NBC drama chief exits

The head of drama at US network NBC is leaving the broadcaster after six years, according to reports.

Laura Lancaster

Laura Lancaster, exec VP of drama programming, has been at the Peacock since 2009 and has overseen a string of hits including Friday Night Lights and Heroes.

Fantasy detective series Grimm and Broadway-set Smash were both renewed for second seasons after debuting in the last 12 months.

However, controversial nostalgic series The Playboy Club and the remake of UK crime drama Prime Suspect fared less well and were both subsequently cancelled.

Drama also took a back seat to comedy when NBC announced its fall 2012 schedule, with new hour-long series Revolution and Chicago Fire, plus midseason picks Infamous and Do No Harm, being outnumbered by seven new comedies greenlit by the network.

Before becoming exec VP, Lancaster worked at NBCUniversal Television Studio, first as a programming exec and later as senior VP of drama and cable programming, where her credits included House.

Lancaster’s replacement is to be announced in due course.