Turner Broadcasting has hired Mark Burnett Productions executive David Eilenberg as its new senior vice president for unscripted development as TNT and TBS build a year-round slate of reality shows.
Eilenberg will oversee all unscripted original programming for the networks and report to Michael Wright, the president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies.
"David Eilenberg has been instrumental in the success of some of television's biggest reality hits. His taste and his relationships within the talent community are both first rate and will be vital to our efforts to grow this new aspect of our business," Wright said.
As head of development and current programming for Mark Burnett Productions, Eilenberg worked on "The Voice," "The Apprentice" and "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader." He was also a a co-creator of "Dismissed," head writer on "The Weakest Link," and a writer on "Da Ali G Show."
His appointment comes as TNT and TBS, like top-rated basic cable network USA, push into reality. This summer, TNT introduced its first reality-competition, "The Great Escape."
Upcoming unscripted projects include TNT's "Boston Blue," and "72 Hours" and TBS's "KIng of the Nerds," "Deon Cole's Black Box," and "Who Gets the Last Laugh?" All are working titles.
