Unscripted Originals Continue to Fuel Viewership with Popular Series Like “Kendra on Top” Delivering Record Numbers
NEW YORK, NY — November 10, 2014 — WE tv’s Lauren Gellert has been promoted to the newly created position of executive vice president of development & original programming, up from senior vice president of original production and development. Gellert joined WE tv in 2012 and has shepherded a slate of new and returning unscripted originals at the network, fueling viewership growth and audience engagement as evidenced by the recent performance of original series like “Kendra on Top” and “Marriage Bootcamp: Reality Stars.”
Gellert is based in the network’s NYC headquarters and reports to WE tv President, Marc Juris.
“Lauren is a dynamic creative executive who understands the value of great storytelling; she understands what resonates with today’s hyper-connected viewers and delivers shows that break through the clutter,” said Juris. “She’s attracted new shows and talent that deliver on our network’s brand promise and significantly grown existing franchise series. She is a smart, savvy and extraordinarily talented programming executive who is respected by her colleagues, talent and the creative community. We are thrilled to have her at WE tv.”
Gellert serves as the executive in charge of production and development for WE tv’s growing slate of unscripted originals which includes “Kendra on Top,” “Braxton Family Values,” “Tamar & Vince,” “David Tutera’s Celebrations,” the popular “Marriage Bootcamp” franchise, and the 2015 much-anticipated debut of “Sex Box,” among many other viewer favorites. The popularity of the network’s slate continues to drive viewership and fuel overall network performance:
- The new third season of “Kendra on Top” is breaking series records, currently pacing +97% and +95% higher than the previous season, among P2+ and A25-54.
- “David Tutera’s Celebrations” was a top three show on Friday nights among W18-49 and W25-54 and posted +10% growth among the younger female demo, versus previous iterations of the show.
- “Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars” was the highest performing season of the franchise, averaging nearly 1.3 million total viewers on Friday nights.
- Year-to-date, WE tv’s originals are averaging +42% and +39% higher among P2+ and A25-54, versus the same time last year.
Before joining WE tv, Gellert served as vice president of production and development at ION Media Networks where she was responsible for identifying, creating, and overseeing the production of unscripted series for ION Television. Previously, she was the senior vice president at RDF/Zodiak USA where she was responsible for all show development and production in the company’s New York office, including the hit shows “Lizard Lick Towing” and “All Worked Up,” for which she served as the executive producer. Prior to that, Gellert was the vice president of program development at Tru tv where she developed the shows “Black Gold,” “Speeders,” “Most Daring” and “Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock,” which helped grow the network’s ratings, making it a top 10 channel. She’s also held development and production positions at Court TV and VH1.
Gellert is a graduate of Northwestern University. She is a member of New York Women in Film & Television, and is a founding member of the New York board of directors of Step Up Women’s Network, a non-profit dedicated to advancing philanthropy and volunteerism among women in entertainment and media.
Source: Kendra On Top, Nielsen, Live +3 delivery. 9/13-10/11/13 – Fri 10-11pm, 10/3-10/31/14 – Fri 9-10pm, P2+ and A25-54; DT:CELEB, Nielsen, L+SD delivery. 8/1-10/3/14 – Fri 9-10p. Rank in time period vs comp set (BRAVO, E!, LIFE, OXY, OWN, TLC, & VH1), W18-49 & W25-54. % increase vs DT:UNV S1 9/7-10/26/13 – Sat 9-10p, W18-49; MBC: Reality Stars, Nielsen, Live+3 delivery. 5/30-7/25/14 – Fri 9p-10pm, vs S1 5/31-7/26/13 & S2 3/7-5/9/14, P2+; WE tv originals, Nielsen, L+SD delivery, originals only. % increase 12/30/2013 – 11/2/2014 vs 12/31/2012 – 11/3/2013 – Monday-Sunday 8-11pm, P2+ and A25-54.
About WE tv
With compelling, can’t miss unscripted shows and dramatic scripted series, WE tv’s programming is fueled by personalities and relationships filled with purpose and passion. WE tv welcomes everyone and creates an inclusive experience across all platforms: on TV, online, on demand, and social media, embracing how today’s digitally savvy, socially engaged audiences connect through content, using it as a catalyst to drive conversation and build community. WE tv is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and its sister channels include AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV. WE tv is available to over 85 million U.S. homes. WE tv: All In.