Peter Friedlander began his role as head of global television at Amazon MGM Studios on October 6, 2025, following a 14 year tenure at Netflix [1][2]. He replaces Vernon Sanders, who departed in September 2025 after seven years with the company [3]. Friedlander inherits a division facing financial pressure from costly series commitments and recent leadership turnover [4].
Leadership Transition and Industry Background
Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, announced Friedlander’s appointment in September 2025 [1]. During his time at Netflix, Friedlander oversaw successful series including Wednesday, Bridgerton, Stranger Things, and The Night Agent [2]. He joined Netflix in 2011 as its first dedicated original series employee and helped develop House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black [1].
Amazon MGM Studios Market Position
Amazon MGM Studios drives Prime Video content, which captured 3.9 percent of United States television watch time in August 2025, trailing YouTube, Netflix, and Disney’s combined streaming services according to Nielsen data [5]. The service differentiates itself through a channels program that allows subscribers to access multiple streaming platforms including HBO Max and Hallmark Plus [5].
Financial Obligations and Strategic Challenges
Friedlander faces significant financial constraints tied to existing contracts [6]. Amazon’s deal with the Tolkien estate requires production of 50 episodes across five seasons of The Rings of Power [6]. If Amazon cancels the series before meeting this commitment, the company must pay a kill fee of 20 million dollars per unproduced season [6].
The first season of The Rings of Power cost 465 million dollars to produce, and Amazon paid 250 million dollars for the television rights to The Lord of the Rings [7]. Amazon reported strong financial performance in the second quarter of 2025, with revenue reaching 167.7 billion dollars and operating income totaling 19.2 billion dollars [8].
Industry Context and Free Speech Initiative
Concurrent developments in Hollywood include renewed focus on creative freedom [9].
- Jane Fonda announced the relaunch of the Committee for the First Amendment on October 1, 2025 [9][10]
- More than 500 entertainment industry figures joined the initiative [9]
- Members include Jamie Lee Curtis, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Pedro Pascal, Natalie Portman, and Michael Keaton [9]
- Directors Spike Lee and Ben Stiller joined the committee [9]
- Barbra Streisand and Billie Eilish are among the participants [9]
- The original committee formed in October 1947 during anti communist investigations [10]
- The House Un American Activities Committee held hearings on alleged communist influence in Hollywood [10]
Amazon MGM Studios continues development of original content under new leadership while managing substantial financial commitments to existing franchises. Friedlander’s experience in scripted television development positions him to address these operational and creative challenges during a period of industry transformation.
