa Wolfe remains head of animation, reporting to Friedlander. Kara Smith, Michael McDonald, and Jen Chambers will handle drama, comedy, and young adult programming on an interim basis until a new head is appointed. Lauren O’Connor, head of global IP, and Lindsay Sloane, head of MGM Television scripted series, will continue reporting to Friedlander. Netflix alumna Jenn Levy has joined as head of unscripted and documentary television.
The reorganization follows years of shifts in Amazon's TV operations, aiming for clarity amid past confusion for producers and agents. "By organizing around these specialized genres with dedicated leadership, we will move faster, make sharper creative decisions, and continue to build groundbreaking series that define the future of television," Friedlander concluded in his memo.
