Vinnie Malhotra Joins Showtime

LOS ANGELES: Reflecting its expanded commitment to factual content, Showtime has tapped ex-CNN exec Vinnie Malhotra to fill the newly created post of senior VP of documentaries, unscripted and sports programming.

Malhotra is tasked with overseeing the development and production of Showtime's expanding slate of original unscripted and documentary programming, as well as all future documentary theatrical releases. He will work closely with Stephen Espinoza, the executive VP and general manager of sports and event programming, and report to Gary Levine, the president of programming at Showtime Networks.

“We are proud that Showtime has become a competitive player in the documentary world and a creative haven for award-winning filmmakers,” said Levine. “Vinnie is joining our amazing team at an exciting time. We are thrilled to have an executive of his caliber taking our ambitious documentary and docu-series slate to the next level.”

Malhotra was previously senior VP for development and acquisitions at CNN Worldwide. During his tenure the network launched such critically acclaimed productions as Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, Morgan Spurlock: Inside Man, Chicagoland, Death Row Stories, The Sixties and The Seventies. He previously worked at ESPN and ABC News.

Showtime's doc slate includes Listen to Me Marlon, Prophet's Prey and Dreamcatcher, all released theatrically prior to their TV debuts. This month it premieres The Spymasters, featuring interviews with 12 CIA directors. Last year, Years of Living Dangerously won an Emmy in the Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction series category.