Home / Arts and Entertainment / BBC Nabs Top Disney Producer
BBC Nabs Top Disney Producer
1 Apr
Summary
- Jonny Richards moves from Disney+ to BBC's drama commissioning team.
- He previously oversaw scripted originals for Disney+ in EMEA.
- Richards has credits on notable shows like 'A Thousand Blows' and 'Rivals'.
Jonny Richards, a prominent figure from Disney+, is set to join the BBC's drama commissioning team in the summer of 2026. Richards previously held the position of Director, Scripted Originals in EMEA for Disney+, contributing significantly to the platform's original programming.
During his nearly five years at Disney, Richards played a crucial role in developing a diverse slate of productions. His credits include Steven Knight's boxing drama "A Thousand Blows," the Jilly Cooper adaptation "Rivals," Jeff Pope's "Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes," and the Sean Bean-starrer "Shardlake." His move represents a notable transition from a major streamer to a public broadcaster.
Richards will integrate into Lindsay Salt's drama commissioning team, which has recently been associated with productions like "The Night Manager" and "Half Man." This appointment follows recent departures within the BBC's drama department, including commissioning editor Danielle Scott-Haughton, who tragically passed away in early 2026, and Tanya Qureshi, who moved to Margot Robbie's LuckyChap.
Both Lindsay Salt and Jonny Richards expressed enthusiasm about the new role. Salt highlighted Richards' industry respect and experience, anticipating his contribution to world-class drama. Richards conveyed his privilege in joining the BBC, citing its enduring influence on him and expressing eagerness to collaborate with writers and producers to create impactful stories for audiences.
