BUSINESS

A New Chapter for Nina L. Diaz

USATue Aug 05 2025

A Well-Known Figure in Entertainment Industry

Nina L. Diaz, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, is set to leave her position at Paramount upon the finalization of the merger with Skydance. This news follows an internal message she shared with her team.

A Legacy of Success

Diaz has been instrumental in the company's growth, particularly in the content and creative departments. She highlighted her achievements, including the success of shows like:

  • The Osbournes
  • Love & Hip-Hop
  • The revival of Yellowjackets

Her departure coincides with that of her long-time boss, Chris McCarthy, who is also leaving the company.

A Career Spanning Over Two Decades

Since joining MTV Networks in 2014, Diaz's responsibilities have expanded significantly. She played a crucial role in overseeing the production of over 100 series annually across various networks, including:

  • MTV
  • Comedy Central
  • Paramount Network
  • Showtime

Notable shows under her leadership include:

  • Yellowstone
  • MobLand
  • Lioness
  • Emily in Paris
  • South Park
  • RuPaul's Drag Race

Diaz's career in unscripted television spans over two and a half decades. She started at MTV, where she developed popular shows like:

  • My Super Sweet 16
  • Cribs
  • The Osbournes

After a brief stint as an independent producer, she returned to VH1 in 2014 and quickly rose through the ranks. She transformed shows like:

  • RuPaul's Drag Race
  • Jersey Shore
  • The Challenge

into global phenomena.

Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion

As a leading Latina executive, Diaz has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. She launched Antoinette Media, a production company focused on BIPOC and women creators, and played a key role in creating the Mental Health Media Guide in partnership with USC's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative.

questions

    How will the leadership transition affect the ongoing projects and franchises like Yellowstone and RuPaul’s Drag Race?
    How will the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion be upheld with the change in leadership?
    Will the new leadership team accidentally greenlight a reality show about penguins living in a house together?

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