Biography
A veteran of the cable industry, Ed Carroll oversees all operations for AMC Networks' popular and award-winning national cable television networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv; premium streaming video services Sundance Now, Shudder, Acorn TV, ALLBLK and AMC+, the company's premium subscription bundle; its television production and worldwide content distribution division AMC Studios; AMC Networks Advertising Sales; and AMC Networks International, the company's international programming business.
A champion of using original programming to define a brand, Carroll has been instrumental in helping to develop and bring to air many of today's most acclaimed, watched and talked about original series, including AMC's "Mad Men," "Breaking Bad," "Better Call Saul," and "The Walking Dead;" BBC AMERICA's "Orphan Black" and "Planet Earth II; "IFC's "Portlandia;" and SundanceTV's "Rectify" and "The Honorable Woman;" and WE tv's "Braxton Family Values;"
Under Carroll's leadership, AMC has been transformed into one of the most successful networks on television. In 2012 AMC's "The Walking Dead" became the highest rated drama in basic cable history and remains the #1 show on television among the key 18-49 demo. "Better Call Saul," the spinoff of iconic drama series "Breaking Bad," premiered in February 2015 and quickly became a critical and cultural phenomenon as the #1 new series on cable in its first season among viewers aged 18-49 and 25-54. AMC's expanding slate of original programming also includes "Fear the Walking Dead," the highly-regarded companion series to "The Walking Dead," artificial intelligence drama "Humans" starring Academy Award® winner William Hurt, genre-bending martial arts series "Into the Badlands," critically acclaimed supernatural series "Preacher," developed for television by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (This is The End, Superbad, Neighbors), as well as ongoing originals "Halt and Catch Fire" and "The Son."
Under Carroll's direction, AMC Networks acquired BBC AMERICA as a joint venture with BBC Worldwide. It is a leading destination for favorites with critics and audiences alike with series such as the enormously popular "Doctor Who," the cinematic "Luther" and "Broadchurch," the Emmy® Award winning "Orphan Black," and the global phenomenon "Planet Earth II."
IFC has become the "Always On Slightly Off" home for original comedies and leading comedic talent with Carroll's guidance. Hits include breakthrough success "Portlandia" - winner of Emmy®, Peabody and Writer's Guild Awards - as well as projects from Denis Leary ("Maron"), Hank Azaria ("Brockmire"), and Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels ("Documentary Now!").
On SundanceTV, Carroll has successfully introduced scripted and unscripted original programming that is as distinctive as the best independent films. The channel's foray into scripted originals include critically acclaimed drama "Rectify," the Golden Globe Award®- winning "The Honorable Woman," the Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning miniseries "Top of the Lake," and "The Red Road."
WE tv has become a top destination for programming fueled by big personalities and passionate relationships thanks to Carroll's supervision, with popular originals including "Braxton Family Values," "Growing Up Hip Hop" and "Kendra On Top."
Globally, Carroll has spearheaded the reach of AMC Networks' international brands across North America, Europe and Asia. In February 2014, AMC Networks acquired Chellomedia (now AMC Networks International), a leading producer and distributor of television channels distributed in over 140 countries and spanning a range of genres, including movie, lifestyle, entertainment, sports, children's and factual.
Prior to becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2009, Carroll was AMC Networks' President of Entertainment Services. He also served seven years as general manager of IFC and Bravo, during which he transformed Bravo from a small pay channel into a commercial network available to more than 68 million subscribers, launching hits like "Inside the Actors Studio" and "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." Bravo was sold to NBC in 2002.
Carroll is the recipient of numerous industry honors, including the National Cable & Telecommunications Association's (NCTA) Programming Vanguard Award, NCTA's Vanguard Award for Young Leadership and a PromaxBDA Brand Builders Award. He is on the board of The Paley Center for Media LA as well as Film Independent where he serves as a frequent guest speaker. His speaking engagements include numerous industry conferences and events, as well as for student industry organizations and at SUNY New Paltz, his alma mater. He recently coached his son's little League team to a .500 record.
