Netflix Replaces Its Biggest Content Executive

In a major shake-up at streaming giant Netflix, the company’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria is out.

Puck News broke the story, indicating she will be replaced by former Disney and Fox executive Peter Rice.

Rice will now lead Netflix’s global content organisation – overseeing scripted and unscripted series, film, live events and more across all regions. Netflix’s film VP Doug Belgrad and film director Sheroum Kim are also gone.

Bajaria served as president of Universal Television before she joined Netflix in 2016 as head of unscripted and scripted content before moving up to global head of television in 2020 and then chief content officer in 2023.

Her exit comes as Netflix has cut around 6% of jobs at the company with around 1,000 employees laid off this week – the streamer’s largest axing to date.

Bajaria joined Netflix in 2016 after she was let go from NBCUniversal, where she had served as president of Universal Television. In that role, she had produced shows that aired on Netflix, including “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Master of None.” Sarandos first brought in Bajaria to help Netflix launch an unscripted division, as well as licensing and studio co-productions. Bajaria was later elevated to head of global in 2020 as Cindy Holland exited the company, and was named chief content officer in January 2023.

Under her watch, Bajaria oversaw popular TV series including “Bridgerton,” “Squid Game,” “Adolescence,” “Beef,” “Stranger Things” and “Wednesday,” and films such as “KPop Demon Hunters” and “Frankenstein.”

Under her reign, she pushed Netflix into more live sports and events but also oversaw a slate that has lost some critical lustre after taking just 16 Emmy Awards this year – down from 30 last year and 44 five years ago.

In a memo to staff, Ted Sarandos says: “I know this is a big change in a year that has already had its share. But I also see an opportunity to take our slate to the next level, especially in UCAN [United States and Canada] where we have an outsize impact in creating big, buzzy hits that our members love and drive conversation around the world.”

Rice is a beloved veteran studio executive who was ousted at Disney a few years ago during Bob Chapek’s brief tenure. Most recently he’s served as a producer on films like “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” “Warfare” and the upcoming “Elden Ring”.

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