Lara Spotts

SVP, Development, Bravo Media

With so many Bravo series returning in recent years, it’s all about filling the few available slots with the buzziest ideas possible, and Spotts is on the case. During the last 12 months, she’s successfully launched sophomore seasons for Bravo’s two scripted series, “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” and “Odd Mom Out,” and she was the creative vision behind developing both shows. Spotts says behind the scenes of reality cable “there is extraordinary gender equality and notes, “Any story—fiction, non, drama, comedy—in which a woman is depicted on her own journey is one I like to see.”

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?

If I were to share a Lil Debbie oatmeal cream cookie and some advice with my 13-year-old self, I would impart just four simple words: this too shall pass.  It says it all, if you’re going through an amazing pocket, savor it! Remember it! Squeeze every wonderful second you can out of that good time.  And when you’re down, farther down than you ever thought possible, take a deep breath and remember you won’t be there forever.

Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?

Any story – fiction, non, drama, comedy – in which a woman is depicted on her own journey is one I like to see.  From Jill Kargman on Bravo’s own “Odd Mom Out” to Kim Dickens on “Fear the Walking Dead,” Kris Jenner on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” to Judith Light on “Transparent”– whose whole journey is realizing she’s been a passenger on everyone else’s. I like when women are portrayed as protagonists as opposed to reacting/reactive to the journeys of men.