Freeform Taps Netflix Alum Tara Duncan as President

Freeform has named producer and entertainment executive Tara Duncan as its new president, stepping into the role on June 8.

Duncan joins the young adult network from her overall deal at Hulu, where she has curated a slate of projects that includes an adaptation of Zakiya Dalila Harris’ acclaimed novel The Other Black Girl. Before joining Hulu, she was a senior creative executive at Netflix, overseeing the hit series Orange Is the New Black and Narcos and launching series with directors Spike Lee, Baz Luhrmann, The Wachowskis and Justin Simien. Prior to that, she produced the pilot Bosch, Amazon’s first drama series, and was a key creative executive at AMC.

At Freeform, Duncan will report to Dana Walden, chairman of Disney Television Studios and ABC Entertainment.

“Tara is an exceptionally skilled executive and a seasoned producer who is bringing a wealth of experience, across linear channels and streaming platforms, to her new role,” said Walden. “Her background, great taste and reputation make her the perfect choice to lead Freeform and its original programming that entertains viewers across its linear channel and distribution on Hulu. Tara and I met for the first time a little over a year ago, and I was truly taken with her vision and understanding of the creative process. Getting her inside of Walt Disney Television has been a priority and I am thrilled she will be leading the formidable Freeform team.”

“The programming on Freeform makes me think, laugh and feel good at a time when being optimistic matters most,” said Duncan. “It is incredibly exciting to join the Freeform team and continue forging a path for fun, daring storytelling. I am especially grateful for Dana Walden’s leadership and Craig Erwich’s guidance, as well as Bea Springborn and a host of mentors and friends who have nurtured me to this next chapter in my career.”