Enjoy lunch at The Grill with Meredith Ahr and get a backstage tour on NBC Universal's Studio Lot in Los Angeles!
As President, Alternative and Reality Group for NBC Entertainment, Ahr oversees all aspects of unscripted programming for the business, including the network, Universal Television Alternative Studio and first-run syndication. Reporting directly into NBC Entertainment Co-Chairmen George Cheeks and Paul Telegdy, Ahr’s role encompasses development, production, business affairs, sales strategy, casting and talent development for the group.
Ahr’s purview includes some of television’s most iconic franchises including “America’s Got Talent,” “Ellen’s Game of Games,” “American Ninja Warrior,” and “The Voice,” as well as high-profile upcoming projects such as big-swinging physical competition series “The Titan Games,” starring and executive produced by Dwayne Johnson and songwriting competition format “Songland.” In addition, Ahr oversees key syndicated properties including pop-culture newsmagazine “Access Hollywood” and the recently-announced daytime series, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Prior to this role, which was announced in late 2018, Ahr was President of Universal Television Alternative Studio, a role she took on in 2016 to launch and build the then-nascent studio. Under her leadership, the studio has produced a number of global hit formats across a diverse slate of unscripted genres, including “World of Dance” with Jennifer Lopez, “The Wall,” “Hollywood Game Night” and the critically acclaimed crafting competition series “Making It,” with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. The studio has also spread its wings domestically, producing “In Search Of” with Zachary Quinto for HISTORY, as well as other projects for broadcast, cable, first-run syndication and digital platforms.
Ahr’s career at NBC began in 2001 when she joined the network as a Page in New York. Her roles ranged from seating audiences at “Saturday Night Live” to working in the office of the chairman. She made her way to Los Angeles in 2004 via the NBC Entertainment Associates Program, where she was placed in the relatively new Alternative Programming division. Less than two years later, and after supporting over a dozen series and specials, Ahr developed the first edition of “America’s Got Talent” with Simon Cowell, a format that has since been recognized as the most successful reality TV format in the world.
Prior to her role at Universal Television Alternative Studio, Ahr served as Executive Vice President of Alternative Programming for NBC, where she spearheaded a diverse programming slate of some of the network’s biggest hits, including “The Voice” and “America’s Got Talent,” “American Ninja Warrior,” “Running Wild With Bear Grylls,” “Little Big Shots,” “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “The Biggest Loser,” “Last Comic Standing” and “Who Do You Think You Are?” Ahr is a graduate of Boston College.