Former CW Exec Betsy Slenzak Joins View TV

EXCLUSIVE: Betsy Slenzak, who was previously an unscripted executive at The CW, has a new role.

Slenzak has been named SVP, Original Content at View TV Studios, which was founded by former Maverick boss Simon Knight.

View TV Studios creates what it calls “direct-to-audience episodic television”, which essentially allows creators to directly reach audiences via FAST channels and other connected TV platforms via its Eden platform.

Slenzak, who reports to Knight, has been tasked with scaling original production for the company and commissioning original programming. She will oversee around 250 hours of production, working across the development, commissioning and production of its slate, which will air View TV’s owned and operated platforms, alongside third-party platforms and distribution partners. She will also oversee library acquisitions for the studio.

Slenzak joined The CW as VP, Unscripted Programming in 2023, essentially number two behind Heather Olander, before leaving as part of its layoff at the end of 2024. Before that, she was VP, Entertainment Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, where she worked across reality competition, talent competition and game show formats for networks NBC, Bravo, E! and USA Network and streamer Peacock.

Slenzak said, “View TV Studios has an opportunity to build something different: a large-scale original content business with a direct relationship between production, distribution and the audience. I’m excited to work with Simon and the wider team, and with producers and creative talent, to build a slate of shows that can travel across platforms and markets.”

Knight added, “Betsy is exactly the person I wanted overseeing our original content operation. We are moving into a period where we will be producing at real scale, but volume can never come at the expense of the programs themselves. Betsy brings strong creative judgement, deep experience working with producers and an understanding of what audiences and platforms need. I want her to be the person who challenges the ideas, protects the quality of the slate and works with producers to turn strong concepts into returning shows. With around 250 hours of original production a year planned, this is one of the most important creative roles at View TV Studios.”