Press Releases

[Culver City, CA - October 24, 2017] Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) today announced that Mike Hopkins has been named Chairman, Sony Pictures Television (SPT), overseeing all television production, distribution and marketing operations globally for the studio, as well as SPE's media networks business. Hopkins, who is currently Chief Executive Officer of leading streaming TV service Hulu, will start in late November and report to Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO of SPE.

"I've known Mike for years and can think of no better person to lead our television businesses during a time of such extraordinary evolution and opportunity," said Vinciquerra. "Mike is a proven and innovative leader who has played a key role in redefining today's television landscape, both for consumers and for how content producers reach them. We are thrilled to have him at SPE to work alongside our deep bench of talent and lead our studio to even greater heights."

"Tony has long been a colleague and mentor of mine, and I'm really excited to join him and the rest of the talented team at SPE," said Hopkins. "There is a tremendous opportunity to build on SPT's momentum globally and I look forward to working with the team to realize that potential. I want to thank Tony and Kaz for this incredible opportunity."

Hopkins' appointment also represents a structural change in the current reporting lines of the SPE's television businesses. Moving forward, the heads of SPT's domestic and international television production, distribution, advertiser sales and research, marketing and Sony Pictures Worldwide Networks will now report to Hopkins.

Hopkins has over 20 years of industry experience and an extensive track record of developing and producing innovative television content, and negotiating landmark distribution agreements. He joined Hulu in 2013 and led the company in nearly tripling its market valuation, growing its audience to over 47 million total unique users, and building its premium Hulu Originals programming slate, which includes Emmy-Award winning The Handmaid's Tale, Golden Globe-nominated comedy Casual, and fan favorites The Mindy Project and The Path.

Under Hopkins' leadership, Hulu expanded its business into the pay-TV space earlier this year, launching a groundbreaking live news, entertainment and sports package, in addition to its existing subscription-on-demand service. Once known only as a home for next-day broadcast TV episodes, Hulu's content offering now also boasts live programming from over 50 channels including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports, CNN, FX, TNT, Bravo and more; thousands of on-demand television and movie titles, including exclusive current series like This Is Us, Designated Survivor, Fear The Walking Dead, Black-ish and Family Guy; entire libraries of hit shows like Seinfeld, Golden Girls, Curious George, South Park, How I Met Your Mother, Futurama and 30 Rock; and popular movies from EPIX and a host of independent distributors.

Prior to Hopkins' time at Hulu, he was President of Distribution for Fox Networks, where he oversaw the distribution strategy, sales and marketing for the company's 45 linear and non-linear U.S. channels, as well as on-demand and digital extensions. His team also developed many of the television industry's leading authenticated and digital video products, including BTN2GO and Fox Now.

Sony Pictures Television is a leader in the production and distribution of television programming around the world, and has been awarded the industry's top honors, including the 2013 and 2014 Emmy for Best Drama Series for the hit series Breaking Bad. The prolific, independent studio was nominated for 29 Emmy Awards this season. Programs currently in production at the studio include Better Call Saul, The Blacklist, The Goldbergs, Shark Tank, Preacher, Outlander and the breakout hit The Good Doctor, and several series for digital platforms such as One Day at a Time, among others. SPT produces first-run syndicated programs such as longtime #1 and #2-rated game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, and the #1 and #2 network daytime serials The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE's Motion Picture Group includes film labels Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry's leading content providers, producing and distributing programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry's largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPT is home to a thriving global production business operating 22 wholly-owned or joint venture production companies in 12 countries around the world. Sony Pictures Television is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company.