Showtime EVP of scripted Amy Israel joins senior exec exodus

Yellowjackets

Showtime’s scripted chief, Amy Israel, has become the latest senior exec to depart after more than a decade with the Paramount-owned network.

Israel, who had been behind shows such as Yellowjackets, Masters Of Sex and The Affair, is leaving eight months after Showtime was merged into Chris McCarthy’s MTV Entertainment Studios, following the exit of David Nevins in October.

Amy Israel

It was then rebranded as Paramount+ With Showtime in February, with the move prompting the departure of entertainment topper Jana Winogrande, Rob Rosenberg and Vinnie Malhotra, among numerous others.

Winograd’s co-president of entertainment, Gary Levine, also stepped down and took on an advisory role.

Showtime is now led by Nina Diaz, with Keith Cox named president of scripted, while Israel will remain in an advisory role until the end of the year.

It is not clear if her EVP of scripted originals role will be replaced at Showtime.

In a note to staff from Diaz and McCarthy, the duo pointed to the long-gestating Halo series as an example of Israel’s work with the company.

“Under Amy’s guiding influence, the Showtime creative team has played a pivotal role in Paramount’s mission to unleash the power of unique premium global content.

“The success of Paramount+’s Halo series is a prime example of the wide-reaching impact her creative leadership and team have had on our business. Amy’s passion for the craft, her flair for pushing creative boundaries and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on Showtime.”