Full Breakdown
Etan Frankel Signs First-Look Deal with Fox Entertainment Studios
2/25/2026, 2:57:02 AM
New Partnership with Fox Entertainment Studios
Etan Frankel, known for his work on "Joe vs. Carole" and "Shameless," has signed a first-look producing deal with Fox Entertainment Studios. This agreement allows Frankel to develop and produce a variety of scripted series across multiple genres, including premium dramas and creator-driven projects with global appeal. The partnership aims to align with Fox's creative priorities, focusing on distinctive storytelling that resonates with audiences.
Background on Etan Frankel
Frankel has an extensive background in television writing and production. He previously held an overall deal at Universal Content Productions, where he served as the creator and showrunner of the Peacock miniseries "Joe vs. Carole," which starred Kate McKinnon. His other notable works include "Sorry for Your Loss," where he was the showrunner, and he has also been an executive producer on "Get Shorty," "Animal Kingdom," and "Shameless." Frankel began his career as a playwright after graduating from the Juilliard Playwrights Program and has also contributed to the acclaimed series "Friday Night Lights."
Official Statements & Responses
Hannah Pillemer, Head of Scripted at Fox Entertainment Studios, praised Frankel's storytelling abilities, stating, “Etan is an exceptional storyteller with a rare ability to blend emotional depth, sharp perspective, and commercial appeal.” She emphasized that his extensive body of work makes him an ideal partner for expanding Fox's premium scripted slate. Frankel expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, “I’m excited to be partnering with Fox Entertainment Studios at a moment when the studio is clearly investing in bold, creator-led storytelling.”
Current Projects
In addition to his new role at Fox, Frankel is currently developing the supernatural series "Prism" for Netflix, where he will serve as showrunner and executive producer alongside Rachel Brosnahan and Millie Bobby Brown. This project is part of a broader trend of Fox Entertainment's commitment to innovative storytelling, which includes a diverse slate of scripted and unscripted programming.
Criticism & Opposition
While the partnership has been met with positive reactions, some industry observers have raised concerns about the saturation of scripted content in the market. Critics argue that the influx of new series may lead to challenges in audience engagement and retention, particularly as streaming platforms continue to expand their offerings.
What's Next
As Frankel begins this new chapter with Fox Entertainment Studios, the industry will be watching closely to see how his projects develop and how they align with the studio's strategic goals. The collaboration is expected to yield a range of new series that could further enhance Fox's reputation for quality scripted content.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Etan is an exceptional storyteller with a rare ability to blend emotional depth, sharp perspective, and commercial appeal,” — Hannah Pillemer, Head of Scripted at Fox Entertainment Studios
- “ Popular on Variety Frankel added, “I’m excited to be partnering with Fox Entertainment Studios at a moment when the studio is clearly investing in bold, creator-led storytelling.” — Etan Frankel
