With the official appointment of Imagine Television’s David Nevins as Showtime’s president of entertainment, the Los Angeles Times points out that Nevins’ work at his previous employer consists of heartwarming shows such as "Friday Night Lights" and "Parenthood," a far cry from the sometimes twisted characters populating the pay-cable service.
But Nevins responds by saying that he’s committed to finding more "shows that push the boundaries," the story says. "Showtime has been consistently delivering risk-taking shows, and I would not be taking this job if I didn’t think that I could continue it," he says.
Nevins has big shoes to fill: Under predecessor Robert Greenblatt, the network boosted its subscribers from 12.4 million customers in 2003 to 18 million today with the introduction of shows such as "Dexter," "Weeds" and "Nurse Jackie." But Nevins’ track record at Imagine appealed to Showtime Networks Chief Executive Matthew Blank, the story adds.
Nevins’ work as executive producer of "Arrested Development" and other programs represents "shows that I would have loved to have on premium television," Blank says.
Too much credit is given to Showtime’s quirky characters and not enough to the great acting and writing. If David can continue to bring the high quality production, writing and acting that he has with Imagine, Showtime should be set to continue with great programming.