Robert Greenblatt Forges First-Look Agreement with Universal TV, Signaling His Return to NBCUniversal

Mindy Kaling

Actress, writer, producer, and author of humorous essays on Hollywood and life.

Industry veteran Robert Greenblatt has returned to the NBCUniversal fold, signing an exclusive first-look development deal with Universal Television. This collaboration, facilitated through Greenblatt's production entity, The Green Room, underscores a renewed partnership that promises to bring a fresh slate of compelling television content to audiences across diverse platforms. The agreement highlights Greenblatt's enduring influence and expertise in the ever-evolving landscape of television production, signaling a significant chapter for both his company and Universal Television.

A Strategic Alliance and Upcoming Ventures

Robert Greenblatt, a distinguished figure in the television landscape, has officially entered into a first-look agreement with Universal Television, bringing his production company, The Green Room, into a strategic partnership with the studio. This development signals a significant return for Greenblatt to the NBCUniversal ecosystem, where he previously held a leadership position. Under this new arrangement, The Green Room, with Jon Wu continuing as its head of filmed content, will actively develop and produce a diverse array of television projects for UTV, spanning all available platforms. This collaboration is built upon Greenblatt's deep-rooted history and successful creative ventures within the broader NBCUniversal family, most notably his executive producer role on the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Gilded Age," a show he originally championed during his tenure at NBC. The series, which has garnered widespread popularity and is preparing for its fourth season, serves as a testament to Greenblatt's keen eye for compelling storytelling and his ability to cultivate successful productions.

The initial project slated under this new first-look deal is a television adaptation of Julie Clark's enthralling novel, "The Lies I Tell." This upcoming series is currently in its development phase, with a talented team of executive producers including Ken Olin, Roxanne Olin, Jon Wu, and the author herself, Julie Clark. The narrative of "The Lies I Tell" centers on Meg, a masterful con artist whose persuasive charm leaves her victims bereft of everything they hold dear. The story intensifies with the re-emergence of Kat Roberts, a woman who has spent a decade anticipating Meg's return, determined to expose her. However, as their paths intertwine and their connection deepens, Kat's firmly held beliefs about Meg begin to unravel, leading her to question Meg's true intentions and ultimate target. This intriguing premise suggests a project rich with suspense and character-driven drama, aligning with the type of high-quality content Greenblatt has consistently delivered throughout his distinguished career.

Greenblatt's Enduring Legacy in Television

Robert Greenblatt's journey in the television industry is marked by a series of impactful roles and significant achievements, highlighting his profound influence on the landscape of American entertainment. From 2011 to 2018, Greenblatt served as the chairman of NBC Entertainment, a period during which he wielded oversight over all primetime, late-night, and scripted daytime programming for NBC, Universal Television, Universal Television Alternative Studio, and Universal Stage Productions. His tenure at NBC was particularly fruitful, overseeing the launch of numerous highly successful shows that have since become household names, including the popular singing competition "The Voice," the emotional family drama "This Is Us," the acclaimed comedy "The Good Place," the crime thriller "The Blacklist," and the expansive "One Chicago" franchise. Beyond scripted and unscripted series, Greenblatt also championed and successfully brought to television several live musical stagings of beloved productions such as "The Sound of Music" and "The Wiz," showcasing his innovative approach to programming and his ability to captivate broad audiences.

Prior to his influential role at NBC, Greenblatt held the position of president at Showtime Networks. During his leadership there, he was instrumental in the development and broadcast of a string of critically acclaimed and popular series that solidified Showtime's reputation for premium cable content. Among the notable shows under his purview were the complex crime drama "Dexter," the dark comedy "Weeds," the historical drama "The Tudors," and the family dramedy "Shameless." His impressive track record at both Showtime and NBC demonstrates a consistent ability to identify, develop, and deliver compelling television programming that resonates with viewers and critics alike. Erin Underhill, President of Universal Television, expressed enthusiasm for Greenblatt's return, emphasizing his well-respected creative force, keen vision, and valuable industry relationships. This sentiment underscores the anticipation within Universal Television for the innovative projects and successful collaborations expected from Greenblatt and his team, further cementing his legacy as a transformative leader in the entertainment world.