Roku Channel shuffle sees Colin Davis move to Sony, Brian Tannenbaum upped to scripted boss

Cobra Kai

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Studios has hired Colin Davis, head of scripted originals for the Roku Channel, to head up comedy, with Brian Tannenbaum promoted to take over his current role.

Davis joins Sony from 1 May as EVP of comedy development, where he will oversee development of comedy programming for all platforms, reporting to co-president of SPT Studios, Jason Clodfelter.

He takes on the role from Glenn Adilman, who left in November as part of the restructuring under new SPT Studios president Katherine Pope. Based in Culver City, Davis will lead a team that includes SVP of comedy development, Jennifer Gerstenblatt; VP of animation, Frank Ochoa; and manager of comedy development, Jackie Wertheimer.

Davis inherits a slate that includes The Afterparty for Apple TV+ and Cobra Kai for Netflix, as well as upcoming titles such as Platonic for Apple TV+, Foodtopia for Amazon, Twisted Metal for Peacock and Clean Slate for Freevee.

During his time at Roku, Davis oversaw the launch of shows including Kevin Hart’s Die Harter and the reboot of Reno 911, as well as the feature Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.

In a statement, Clodfelter said that Davis’ passion and understanding of television are infectious, and he embodies an entrepreneurial spirit that is essential in today’s landscape.

“His vast relationships are undeniable, and we are fortunate to have Colin at the helm of our comedy development team.”

Back at Roku, Brian Tannenbaum has been promoted to replace Davis as its new scripted boss.

Tannebaum has been serving as head of alternative originals and will now oversee all programming for the Roku Channel.

During his tenure, Tannenbaum has overseen Roku Originals including cooking format The Great American Baking Show, Chrissy Teigen-fronted Chrissy’s Court and nature documentary Mamas.

Prior to Roku, he spent two years at the now defunct Quibi, overseeing shows such as Thanks A Million, Singed Out and the Punk’d reboot.

Tannebaum’s promotion was first reported by Deadline.