Brooke Karzen Upped To EVP Alternative Programming & Development At Warner Horizon TV

Warner Horizon Television has elevated veteran unscripted programming exec Brooke Karzen to the newly created position of EVP Alternative Programming and Development. The move was announced today by Warner Bros Unscripted and Alternative Television President Mike Darnell, to whom Karzen reports.

In her new role, Karzen will continue to work closely with Darnell and serve as WHTV’s top unscripted executive, responsible for creative affairs, development, current programming and matters related to the company’s original television series and content. She will continue to spearhead the development and production of unscripted programming and collaborate with executive producers such as Mike Fleiss, Mark Burnett and key talent brands including Ellen DeGeneres’ A Very Good Production, LeBron James’ SpringHill Entertainment and Steve Harvey’s East 112th Street Productions.

“Brooke is an amazing executive,” Darnell said. “She manages all aspects of one of the busiest production companies in the business and leads an incredible team. We are lucky to have her, and this promotion is long overdue.”

During her 15-year tenure with WHTV, Zarzen has overseen the
highly successful reality competition series The Bachelor, as well as brand extensions The Bachelorette and Bachelor In Paradise. Karzen also was instrumental in bringing Emmy-winning music competition series The Voice to NBC.

Karzen also has shepherded the rollout of several new series from WHTV, including 500 Questions, the game show from Darnell and executive producer Mark Burnett, for ABC, which was recently renewed for a second season; the upcoming comedy/variety series Little Big Shots, from executive producers DeGeneres and Harvey, for NBC; and new dating series Love At First Kiss, from The Bachelor creator Mike Fleiss, for VH1. Other recent WHTV series include America’s Best Dance Crew for MTV and Repeat After Me, an unscripted comedy series for ABC from DeGeneres’ A Very Good Production, which aired in the spring.

Prior to joining WHTV, Karzen worked for Telepictures Productions as VP Programming and Senior Creative Executive for primetime series.