A pioneer of FAST programming, Kuessner helped establish a then-revolutionary business model that reshaped how people watch TV. She simultaneously demonstrated that women can be industry leaders, especially in the FAST category, by securing first-ever FAST deals with the NFL, CNN, BBC and AMC Networks, among others. Pluto launched its largest full-season campaign this summer, allowing viewers to catch up on CBS shows prior to fall season premieres. Kuessner even unveiled Pluto’s largest anime content refresh to date.
What’s your Roman Empire? Besides my daughter, my Roman Empire is classic television. I’m endlessly fascinated by how comfort shows and nostalgia continue to shape modern viewing habits. There’s something special about seeing audiences rediscover timeless stories—it reminds me why curation still matters in a world of endless choice.
What part of your job would surprise people the most? People are often surprised by how much creative intuition goes into the job. Yes, we look at performance metrics and audience insights, but there’s an art to programming; trusting your gut on what people will want to watch next, not just what they’re watching now. Sometimes that means making unconventional bets that end up defining entire viewing trends on Pluto TV.
The industry is transforming quickly—how are you preparing your teams (or yourself) for what’s next? By staying curious and collaborative. The pace of change in streaming demands flexibility. We’re preparing for what’s next by staying nimble, open-minded, and audience-obsessed.