Deadline’s Reality TV Summit 2026 is expanding its guest list, adding a mix of top producers, network executives, and on-screen talent for a day dedicated to the unscripted world. The organizers say the full lineup reinforces the event’s cross‑platform reach.
The event opens with a keynote Q&A led by Andy Cohen, the long-running Bravo figure and producer behind The Real Housewives franchise. Laguna Beach alum Stephen Colletti, who recently co-created and produced Roku’s The Reunion: Laguna Beach, joins the lineup alongside Roku’s head of originals Brian Tannenbaum, and Cori Abraham of Versant is also newly set to participate.
A cross‑platform assembly of executives will be in attendance, spanning Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and Peacock on the streaming side, plus ABC, CBS, Fox and The CW on broadcast, and A+E Networks and Warner Bros. Discovery on cable. Among those taking part are Jeff Gaspin, Netflix’s VP of Unscripted; Jenn Levy, Amazon’s head of Unscripted and Documentary television; Rob Mills, EVP of Unscripted at Disney Television; Mitch Graham, EVP of Alternative Programming at CBS; Rachel Smith, EVP of Unscripted Content at Bravo and Peacock; and Allison Wallach, head of Unscripted Programming at Fox Entertainment Studios.
The roster also features Jason Sarlanis, president of WB Discovery’s TNT/TBS/TruTV/ID/HLN; Heather Olander from The CW; Eli Lehrer of The History Channel; and Cori Abraham of Versant. On the stage, faces from major reality hits—Joel McHale, Jay Pharoah and Kristen Kish—are set to share the floor with Colletti.
Panel conversations will probe the blueprint of success in unscripted series, including a session titled “How to Have a Hit Reality Series” with Vanderpump Rules producers from 32 Flavors (Alex Baskin) and other showrunners such as Jeff Jenkins, Carlos King, Julie Pizzi and Steven Weinstock.
Another track will explore dating-centric formats in “Love on Television,” with ITV America’s David Eilenberg, Jazzy Collins, Jennifer O’Connell and SallyAnn Salsano. The event will also spotlight producers behind beloved franchises like Below Deck, Mormon Wives and related formats from Bunim/Murray and Truly Original.
Details: Friday, May 1, 2026, at Lumen West LA on the 3rd Floor Events Deck, with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. and panels starting at 1:00 p.m. The program is scheduled to run through 4:15 p.m., followed by a reception. RSVP access is currently closed, but a waitlist remains.
For those eager to learn more about the program, Deadline directs readers to the event site at SplashThat.
Source: Original article
