Longtime HBO entertainment chief to exit post
HBO said Sunday that Entertainment President Carolyn Strauss was leaving after 22 years at the premium cable channel, where she helped develop programs such as "The Sopranos" and "Six Feet Under" and foster an environment that attracted top-notch creative talent.
Strauss is in discussions about taking on a new role with HBO, likely in the form of a producing deal, a person familiar with the talks said. Her departure was first reported on the blog Deadline Hollywood Daily.
Colleagues who talked to Strauss over the weekend said she didn't elaborate on the reasons for making the move. In the last few years, HBO has struggled to maintain its standing as a top purveyor of culturally resonant hits with the conclusion of popular fare including "Deadwood" and "Sex and the City."
The network's more recent offerings, such as "John From Cincinnati" and "Lucky Louie," haven't fared as well. The new dramas "Tell Me You Love Me" and "In Treatment" attracted some critical acclaim, but small viewership.
HBO had hoped to roll out a slew of new signature series in the coming year, but the writers strike slowed production on several shows. Network executives have reportedly been disappointed by early episodes of one of its most anticipated series, "12 Miles of Bad Road," an hourlong dramedy by "Designing Women" creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and starring Lily Tomlin as a Dallas real estate magnate. It hasn't resumed production since the strike ended.
Strauss agreed with HBO co-President Richard Plepler and Michael Lombardo, president of the programming group and West Coast operations, that the timing was right for her to move into a different role, a source said.
"No one has made a more significant contribution to the success of HBO than Carolyn," the two executives said in a statement Sunday. "We are truly delighted that she will continue to be a part of the HBO family. We cannot imagine HBO without her and we are thrilled that we will continue to have the benefit of her judgment and unique talent."
Strauss could not be reached for comment.
Some industry watchers weren't surprised that Plepler and Lombardo, who assumed their posts in June, would seek to bring in their own creative executive. It remains to be seen who they will tap to replace Strauss, a choice that is sure to dramatically affect the insular network.
