Netflix’s Peter Friedlander Exits as Head of U.S. and Canada Scripted TV as Jinny Howe Takes Over
Netflix‘s head of U.S. and Canadian scripted TV content Peter Friedlander has decided to exit his post after nearly 14 years with the streaming service. Jinny Howe, currently head of drama series under Friedlander, has been promoted as his replacement.
Howe will report directly to Netflix TV chief Bela Bajaria. Promoted to head of USCAN drama last year, Howe joined Netflix in 2018 to oversee the development and production of serialized dramatic content and has worked across hit series including “Bridgerton,” “Maid,” “BEEF,” “Inventing Anna,” “The Night Agent,” “The Diplomat,” “Sirens” and “Untamed.”
Friedlander joined Netflix in October 2011 as the first employee on the streamer’s original series team. He oversaw creative on early Netflix hit series, including “House of Cards,” “Black Mirror,” “Mindhunter,” “Marvel’s Daredevil” and “The Queen’s Gambit.” At the time of his exit, Friedlander was overseeing top TV IP including “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Emily in Paris,” “Monster,” “One Piece” and “Nobody Wants This.”
Sources tell Variety that Friedlander’s parting with Netflix was his choice and an amicable breakup. It is currently unclear what his next move will be, though his exit comes just as another high-level Netflix exec, former head of consumer products Josh Simon, left to become CEO at Funko.
“This has truly been the ride of a lifetime,” Friedlander said in a statement Tuesday. “Joining as the very first employee on the original series team and witnessing this company’s incredible journey—growing into one of the most beloved entertainment brands in the world—has been the thrill of my career. I’m deeply grateful to Ted, Greg, and Bela for the opportunity to work alongside them, and to all my colleagues and the incredible talent I’ve had the honor of working with, whose creativity and talent have inspired me every day. A special thanks to Jinny, my partner since she joined in 2018. Watching her rise has been a privilege, and I know I’m leaving the company in the best hands with her at the helm.”
“Jinny brings an incredible energy and warmth to everything she does, and her creative instincts and deep industry relationships make her an inspiring leader for our scripted series team in the US and Canada,” Bajaria said. “She has a knack for championing bold, distinctive storytelling and building genuine creative partnerships, which have led to some of our most beloved originals like Bridgerton, BEEF, and The Diplomat. Jinny is also genuinely fun to work with—spirited, quick-witted, and always ready with a food analogy for any occasion. (Everyone on the team knows and loves her for coining the term ‘gourmet cheeseburger!’) I can’t wait to see how she continues to shape our shows with her signature style and infectious enthusiasm.”
She added: “I want to thank Peter for his extraordinary contributions over the past 14 years—too many to count. Peter played a foundational role in shaping Netflix’s original series strategy, working on iconic shows that have defined our brand and captivated audiences worldwide. He’s not only a remarkable executive and producer, but an even better friend. I have no doubt he’ll achieve great success in whatever he chooses to do next.”
Howe will report directly to Netflix TV chief Bela Bajaria. Promoted to head of USCAN drama last year, Howe joined Netflix in 2018 to oversee the development and production of serialized dramatic content and has worked across hit series including “Bridgerton,” “Maid,” “BEEF,” “Inventing Anna,” “The Night Agent,” “The Diplomat,” “Sirens” and “Untamed.”
Friedlander joined Netflix in October 2011 as the first employee on the streamer’s original series team. He oversaw creative on early Netflix hit series, including “House of Cards,” “Black Mirror,” “Mindhunter,” “Marvel’s Daredevil” and “The Queen’s Gambit.” At the time of his exit, Friedlander was overseeing top TV IP including “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Emily in Paris,” “Monster,” “One Piece” and “Nobody Wants This.”
Sources tell Variety that Friedlander’s parting with Netflix was his choice and an amicable breakup. It is currently unclear what his next move will be, though his exit comes just as another high-level Netflix exec, former head of consumer products Josh Simon, left to become CEO at Funko.
“This has truly been the ride of a lifetime,” Friedlander said in a statement Tuesday. “Joining as the very first employee on the original series team and witnessing this company’s incredible journey—growing into one of the most beloved entertainment brands in the world—has been the thrill of my career. I’m deeply grateful to Ted, Greg, and Bela for the opportunity to work alongside them, and to all my colleagues and the incredible talent I’ve had the honor of working with, whose creativity and talent have inspired me every day. A special thanks to Jinny, my partner since she joined in 2018. Watching her rise has been a privilege, and I know I’m leaving the company in the best hands with her at the helm.”
“Jinny brings an incredible energy and warmth to everything she does, and her creative instincts and deep industry relationships make her an inspiring leader for our scripted series team in the US and Canada,” Bajaria said. “She has a knack for championing bold, distinctive storytelling and building genuine creative partnerships, which have led to some of our most beloved originals like Bridgerton, BEEF, and The Diplomat. Jinny is also genuinely fun to work with—spirited, quick-witted, and always ready with a food analogy for any occasion. (Everyone on the team knows and loves her for coining the term ‘gourmet cheeseburger!’) I can’t wait to see how she continues to shape our shows with her signature style and infectious enthusiasm.”
She added: “I want to thank Peter for his extraordinary contributions over the past 14 years—too many to count. Peter played a foundational role in shaping Netflix’s original series strategy, working on iconic shows that have defined our brand and captivated audiences worldwide. He’s not only a remarkable executive and producer, but an even better friend. I have no doubt he’ll achieve great success in whatever he chooses to do next.”