New Head of Alternative at CBS

NEW YORK: Chris Castallo has been named senior VP of alternative programming for CBS Entertainment, replacing Jennifer Bresnan, who announced her departure earlier yesterday.

Castallo joins from NBC, where he was the senior VP of development. There, he had overseen the development and production of prime-time dramas such as Heroes, Studio 60 and Kidnapped. Prior to this he was the senior VP of Tollin/Robbins Productions, involved in the development and production of Smallville, One Tree Hill and What I Like About You, among other shows.

In his new role at CBS, Castallo will be reporting to Ghen Maynard, the executive VP of alternative programming and entertainment content for new media at CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group. He is charged with developing new alternative programs, spanning reality, game shows and other non-scripted programming. He will oversee the current slate that includes Survivor, The Amazing Race, Big Brother and the upcoming Mark Burnett adventure series Pirates (working title).