Co-CEO Departs Fifth Season, Leaving Sole CEO in Charge

In a significant leadership change, Chris Rice, the co-CEO of production company Fifth Season, has announced his departure from the company at the end of 2025. Rice, who co-founded Fifth Season with Graham Taylor in 2017 after spinning out from Endeavor Content, will be leaving the company in Taylor's "immensely capable hands" as the sole CEO.

Rice's departure comes after four years of shepherding the continued growth of Fifth Season, which has produced the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance. Earlier this year, Severance received the second-highest number of Emmy nominations in a single season, going on to win eight awards. This success, according to Rice, involved the entire Fifth Season team and was a "deeply proud moment" for him and Taylor.

In his farewell email to the staff, Rice expressed his gratitude for the extraordinary support from Endeavor and the investments from Asian content powerhouses CJ ENM and Toho Studios. He also highlighted his profound partnership with Taylor, praising his passion, taste, and drive for the best in film and television.

While Rice will be leaving his day-to-day role, he will remain an advisor to the company and continue working on some Fifth Season projects through a first-look deal with the studio. The transition to a sole CEO leadership under Graham Taylor is expected to take place seamlessly, as Fifth Season looks to build on its recent success and continue its growth in the years ahead.