Showtime for new NBC drama chief

A Showtime exec has reunited with NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt after becoming the broadcast network’s new head of drama development.

Pearlena Igbokwe

Pearlena Igbokwe will oversee all new NBC’s hour-long scripted series after being named as NBC’s exec VP of drama development. She reports to Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment.

Igbokwe comes to NBC from Showtime, where she worked for 20 years, most recently as senior VP of programming, before leaving last month. Her credits include Dexter, Nurse Jackie, The Big C and forthcoming series Masters of Sex.

And her move to NBC reunites her with former Showtime president Greenblatt. The pair worked together for seven years before his departure in 2010.

Igbokwe replaces Laura Lancaster, who is leaving after six years but will take up a consultancy role to help the transition through drama development season.

“Pearlena has forged an impressive track record over her successful career that has earned her the admiration of the creative community,” said Salke. “She will bring a unique perspective to development that will help us reach our goal of once again making NBC the home of some of the best and most respected dramas on television.”