Amazon MGM Studios' global TV chief, Peter Friedlander, has once again shaken up the company's organizational structure, this time with a focus on genre-based teams for development and current programming. The latest reorganization sees the departure of Jen Chambers, Michael McDonald, and Odetta Watkins, who will be replaced by a new creative leadership structure for drama, comedy, and YA scripted TV.
In a memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Friedlander announced a flatter approach to prioritize clarity and speed in nurturing creativity. This move comes as the studio aims to build a genre-based model, similar to other studios, where development and current teams operate along genre lines.
One of the key changes is the promotion of Kara Smith to Head of Drama, a role she will take on in addition to her current position. Smith's leadership skills and creative instincts have been instrumental in developing standout series such as 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', 'Reacher', and 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. Her new role will involve structuring her team around verticals, optimizing creative planning and talent relationships.
Friedlander also plans to bring on a new Head of Comedy and a Head of Young Adult Programming, both reporting directly to him. This expansion of the creative leadership team at Prime Video will be completed with the addition of Blair Fetter (Worldbuilding), Jenn Levy (Nonfiction), and Melissa Wolfe (Animation).
While the reorganization brings about a new structure, it also means the departure of Chambers, McDonald, and Watkins. Friedlander expressed gratitude for their contributions, acknowledging the impact of these changes on the team. He assured employees of the studio's commitment to seamless continuity for ongoing shows and the talent behind them.
This latest reorganization is just one of many changes Friedlander has implemented since joining Amazon MGM Studios in October 2025 after a 14-year stint at Netflix. His strategic moves aim to streamline the TV production process, enhance creativity, and align with industry trends in genre-based programming.
