Douglas Ross and Alex Baskin
LOS ANGELES (July 18, 2017) – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) announced today the acquisition of the assets of Evolution Media, one of today's most innovative producers of unscripted television, expanding MGM’s television division led by Mark Burnett, President, Television Group & Digital. Evolution Media’s roster of hit shows includes the series The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules for Bravo, as well as the break-out series Botched for the E! network. The company will operate as Evolution Media, an MGM Company, with founder and CEO Douglas Ross to become the President of the acquired business and Executive Vice President of Programming & Development Alex Baskin to become its President, Programming & Development, both reporting to Barry Poznick, MGM’s President, Unscripted Television. The business will continue to operate out of its current Burbank headquarters under Ross and Baskin’s leadership.
Founded 30 years ago by Ross, Evolution Media has forged a reputation for being a bold provider of unscripted television. Since its inception, the company has produced over 50 series including the inaugural seasons of CBS’s Big Brother and NBC’s Fear Factor, as well as Disney Channel’s Bug Juice and TLC’s 10 Years Younger. Evolution Media’s current productions include The Real Housewives of Orange County, now airing its 12th season; The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, in production on its 8th season; and the show’s spinoff, Vanderpump Rules, now in production on its 5th season, as well as Bravo’s Sweet Home Oklahoma and Lifetime’s forthcoming Growing up Supermodel, among others.
The acquisition of Evolution Media further enhances MGM Television’s already strong position. In unscripted television, MGM Television currently has hit series on all four major TV networks, including Survivor (CBS), The Voice (NBC), Shark Tank (ABC), Jamie Foxx’s Beat Shazam (FOX) and Steve Harvey’s FUNDERDOME (ABC). In scripted television, MGM Television dominates with Fargo (FX), The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu), Vikings (HISTORY) and the upcoming Get Shorty (EPIX) and Condor (AT&T’s Audience Network). Finally, in syndication, MGM Television will debut this fall the 5th season of the popular daytime court series Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court as well as the first season of Couple’s Court with The Cutlers.
“Doug and Alex have been creating and producing hit series for decades. These guys have talent and drive and will help our MGM Television ‘hit machine’ to continue to grow and grow,” said Burnett.
“The shows that Evolution produces are a perfect complement to our slate. Their slick style, high quality and one-of-a-kind casts connect with audiences and generate epic social media engagement. I’m proud to welcome them to the team and together we will continue to produce content that makes headlines,” said Barry Poznick, MGM’s President, Unscripted Television.
Ross said: “After 30 years of being fiercely independent, we couldn’t be more proud and excited to join forces with the dynamic, creative and supportive leadership team at MGM. We look forward to working with Gary, Mark and Barry to supercharge Evolution and to write the next chapters in the company’s history with them.”
Evolution Media was represented in the transaction by Bryan Bowles and Ron Milkes of Bryor Media Partners and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton.