December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 17. Good Nights, Nurse: Matt Blank and Robert Greenblatt

Matt Blank
Title: Chairman/CEO, Showtime Networks
Age: 59
Education: BA, U of PA (Wharton School); MBA, Baruch College

Robert Greenblatt
Title: President, Entertainment, Showtime Networks
Age: Same as Dexter
Education: BFA, U of IL; MBA, U of WI; MFA, USC

Why Them? Showtime’s originals continue to be white hot, including the Edie Falco vehicle Nurse Jackie. Blank and Greenblatt are responsible for turning around Showtime’s rep from a distant second to HBO to a brand well known and respected for originals. Case in point, Showtime’s Dexter broke records week after week when it returned this fall.

Worth Watching: Blank’s profile will rise again next year as he co-chairs The Cable Show. Greenblatt’s strong street cred should jump in March when Nurse Jackie’s second season starts.

The Year Ahead:

With a cast that includes Laura Linney and Oliver Platt, Showtime’s The C-Word pilot is generating buzz before production even begins.