Universal ups Underhill to bolster drama

Universal Television has rejigged its scripted division, promoting its senior VP of drama development and appointing a veteran producer.

Erin Underhill

Erin Underhill has been elevated to exec VP of drama development and will continue to report to Pearlena Igbokwe, Universal Television’s president.

Underhill takes the role vacated by Russell Rothberg, who had been at Universal since 2009 but left last year following the exit of former president Bela Bajaria. She was replaced by Igbokwe.

Underhill’s recent credits include NBC quartet The Brave, Good Girls, Reverie and Rise, as well as Wisdom of the Crowd at CBS.

Meanwhile, Vivian Cannon becomes senior VP of drama development, reporting to Underhill. She previously ran the TV division of US prodco Original Film and has worked on shows such as The Big C for Showtime.

Igbokwe said Underhill is “well regarded by all our producers because she brings an extraordinary instinct for great characters and stories to the table.”

She added: “I have been nothing short of amazed by Erin’s work ethic and talent this past development season.”

Igbokwe added that Cannon’s “deep well of relationships and her tenacity” made her “a perfect addition to the already incredible Universal Television team.”

Universal revamped its TV division last year after its season orders fell from 12 in 2015 to just seven for 2016.