Amidst the many changes in streamers this year, another big change might come into place concerning YouTube and Amazon. John Wax, the scripted head of YouTube has been in talks with Amazon Studios to join on as their new head of genre programming, according to Deadline. He is reportedly in talks with Amazon for the recently vacant position of head of genre drama that was formerly occupied by Sharon Tal Yguado. After YouTube’s pull back on scripted development, which began last year, Wax’s career has diminished. During his time at YouTube, their Red/Premium channel aired such hits as Step Up: High Water, Cobra Kai, Impulse, and Origin. However, YouTube since shifted its focus to more ad-based content, with plan in place to cut back significantly on its scripted programming by 2020. This would take YouTube out of the race for new scripted content.
Wax has had considerable experience within the TV world. He has headed YouTube’s Drama, Scripted & Current Programming since 2017. Prior to his time with YouTube, Wax was WGN America’s EVP of Scripted Programming for four years, building WGN’s original programing with such shows as Outsiders, Manhattan, Underground and Salem. Before joining WGNA, he had worked for almost 15 years with Fox in various roles. During his time there, he oversaw such projects as Firefly, Prison Break, 24, and Bones.
If Wax undertakes this position, he will be in charge of building Amazon’s scripted series, as well as overseeing Amazon’s deals with HBO and Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead. In the wake of Game of Thrones’ epic finale, many streamers are jumping at creating the next big show, like HBO’s variant of Lord of the Rings series in the works, as well as an adaptation of Rosamund Pike’s Wheel of Time. Amazon has also announced several upcoming series that could be potential hits. One of these is The Boys, a superhero drama based on the comic series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The Boys will air July 22nd on Amazon Prime Video.