Skydance Television

Skydance Television. It is the television production division of Skydance Media, founded by David Ellison in 2013. The division focuses on developing and producing high-end scripted series for streaming services, cable television, and broadcast networks, often in collaboration with major studios and platforms. Its output spans genres including science fiction, drama, and action-adventure, establishing it as a significant player in the Peak TV era.

History

The division was launched in 2013 as part of David Ellison's expansion of Skydance Media beyond its core film production business. Early development focused on securing intellectual property and forming key creative partnerships, such as with Apple's nascent streaming ambitions. A significant early move was the 2017 deal with Amazon Studios to develop *The Wheel of Time*, based on Robert Jordan's epic fantasy book series. This period also saw the establishment of a first-look television pact with Apple TV+, signaling a strategic shift toward premium streaming service content. The division's first major series, Grace and Frankie, a Netflix original, had premiered in 2015, providing an early foundation in streaming sitcoms.

Productions

Its productions are characterized by large-scale, franchise-oriented projects and acclaimed dramatic series. Flagship titles include the expansive fantasy adaptation *The Wheel of Time* for Amazon Prime Video and the military science fiction series The Last Ship for TNT. The division produces the long-running comedy-drama Grace and Frankie, starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, for Netflix. Other notable series include the alternate history drama *For All Mankind* for Apple TV+, the action thriller *Reacher* for Amazon Prime Video, and the science fiction epic *Foundation*, adapted from Isaac Asimov's novel series for Apple TV+. It has also developed limited series such as The Big Cigar for Apple TV+ and the animated comedy Fired on Mars for Max.

Partnerships and distribution

The division operates through a network of strategic alliances with major Hollywood studios and streaming platforms. A cornerstone is its multi-year, first-look deal with Apple TV+, established in 2018, which has yielded series like *Foundation* and *For All Mankind*. It maintains a strong production partnership with Amazon MGM Studios for series such as *Reacher* and *The Wheel of Time*. The division has also produced series for Netflix, including Grace and Frankie and *The Archies*, and for Paramount+ with shows like The Offer. These partnerships often involve co-production with entities like Sony Pictures Television and MRC.

Critical reception and awards

Its series have received a mix of commercial success and critical recognition, with particular acclaim for ambitious genre television. *Foundation* received praise for its visual effects, winning a Visual Effects Society Award and earning Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Special Visual Effects. *For All Mankind* has been lauded by critics and received Saturn Award nominations. The comedy Grace and Frankie earned multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including for Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. The action series *Reacher* has been a major viewership success for Amazon Prime Video, though some of its larger-scale fantasy adaptations have drawn more divided reviews from outlets like The New York Times.

Leadership and operations

The division is led by President Bill Bost, who oversees all creative and business operations, and Senior Vice President of Television Whitney Harcourt. It operates under the larger corporate umbrella of Skydance Media, with David Ellison serving as CEO and Dana Goldberg as Chief Creative Officer. The division's operations are based in Santa Monica, with development and production teams working closely with showrunners, writing staffs, and production partners. Its business model emphasizes owning intellectual property and leveraging financing from parent Skydance Media and output deals with major streaming services to fund high-budget productions.

Category:American television production companies Category:Companies based in Santa Monica, California Category:Skydance Media