Keith Cox, Paramount’s Showtime/MTV Entertainment President, Departs After Two Decades

After two decades at Paramount, Keith Cox, president of Showtime/MTV Entertainment, will depart the company, TheWrap has learned.

Matt Thunell, president of Paramount Television Studios, announced the news to staff on Thursday.

Cox’s Legacy at Paramount

Cox was instrumental in shaping Paramount’s programming slate. He was an early advocate for Taylor Sheridan, helping bring him to the Paramount Network and expanding his portfolio of shows, including:

• Yellowstone
• Landman
• 1883
• 1923
• Tulsa King
• Mayor of Kingstown
• Lioness
• The Madison
• Marshals
• Dutton Ranch (upcoming)

He also spearheaded the launch of Jez Butterworth’s slate of Paramount+ shows, such as MobLand and The Agency.

Earlier in his career, Cox helped develop and launch:

• Hot in Cleveland (TV Land)
• Younger (TV Land, created by Darren Star)
• Emily in Paris (Netflix)

Cox maintained a long-standing collaboration with David Glasser and 101 Studios.

Reactions from Leadership

“Keith is a respected leader and has been an incredible partner to both Dana [Goldberg] and me from our first days at Paramount. We are grateful for his leadership, collaboration and the impact he has had on our teams, creative partners and franchises. Please join me in thanking Keith for his many contributions. We wish you the best and will miss you deeply!”

— Matt Thunell, President of Paramount Television Studios

Over the next few weeks, Cox will assist in planning the transition alongside his direct reports, Antonia Covault and Todd Baynes, vice presidents of Paramount Television Studios. Covault and Baynes will transition to the Current team and report to Carolyn Harris, executive vice president and head of Current.

Cox’s Farewell Message

“Getting the opportunity to identify, develop and produce these shows with creators like Darren, Taylor and Jez is what has made this chapter of my career so fulfilling. But equally fulfilling has been working closely with my creative partners Antonia Covault and Todd Baynes, who have been on this journey with me since the beginning, and who I know will continue to shepherd these shows moving forward. I’m incredibly confident that with Dana and Matt at the studio and Cindy [Holland], Jane [Wiseman] and Chris [Parnell] at Paramount+, these shows and franchises will continue to thrive. They care deeply about the work, the creators and the audiences.”

— Keith Cox