NBCUniversal alum Heather Olander brought in to lead The CW’s unscripted push

US broadcast network The CW has appointed former NBCUniversal (NBCU) exec Heather Olander as its new head of unscripted programming.

Heather Olander

In the newly created position, Olander will oversee development and production of all alternative reality series, events and specials at the network. She will report to The CW’s president of entertainment, Brad Schwartz.

Olander joined NBCU in 2011 as senior VP of alternative development and programming for USA Network and in 2014 added oversight of alternative programming for Syfy.

In 2019, her remit expanded to include oversight of alternative development for NBCU streamer Peacock, before she was elevated to executive VP, alternative development and programming for USA, Syfy and Peacock. Prior to joining NBCU, she was an unscripted exec at MTV.

The appointment is particularly significant given that The CW, which was previously known for youth-skewing dramas such as Riverdale, is shifting its focus towards non-scripted programming following its majority acquisition by local TV giant Nexstar Media.

Last week, Cyle Zezo, VP of alternative and digital programming at The CW, said the network was working towards a 50/50 split between scripted and unscripted.

The shift has been in the works for several months, with Nexstar execs in August saying that they intended to bring more unscripted programming into the mix in a bid to make the network profitable by 2025.

In a statement announcing Olander’s appointment, Schwartz said: “As we reimagine our programming strategy, we are truly fortunate to have Heather Olander leading the unscripted team at The CW.

“Heather is an industry dynamo with a stellar reputation for discovering talent and cultivating relationships with content producers. With her boundless creativity, I’m confident we’ll develop innovative non-fiction series for The CW network that catalyses conversations.”