Kara Smith Promoted to Head Drama Role in Amazon MGM Studios TV Overhaul

Amazon MGM Studios is restructuring its scripted television leadership, splitting the operation into three genre-based divisions and promoting veteran executive Kara Smith to head of drama. The changes come under Peter Friedlander, head of global television, and involve the departure of three executives.

"Instead of a single executive overseeing comedy and drama, the operation is being split into three divisions: Drama, Comedy, and Young Adult."

DeadlineAmazon MGM Studios restructures scripted TV leadership; Kara Smith named Head of Drama as three executives depart

Deadline reported that Jen Chambers, Michael McDonald, and Odetta Watkins are leaving the company as part of the restructuring. Smith, who previously oversaw major Prime Video hits including The Summer I Turned Pretty and Reacher, steps into the drama leadership role.

The reorganization builds on a broader shift at the studio earlier this year. Variety noted that the promotion follows a January restructuring that moved the TV arm away from a model split between wholly owned and co-productions toward a genre-focused structure.

VarietyAmazon MGM Studios Promotes Kara Smith to Head of Drama Division in TV Restructuring

"The promotion follows a January reorganization that shifted the TV arm from a model split between wholly owned and co-productions to one organized by genre."

Under the new structure, the scripted television division will now maintain separate leadership tracks for drama, comedy, and young adult content. Smith's appointment positions her at the center of Amazon MGM's drama strategy as the studio continues to expand its slate of original series.