Netflix has signed veteran television executive Mike Darnell to a multi-year overall deal covering unscripted series. Darnell will develop and produce reality programmes while advising Netflix on its wider unscripted slate, potentially strengthening the streamer’s leadership in the genre after former unscripted chief Jeff Gaspin left the role earlier in July.

Darnell led Warner Bros. Television’s unscripted division for 10 years until 2023, following almost two decades overseeing reality series and specials at Fox. His past credits include American Idol, Hell’s Kitchen, So You Think You Can Dance, Ellen’s Game of Games and Friends: The Reunion; he also oversaw established franchises such as The Bachelor and The Voice at Warner Bros.