Warner Bros. TV hires ABC veteran Vicki Dummer to lead current programming

Vicki Dummer

Warner Bros. Television (WBTV) has appointed veteran ABC Entertainment exec Vicki Dummer to lead its current programming, with a remit over scripted series for services including HBO Max and third party broadcasters.

Dummer becomes EVP & head of current programming at the US studio and reports into WBTV Group chairman Channing Dungey, who joined from Netflix last year to replace the outgoing Peter Roth. Dungey and Dummer previously worked together at ABC.

She will be responsible for managing creative affairs for all current scripted series produced by WBTV across all platforms, including WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, external streaming services, premium and basic cable channels, and the five US broadcast networks.

Current revamp

Dummer will also supervise WBTV’s newly structured current programming team, with Odetta Watkins, Rachel Filippelli, and Kelly Goode serving as senior leaders of the department, reporting to the newly appointed exec.

Watkins previously oversaw current programming for cable and streaming series, while the recently retired Maddy Horne supervised broadcast network series. The changes followed a period of ongoing restructuring at WarnerMedia, which have seen thousands of jobs cut.

Channing Dungey

Dummer’s arrival at WBTV comes after 25 years at ABC Entertainment, where she had been head of current series for a decade and worked on shows including American Crime, Black-ish, The Conners, Fresh Off the Boat, The Good Doctor, Modern Family and Scandal, among numerous others.

Prior to that, she was EVP of daytime and current series & special at ABC and also worked on alternative series, with credits on Supernanny, Shark Tank and Wipeout. Dummer began her ABC career in the comedy series programming department, where she worked on 8 Simple Rules and According To Jim.

Dungey said: “In our time together at ABC, I found Vicki to be a truly insightful and collaborative creative executive who works incredibly well with talent. She has played a pivotal role in managing some of the most successful, long-running series of the last two decades.

“We are excited to have the benefit of her expertise at what is an extremely exciting time at the studio, as we ramp up our series production for HBO Max while continuing to deliver signature series for external streaming and cable partners, and the broadcast networks.”

Dummer added: “The opportunity to lead current programming at this iconic studio with such an impressive roster of producers and series is truly a dream come true.”

WBTV’s output includes The Flight Attendant and Gossip Girl for HBO Max, Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso, David Makes Man for OWN, The Kominsky Method for Netflix, plus the upcoming Mrs. Davis for Peacock and Shining Vale for Starz.