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Falvey Tapped to Run ABC Comedy Development

Apr 24, 2006  •  Post A Comment

Longtime Fox creative executive Samie Kim Falvey is jumping networks to take over ABC’s troubled comedy development department.

Ms. Falvey is joining ABC as senior VP of comedy development, Francie Calfo, executive VP of development and current for the network, announced Monday. Ms. Falvey will oversee development and production of comedy pilots for ABC Entertainment.

As VP of comedy development for Fox, she developed “Kitchen Confidential,” “The War at Home,” “The Loop” and “American Dad.”

Ms. Falvey began her career with Fox in 1999 as a current executive, where she worked on comedies and dramas including “The Bernie Mac Show,” “King of the Hill,” “The Simpsons,” “Ally McBeal,” “The Family Guy,” “That ’70s Show,” “Titus” and “Grounded for Life.”

Ms. Falvey will replace Stephanie Leifer, who announced earlier this month she is leaving ABC in May. There was no word on who would replace Richard Claflin, ABC’s comedy development VP, who also has said he is leaving.

This season ABC had a string of high-profile comedy disappointments, including “Hot Properties,” “Emily’s Reasons Why Not” and the critically acclaimed but ratings-challenged “Sons & Daughters.”