Chris Parnell Joins Paramount+ as Executive Vice President of Originals to Lead Content Creation Strategy

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Paramount+ Names Chris parnell to Lead Original Content Development

Los Angeles, CA – August 21, 2025 – Paramount+ has announced the appointment of Chris parnell as Executive Vice President of Paramount+ Originals. Parnell, a veteran television executive, will spearhead the development and production of original series for the streaming platform. The declaration signals a meaningful step in Paramount+’s strategy to expand its library of compelling content.

A strategic Hire for a Changing Landscape

the appointment comes swiftly after Jane Wiseman assumed the role of Head of Originals at Paramount+, following the completion of Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount Global.Industry observers anticipated Wiseman would seek a seasoned executive with a strong drama background, and Parnell appears to fit that profile perfectly. He will report directly to Wiseman and work closely with Cindy Holland, Paramount’s Chair of Direct-to-Consumer.

Parnell’s Extensive industry experience

Parnell’s career spans numerous accomplished ventures in television. Most recently, he served as a Senior Creative Executive of US Television at Apple TV+, where he contributed to the development of acclaimed series such as Dark Matter, Neuromancer, The Last Frontier, Bad Monkey, and the upcoming Several, a reunion with Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. Prior to Apple, Parnell dedicated sixteen years to Sony Pictures Television Studios, ultimately rising to the position of Co-President, guiding its domestic television operations alongside Jason Clodfelter.

A Versatile Creative Leader

Throughout his career,Parnell has demonstrated a broad range of creative oversight. He has championed both drama and comedy projects, a skill set that will be valuable as Paramount+ looks to diversify its programming slate. his experience includes the development of popular shows such as For All Mankind, Outlander, The Boys, Better call Saul, Timeless, Preacher, Wheel of Time, Electric Dreams, and Zombieland. Further, Parnell oversaw the creation of original content for the Apple Vision Pro launch, including immersive experiences like Adventure and Bono: Stories Of Surrender.

Key Career Highlights

Role	Company	Years
EVP, Paramount+ Originals	Paramount+	2025 – Present
Senior creative Executive, US Television	Apple TV+	2020 – 2025
Co-President, SPT Studios	Sony Pictures Television	2009 – 2020

Did you know? The streaming landscape has seen a surge in executive movement as companies vie for top talent to fuel their original content strategies.

Focus on Genre and Franchise Expansion

Sources indicate Parnell’s passion for comic book and genre-related content will be a significant asset to Paramount+. It’s expected he’ll play a central role in bolstering existing intellectual property, particularly the expanding Star Trek franchise, a cornerstone of the paramount+ streaming service.

Pro Tip: Keeping a close eye on executive appointments can often provide valuable insights into a company’s future programming direction.

The Evolving Streaming Wars

The appointment of Parnell reflects the ongoing competitive dynamics within the streaming industry. As major players like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ continue to invest heavily in original content, Paramount+ is seeking to strengthen its position by attracting experienced leadership. This strategic move underscores the importance of content quality and brand recognition in a crowded marketplace. according to recent reports from Statista, the number of streaming service subscribers continues to grow, but competition for viewer attention is intensifying.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Chris Parnell? Chris Parnell is an experienced television executive recently named EVP of Paramount+ Originals.
• What will Chris Parnell be responsible for at Paramount+? Parnell will oversee the development and production of original series for the streaming platform.
• What is Jane Wiseman’s role at Paramount+? Jane Wiseman is the Head of Originals at Paramount+, overseeing the platform’s original content strategy.
• Why is this appointment significant? This hire demonstrates Paramount+’s commitment to expanding its original content library to compete in the streaming wars.
• What franchises might Parnell focus on at Paramount+? It’s anticipated Parnell will contribute to the growth of signature Paramount IP, including the Star Trek franchise.

What are your thoughts on Paramount+’s new leadership direction? How do you foresee this impacting the future of streaming content?

How might chris Parnell leverage Paramount’s existing intellectual property to differentiate Paramount+ from competitors like Amazon Prime Video and Max?

Chris Parnell Joins Paramount+ as Executive Vice President of Originals: A New Era for Streaming Content

parnell’s Role and Responsibilities

Chris Parnell has been appointed Executive Vice President of Originals at Paramount+,a pivotal move signaling the streaming service’s commitment to bolstering its original content strategy. Reporting directly to Paramount+ President and CEO, Bob Bakish, Parnell will be responsible for overseeing the development, production, and programming of all original series and films for the platform. This encompasses a broad spectrum of genres, including drama, comedy, unscripted, and international content.

His key responsibilities include:

content Strategy: Defining and executing a cohesive content strategy aligned with Paramount+’s overall brand and subscriber growth objectives.

Development & Production: Leading the teams responsible for identifying, developing, and producing high-quality original programming.

Creative Oversight: Providing creative guidance and ensuring the quality of all original content.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with marketing, distribution, and other departments to maximize the impact of original programming.

Talent Relations: Cultivating and maintaining relationships with top writers, directors, producers, and actors.

Background and Experience: A Proven Track Record in Streaming & Television

Parnell brings a wealth of experience to Paramount+, having previously served as President of Original Programming at HBO Max. During his tenure, he oversaw the development and launch of critically acclaimed and commercially prosperous series like hacks, Station Eleven, and The Flight Attendant. His leadership was instrumental in establishing HBO Max as a major player in the competitive streaming landscape.

Prior to HBO Max, Parnell held leadership positions at NBC, where he was instrumental in developing hit comedies such as Parks and Recreation, Community, and The Office.This diverse background demonstrates a proven ability to identify and nurture talent, as well as a keen understanding of what resonates with audiences across different platforms. His experience in both comedy and drama makes him uniquely positioned to lead Paramount+’s diverse content slate.

Impact on paramount+’s content Pipeline: What to Expect

Parnell’s arrival is expected to significantly impact paramount+’s content pipeline. Analysts predict a greater emphasis on high-quality, prestige dramas and comedies, alongside continued investment in unscripted programming and international co-productions.

Here’s a breakdown of potential shifts:

1. Increased Focus on Quality over Quantity: Parnell’s track record suggests a preference for fewer, higher-impact series rather than a large volume of content.
2. Expansion of genre Offerings: While Paramount+ has found success with franchises like Star Trek and Halo, Parnell is likely to explore a wider range of genres to attract a broader audience.
3. Strengthened Relationships with Top Talent: Expect to see Paramount+ actively pursuing collaborations with A-list writers, directors, and actors.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making: leveraging data analytics to inform content development and programming decisions will be crucial for maximizing ROI.
5. International Content Growth: Building on existing international partnerships and developing original content for global audiences.

The Competitive Streaming Landscape & Paramount+’s Strategy

The streaming market is fiercely competitive, with established players like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video vying for subscribers. Paramount+ faces the challenge of differentiating itself and attracting new viewers. Parnell’s appointment is a strategic move to address this challenge by strengthening the platform’s original content offerings.

Key competitors and thier strategies include:

Netflix: Focuses on a massive library of content, including original series, films, and documentaries.

Disney+: Leverages its iconic franchises (Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar) to attract families and fans.

Amazon Prime video: Offers a combination of original programming, licensed content, and free shipping benefits.

HBO Max (now Max): Known for its high-quality, prestige dramas and comedies.

Paramount+’s strategy, under Parnell’s leadership, will likely focus on:

Leveraging Paramount’s IP: Utilizing its vast library of film and television properties to create spin-offs, reboots, and sequels.

Developing Unique Original Content: Investing in original programming that cannot be found on other platforms.

Targeting Specific Demographics: Creating content that appeals to niche audiences.

* Bundling with Other Services: Offering bundled subscriptions with other Paramount-owned services, such as Showtime and BET+.

The Future of Paramount+ Originals

Chris Parnell’s leadership is poised to usher in a new era for Paramount+ Originals. His experience, vision, and commitment to quality will be instrumental in shaping the platform’s content strategy and driving subscriber growth.