Blumhouse Television president Chris McCumber exits as division downsizes

Chris McCumber

Chris McCumber is exiting as president of Blumhouse Television after three years in the role, with the company downsizing its TV operation.

Jeremy Gold, president of TV production, will step into McCumber’s position on an interim basis as the company begins the search for a permanent replacement.

Several people – understood to be fewer than 10 – are leaving the US company as a result, with most coming from the creative and business affairs department within the TV division.

Scripted TV head Chris Dickie will remain in his role and will assist Gold during the transition period. The unscripted unit, which is led by Gretchen Palek, will not be impacted by the lay-offs. Blumhouse’s shared services groups including production, casting, HR, marketing and finance will also remain unaffected.

Former USA Network & Syfy chief McCumber joined Blumhouse TV from NBCUniversal in 2020 to oversee all areas of the company’s TV output.

During his time at USA Network, the company developed and commissioned titles including Suits, Mr. Robot, Queen of the South, Chrisley Knows Best, Psych and The Sinner. Meanwhile, Blumhouse scripted projects currently on hold due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes include The Bondsman and Scarpetta, both for Amazon.

Blumhouse president Abhijay Prakash commented. “I want to thank Chris McCumber for his great leadership over the past three years, building the team and the business, including getting two of our largest series orders ever on the board, with The Bondsman and Scarpetta. He laid a great foundation for the company’s next phase. We are also very grateful to Jeremy Gold and Chris Dickie for stepping up to lead the division.”