Tracy Underwood Named President of ABC Signature

ABC Signature president Tracy Underwood
Tracy Underwood (Image credit: ABC)

Tracy Underwood, ABC Signature executive VP of creative affairs, has been named president of the studio. She will report to Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and Global Original TV Strategy for Disney Entertainment. 

Underwood joined ABC Signature in 2010. She will oversee all creative affairs, including the development of drama, comedy and limited series, as well as the current series slate. 

“As a proven leader at ABC Signature, Tracy has been an instrumental force behind the studio’s development of award-winning and culture-piercing series for over a decade. In this new role leading the studio, Tracy will build on her excellent relationships with our creative and platform partners to grow the studio’s legacy of producing undeniable television,” said Schrier.

Underwood succeeds Jonnie Davis, who stepped down as ABC Signature president in July. 

Sydnee Rimes, senior VP of series, will continue to lead the current series team, now reporting to Underwood. Susan Lewis, senior VP of drama development, and Danny Feldheim, senior VP of comedy development, will continue to report to Underwood.

“I’d like to thank Dana Walden for her extraordinary leadership and Eric Schrier for entrusting me with the opportunity to step into this role. The prospect of leading the studio that I’ve called home for over 10 years is a professional dream come true. Along with the exceptional teams, we will continue to create spectacular, impactful and relevant television during one of the most transformative chapters in our industry,” said Underwood.

Underwood’s TV projects have included Apple TV Plus’s Bad Sisters, FX’s Fleishman Is In Trouble and Hulu’s Tiny Beautiful Things.

Michael Malone

Michael Malone, senior content producer at B+C/Multichannel News, covers network programming, including entertainment, news and sports on broadcast, cable and streaming; and local broadcast television. He hosts the podcasts Busted Pilot, about what’s new in television, and Series Business, a chat with the creator of a new program, and writes the column “The Watchman.” He joined B+C in 2005. His journalism has also appeared in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Playboy and New York magazine.