Dan McDermott

As president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, McDermott is responsible for content creation and a variety of key related functions across the company’s linear networks, targeted streaming services and AMC Studios. In his role, he oversees business affairs, public relations, scheduling, content creation and acquisitions across the company’s AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV linear television networks and its fast-growing targeted streaming platforms including AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now and Acorn TV.
Based in Los Angeles, McDermott’s universe includes the development, production and distribution of more than 50 active original series across AMC Networks’ platforms, a significant acquisitions effort across both films and television and the continued management and expansion of The Walking Dead Universe and a new programming franchise and universe based on the iconic works of Anne Rice. The first two series in this new Anne Rice Universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, will come to AMC+ and AMC later this year.
AMC Networks ended 2021 with 9 million combined streaming subscribers across its portfolio of targeted services, and has estimated it will reach between 20 and 25 million subscribers in 2025.
McDermott is a multifaceted media executive with an industry-wide reputation for achievements in content creation, development and distribution, combined with skilled management of complex creative partnerships and network organizations. His proven business and creative acumen at top media firms such as Lionsgate, BBC Studios, DreamWorks and Fox, along with his deep roots in the creative community, make him both a valued media executive as well as a prolific and respected creator of content.
Before joining AMC Networks, McDermott was head of the Lionsgate and BBC Studios scripted TV partnership, where he oversaw all aspects of dealmaking, sales, development, production and distribution. Previously, McDermott was a successful producer, writer and partner in Di Bonaventura Pictures Television, with notable credits including The Real O’Neals, Jupiter’s Legacy, and more. For almost a decade, he served as DreamWorks’ first president of television, where he oversaw shows like Spin City, Freaks and Geeks, the award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers, and more. He also held various roles at the Fox Broadcasting Network, where he developed and oversaw such series as In Living Color, Melrose Place, The X-Files, The Simpsons, Married…with Children, Martin, Party of Five, Mad TV, and Beverly Hills, 90210. He was also responsible for overseeing The Emmys, The Billboard Awards and dozens of other specials on the network.
McDermott received his B.A. in film and television from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and continued his education as a screenwriting fellow at the American Film Institute.