Longtime comedy performer Suzanne Makkos left Max to join ABC Entertainment And Hulu Originals as head of comedy. Makkos will report to Simran Sethi, president of scripted programming for Hulu Originals, ABC Entertainment and Freeform, who announced the hire Thursday.
Makkos was most recently head of original comedy and animation at Max and Adult Swim. Makkos’ arrival fills a comedy role that has been open since ABC/Hulu’s restructuring in October. Around this time, Sethi was promoted to lead the combined scripted teams at ABC and Hulu, and Erin Wehrenberg, who had been head of comedy for ABC, left.
At ABC/Hulu, Makkos will oversee comedy development and current series programming for ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals. This includes scripted series, adult animation, and stand-up specials.
“There are few leaders with the breadth and depth of experience that Suzanna brings,” Sethi said in a statement. “She is a skilled creative partner with tremendous experience developing hit, brand-defining and culturally impactful comedies in both broadcast and streaming. We are delighted to welcome him to our creative team.
Makkos first joined HBO Max in 2019 ahead of its launch, launching the streamer’s comedy slate with shows like Emmy-winning “Hacks,” Mindy Kaling’s “The Sex Lives of College Girls” and the spinoff -off “Sex and the City” “And Just”. Like That…,” in addition to stand-up specials “Chelsea Handler: Evolution” and “Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is.” As part of a previous HBO Max realignment in 2022, Amy Gravitt, head of comedy and executive vice president of programming for HBO, took over overseeing the Max Original comedy under a single team, with Makkos reporting of her.
Makkos spent years at Fox, working her way up to executive vice president of programming and comedy development. His tenure there included developing hits like “Bob’s Burgers,” “New Girl,” “The Mindy Project” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to join Disney Entertainment Television, where Craig Erwich, Simran and their teams are driving excellence in television,” said Makkos. “I look forward to collaborating with this talented group of leaders and the dynamic set of creative voices behind these beloved brands.” »