Scott Herbst promoted to President of the Lionsgate Television Group is one of the most notable executive moves in TV this week, signaling a broader expansion of Lionsgate’s scripted ambitions. The promotion not only elevates a longtime development leader, but also reshapes the studio’s television leadership at a moment when hit franchises, streaming partnerships and audience-driven programming matter more than ever.
Herbst, who previously served as EVP and Head of Development for Lionsgate’s TV division, will now oversee a significantly wider portfolio. In addition to continuing to lead development, he is adding current programming, casting, music and scripted digital series to his responsibilities. He will continue reporting to Kevin Beggs, Chair and Chief Creative Officer of the Lionsgate Television Group.
For the TV industry, this is more than a title change. It reflects how studios are increasingly consolidating creative oversight under executives with strong track records across development and production pipelines.
Scott Herbst Promoted to President of the Lionsgate Television Group: What It Means
The announcement that Scott Herbst promoted to President of the Lionsgate Television Group comes as Lionsgate continues to build momentum with a slate spanning broadcast, premium cable and streaming. The company is effectively placing one of its key creative architects in charge of more of the television ecosystem.
Under the new structure, several senior executives will report to Herbst, including:
- Lee Hollin, EVP and Head of Current Programming
- Marcello Bellisario, EVP and Head of Television Casting
- Russell Ziecker, Head of Television Music
Lionsgate also confirmed new long-term contracts for Herbst, Hollin and Bellisario, suggesting the studio is locking in its leadership team for sustained growth rather than making a short-term adjustment.
Why Lionsgate Chose Herbst for the Top TV Role
The decision makes strategic sense. Since joining Lionsgate in 2018, Herbst has been closely tied to a wide range of successful and high-profile projects. His development credits span network, cable and streaming platforms, giving him broad visibility into what sells, what gets renewed and what cuts through in an overcrowded market.
Among the standout titles associated with Herbst are:
- The Studio for Apple TV, an Emmy-winning comedy
- The Hunting Wives for Netflix, a breakout drama recently renewed for a third season
- Ghosts for CBS
- Love and Death, Love Life and Minx for HBO Max
- Home Economics for ABC
- Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist for NBC
- Manhunt for Apple TV
- The Serpent Queen and Blindspotting for Starz
He is also overseeing development on Netflix’s animated series Midnight Sun, set in the Twilight universe. That alone highlights Lionsgate’s interest in franchise-building and cross-platform storytelling.
The fact that Scott Herbst promoted to President of the Lionsgate Television Group follows years of visible creative involvement makes this a relatively low-risk, high-confidence appointment.
How the Leadership Restructure Changes Lionsgate TV
With Scott Herbst promoted to President of the Lionsgate Television Group, Lionsgate is centralizing several critical creative functions under one umbrella. That can streamline decision-making from development through launch and long-term series management.
Expanded oversight
Herbst’s new role now covers:
- Development
- Current programming
- Casting
- Music
- Scripted digital series
In practical terms, that means Lionsgate is betting on a more integrated model where programming strategy, talent packaging and creative execution are aligned earlier in the process.
Strengthening existing teams
This is not a clean-slate overhaul. Instead, Lionsgate is reinforcing leaders already embedded in the company’s television operation. Lee Hollin and Marcello Bellisario remain in place with expanded alignment under Herbst, while long-term deals suggest continuity across departments.
That continuity matters in a marketplace where studio identity can become fragmented across networks and streaming platforms.
Lionsgate’s Current TV Momentum
The promotion arrives as Lionsgate remains active across multiple high-performing series. Hollin’s current programming group is involved with major titles including Ghosts, The Rookie, The Rookie: North, Yellowjackets, P-Valley and several entries in the Power universe, including upcoming projects Power: Origins and Power: Legacy.
Bellisario’s casting work has also been linked to series such as The Hunting Wives, The Studio, Ghosts, Acapulco and Love and Death.
When viewed together, the move that Scott Herbst promoted to President of the Lionsgate Television Group appears to be about scaling success, not fixing weakness. Lionsgate already has an active slate; now it is formalizing leadership around that momentum.
What This Means for the Broader TV Business
Executive promotions like this often reveal how studios are positioning themselves for the next phase of competition. In Lionsgate’s case, the emphasis appears clear:
- Double down on proven creative leadership
- Improve coordination between development and current series oversight
- Support franchise-friendly and platform-flexible programming
- Retain top executives through long-term contracts
As consolidation, streaming economics and global content demand continue to shape television, executives who can bridge creative instincts and strategic execution are increasingly valuable. Scott Herbst promoted to President of the Lionsgate Television Group fits that pattern.
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Conclusion
Scott Herbst promoted to President of the Lionsgate Television Group marks a significant vote of confidence in one of the studio’s most influential creative executives. With a portfolio that already includes acclaimed comedies, breakout dramas and franchise development, Herbst now has the authority to shape even more of Lionsgate’s TV future. For viewers, creators and industry watchers, this move suggests Lionsgate is intent on sharpening its television strategy around steady leadership, stronger internal alignment and shows with real breakout potential.
