AceShowbiz - Keith Cox, a long-standing executive at Paramount TV Studios, has announced his departure after an influential 20-year tenure. Cox has been pivotal in shaping the studio’s development and production strategy, particularly as president of MTV Entertainment and former head of development at Paramount Network and TV Land.

His exit, revealed in internal communications by Paramount TV Studios president Matt Thunell and co-chair of Paramount Pictures Dana Goldberg, marks the end of an era for the company. Both leaders expressed deep gratitude for Cox’s leadership, which significantly impacted the studio’s creative teams and flagship franchises.

Matt Thunell noted in his message to staff, “Keith is a respected leader and has been an incredible partner to both Dana and me from our first days at Paramount. We are grateful for his leadership, collaboration, and the impact he has had on our teams, creative partners, and franchises.”

During his time, Cox was an early champion of Taylor Sheridan and the expansive Yellowstone universe. His support was instrumental in bringing the original Yellowstone series to Paramount Network, where it became the top scripted show on cable television, spawning an extensive franchise that includes Landman, Tulsa King, Lioness, Mayor of Kingstown, and the prequel series 1883 and 1923. Cox also helped shepherd newer projects such as The Madison, Marshals, and the upcoming Dutton Ranch.

In addition to his contributions to the Yellowstone franchise, Cox played a critical role in launching Jez Butterworth’s slate of series on Paramount+, including MobLand and The Agency. Under his leadership, MTV Entertainment Studios achieved significant scripted successes, eventually expanding to oversee Showtime’s integration into Paramount+ as well.

Cox’s leadership extended beyond the Yellowstone universe, having been responsible for the development of several defining series across Paramount’s portfolio. Before his tenure at Paramount, he was vice president of comedy at Warner Bros. TV. At TV Land, he led the creation of the network’s first original scripted hit, Hot in Cleveland, which enjoyed six successful seasons and multiple awards. He also championed the single-camera comedy Younger, created by Darren Star, which ran for seven seasons and contributed to the network’s redefined scripted identity.

His collaboration with Darren Star further extended to the international hit Emily in Paris, which Paramount TV Studios sold to Netflix, where it became one of the streaming service’s most successful comedy series worldwide.

In 2017, Cox’s responsibilities expanded when he was named head of development for Paramount Network, where he immediately set about building a slate that could redefine the channel’s programming. A pivotal moment came during a pitch session with David Glasser and Kevin Kay, where a project described as “The Godfather in Montana” caught their attention. This led to the acquisition of Yellowstone from Taylor Sheridan, which surpassed all expectations in popularity and cultural impact.

Cox worked closely with Paramount TV Studios’ vice presidents Todd Baynes and Antonia Covault, who will continue to lead the current series team under executive vice president Carolyn Harris following his departure. Baynes and Covault maintain strong ties with 101 Studios, the production company co-producing many of the Yellowstone-related series and other Sheridan projects.

Taylor Sheridan himself is also transitioning away from Paramount, albeit gradually. After signing a lucrative overall deal with NBCUniversal last year, Sheridan’s film projects will transition this year, while his TV projects will remain at Paramount through 2028, ensuring continued collaboration with the studio.

In his farewell message, Cox expressed confidence in the future leadership and creative teams. He wrote, “I’m incredibly confident that with Dana and Matt at the studio and Cindy, Jane, and Chris at Paramount+, these shows and franchises will continue to thrive. They care deeply about the work, the creators, and the audiences.”

Cox’s departure comes just months before the anticipated completion of Paramount’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking another significant transition within the media landscape.

Reflecting on his career at the company, Cox recounted his journey from joining Viacom’s TV Land network in 2006 to helping develop some of the most iconic series in cable television history. He fondly remembered the pilot of Hot in Cleveland, recalling the standing ovation Betty White received during filming as a sign of the show’s special appeal.

He highlighted Younger as another milestone, praising his partnership with Darren Star and the eventual sale of Emily in Paris to Netflix, which became a global sensation. These achievements underscored his commitment to nurturing creative relationships and building compelling content.

The rebranding of Spike TV to Paramount Network in 2018 was a turning point, with Cox leading development efforts to create a slate that would quickly redefine the network’s identity. His early support for Yellowstone was a key factor in the network’s success, with the show becoming a cultural phenomenon and spawning a franchise that continues to expand.

Throughout his tenure, Cox collaborated with some of television’s most acclaimed showrunners, including Darren Star, Terry Winter, and Jez Butterworth. His close working relationship with longtime partner David Glasser and 101 Studios was also crucial to many of Paramount’s recent triumphs.

As Cox prepares to embark on his next chapter, the studio is focused on a smooth transition. His senior creative team, including Todd Baynes and Antonia Covault, will maintain momentum on current projects and report to Carolyn Harris, ensuring continuity in the studio’s development and production pipeline.

In closing, Matt Thunell encouraged staff to join in thanking Cox for his two decades of dedication, leadership, and partnership, highlighting the profound impact he has had on the company’s creative and business successes.

“Please join me in thanking Keith for his many contributions. We wish you the best and will miss you deeply!” Thunell concluded.