Skydance Television president Matt Thunell is set to take on additional responsibilities as he adds oversight of Paramount’s TV studios to his current role. This move comes in light of the pending closure of the Paramount-Skydance deal, as confirmed by Variety.
Thunell will now lead a merged division that includes Skydance Television, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, effectively stepping in as the replacement for the ousted Chris McCarthy at Paramount. The combined TV operations will be known as Paramount Television Studios, a nod to the original Paramount TV arm that closed its doors in 2024.
Skydance TV has made a name for itself with successful shows like “Reacher” and “Cross” on Amazon Prime Video, as well as Apple TV+’s “Foundation.” On the other hand, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios boasts the popular “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan’s TV universe.
In his expanded role, Thunell will report to Dana Goldberg, who has been appointed as the co-chair of Paramount Pictures and chair of Paramount Television.
Former head of Showtime & MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, Chris McCarthy, was named co-CEO of Paramount Global in April 2024 alongside George Cheeks and Brian Robbins. However, McCarthy and Robbins will be departing following the completion of the Skydance deal, while Cheeks will continue as the chair of TV Media. He will now report to Skydance founder David Ellison, who will serve as the CEO of Paramount Skydance, alongside new president Jeff Shell.
Representatives for Skydance have not yet responded to requests for comment on the recent developments. The exact oversight of Paramount’s CBS Studios within the new organizational structure remains unclear at this time.
