NBCU alum Corie Henson resurfaces as president of MrBeast’s production studio

Veteran unscripted executive Corie Henson has been named president of Beast Industries Studios, the production arm of YouTube kingpin MrBeast’s business empire.

Corie Henson

Henson will oversee content for MrBeast’s YouTube channels and other projects including the mega-budget unscripted series Beast Games (Prime Video), reporting to Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold.

She left her role as executive VP of unscripted content, competition and gameshows at NBCUniversal (NBCU) in January.

In recent years, several high-level unscripted execs have migrated to companies in the creator economy, and Beast Industries itself employs several producers from the non-scripted sector. However, Henson’s appointment arguably marks the first time a top network exec from the unscripted space has made the jump.

During her time at NBCU, Henson oversaw a slate of shows that included America’s Got Talent, The Voice, Top Chef, The Traitors and Love Island. Prior to that she was the executive VP and head of unscripted for WBD networks TNT, TBS and TruTV, having been exec VP of alternative entertainment for the Fox Broadcasting Company. There she oversaw development and franchises such as The Masked Singer, MasterChef, So You Think You Can Dance and Hell’s Kitchen. She also did executive stints at Electus and ABC.

For Beast Industries, the appointment comes as it seeks to move further into more traditional forms of production beyond its YouTube series, which generate enormous viewership.

The company has enjoyed success with Beast Games. However, the meeting of the creator economy and more traditional competition reality series has not always blended well, as shown by the reports of unsafe set conditions during the Las Vegas portion of filming on season one of Beast Games.

“Corie Henson brings world-class experience and a proven ability to scale iconic franchises,” said Housenbold. “We’re excited for her to lead Beast Industries Studio as we continue to blend the best of traditional entertainment with creator-driven innovation and expand our global impact.”

Henson added: “MrBeast rewired how millions of people consume entertainment. I’m beyond thrilled to join Jimmy and Jeff to help build what comes next. We’re not just creating franchises, we’re building worlds that actually matter to fans – and doing it across every screen.”