Jamila Hunter Joins Freeform as Head of Current Series & Alternative

Jamila Hunter, a veteran TV exec whose past roles include senior VP of comedy at ABC Entertainment, has been named senior VP of current series and alternative programming at Freeform.

Hunter will be reporting to Lauren Corrao, executive VP of original programming and development at Freeform. In her new role, Hunter will oversee unscripted and alternative content as well as scripted programming across the network’s current slate of shows. She is expected to start in the new role at the beginning of 2020.

Previously, Hunter was president of Khalabo Ink Society, Kenya Barris’ Netflix-based production company. She also served as senior VP of comedy at ABC Entertainment, moving up from VP. Prior to her roles at ABC, Hunter was a key member of the creative team that launched OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, senior VP of alternative and digital programming at NBC Entertainment and VP of comedy development at 20th Century Fox Television.

“I have worked with Jamila many times as both a producer and an executive, and even tried to hire her once. Although it took nearly ten years, I feel incredibly fortunate that the time is now and that she chose to join me here alongside the talented team at Freeform,” said Corrao. “Her impeccable taste, wicked sense of humor and tremendous relationships throughout the talent community undoubtedly make her the perfect choice to lead our current and alternative programming teams as we continue to grow the Freeform brand.”

Hunter added, “Creating rich characters that resonate with an audience is a true passion of mine, so I’m thrilled to be joining a network that values bold, distinctive and inclusive storytelling. I have tremendous respect for Lauren’s track record as an executive and producer, so the fact that I’m returning to the Disney family and joining her team as they continue to establish Freeform as the cultural leader in young adult programming is truly icing on the cake.”

Kary McHoul will step down as senior VP of unscripted and current series programming and transition into an executive producer role at Freeform, overseeing the unscripted series Wrap Battle, as well as Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings.

Said Corrao, “Kary has been pivotal in shaping our first major push into unscripted and we are so grateful for her significant contributions to our slate. While we are sad that she has chosen to move on, we are thankful to be able to continue to work with her in a producing capacity. Kary’s passion, spirit and creativity has guided so much of our work at Freeform and that will continue to echo through the halls.”