Freeform Names Lauren Corrao Executive Vice President, Original Programming And Development

Lauren Corrao has been named executive vice president, Original Programming and Development, Freeform, it was announced today by network president Tom Ascheim, to whom she will report. A visionary and highly respected television executive, Corrao has extensive experience in all aspects of television production as a network executive, independent producer, buyer and seller, and has worked across all genres of TV.

In her new position, Corrao will accelerate and amplify the brand-defining, groundbreaking content and inclusive stories aimed at young adults that FreeForm has become known for. She will oversee all scripted and unscripted development and current original programming, in addition to casting and talent development.

In making the announcement, Ascheim said, "Lauren's wealth of experience coupled with her incredible creative instinct as well as close working relationships with many talented writers and producers will be invaluable to Freeform. In collaboration with the programming team, she will undoubtedly grow our slate of successful series and continue to build an environment for the talent community to tell powerful stories that become a lasting part of the cultural zeitgeist."

Corrao added, "I am honored to be joining FreeForm and continuing to elevate the tremendous work that Tom, Karey and the team have done to make it a destination that truly connects with its audience. I'm incredibly inspired by the energy, inclusivity and diverse voices that populate this network and cannot wait to get started."

Most recently she was co-president of Tornante TV, an independent studio owned by former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, where she developed and executive produced several projects, including AMC's highly anticipated upcoming horror-fantasy series, "NOS4A2."

Prior to her time at Tornante TV, Corrao spent eight years at Comedy Central rising to the role of president, Original Programming and Development. During her time there she oversaw Emmy® Award-winning shows such as "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report." She also developed and oversaw "Chappelle's Show," "RENO 911," "The Sarah Silverman Program," "Tosh 2.0," "Workaholics," and the network's event programming such as the Emmy-nominated "Comedy Central Roast" franchise, the star-studded "Night of Too Many Stars" autism benefit and many one-hour standup comedy specials.

Her extensive television career also includes stints at FOX Broadcasting Co., overseeing alternative and late-night programming with series such as "Mad TV," "King of the Hill" and "That 70's Show," and a production deal at Touchstone Television, partnering with Emmy Award-winning writer Peter Tolan. Corrao began her career at MTV where she rose to the rank of vice president, as well as executive producer, and began the network's first non-music program development department. She oversaw the development and production of such shows as the groundbreaking reality series "The Real World," "The State," "The Ben Stiller Show" and "The Jon Stewart Show."

Corrao holds a Bachelor of Arts in semiotics from Brown University. She has been a Women's Leadership Program mentor since 2008 and is a mother to two awesome millennials.

Photo credit: Freeform/Matt Petit

To post a comment, you must register and login.