Jason Kurtz Added To EP Ranks On ‘Harry’

NBC Universal is beefing up the production staff of its new Harry Connick show with an additional executive producer.

The new producer on Harry, Jason Kurtz, has most recently been co-executive producer of Steve Harvey, which is also distributed by NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution. Kurtz was also an executive producer on the pilot for Harry.

The move to bring him over to Harry full time was announced today by Valerie Schaer, EVP of creative affairs for NBCUDTD. “Jason is a talented and seasoned producer in daytime television, bringing forth an unrivaled work ethic proven by his many successes, including our own Steve Harvey,” Schaer said in a prepared statement.

In his new job, Kurtz becomes the fourth person with an executive producer’s title on Harry. The other three are brothers Justin and Eric Stangel, formerly co-head writers of CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman, and Ann Marie Wilkins.

“I was in awe of Harry [Connick] during the pilot and I knew that we were at the beginning of something very special,” Kurtz said. “Harry is a rare talent, perfectly blending music and comedy and I can’t wait for viewers to experience the magic Harry brings to this medium. I feel so lucky and proud to join Harry, the impressive duo [of] Justin and Eric Stangel and Ann Marie Wilkins as executive producers.”

Harry is now cleared on stations representing 99% of the U.S., NBCU said. The show’s station lineup is anchored by a clearance deal with the Fox-owned TV stations. The premiere date is Sept. 12.