CW Names Heather Olander Named Head Of Unscripted

Heather Olander today was named head of unscripted programming for The CW Network, a newly created position. Brad Schwartz, CW president of entertainment, said Olander will oversee development and production of alternative reality series, events and specials.

Schwartz said: “As we re-imagine our programming strategy, we are truly fortunate to have Heather Olander leading the unscripted team at The CW. Heather is an industry dynamo with a stellar reputation for discovering talent and cultivating relationships with content producers. With her boundless creativity, I’m confident we’ll develop innovative nonfiction series for The CW Network that catalyzes conversations.”

“I’m incredibly honored to join Brad and the team at this exciting time of transformation for The CW,” Olander said. “I’m looking forward to developing a fresh slate of non-scripted programming and collaborating with non-scripted producers on new innovative and creative content that can break through and resonate with viewers.”

Olander joined NBCUniversal in 2011 as the SVP of alternative development and programming for USA Network. In 2014, she added oversight of alternative programming for Syfy. In 2019, she took on the additional responsibility of running alternative development for NBCUniversal’s AVOD service, Peacock, and was elevated to executive vice president, alternative development and programming, USA/Syfy/Peacock.

Olander designed and built an unscripted brand and development team for USA Network, which had previously been focused on scripted programming. She successfully launched a slate of non-scripted series, including the Chrisley Knows Best Franchise, Temptation Island (reboot), Miz & Mrs. and Straight Up Steve Austin. 

Prior to joining NBCUniversal, she was VP, original series development and current programming at MTV from 2003 to 2010.