Julie McNamara is back at CBS Studios.
McNamara joins Jennie Snyder Urman and Sutton St. Productions Banner to create and develop a series of broadcast and streaming. Snyder Urman and Sutton St. recently renewed their overall contract with CBS Studios, and recently developed the hit CBS series, “Matlock.”
“For over a decade, CBS Studios has been my creative home and has not been able to continue building a story with David Stapf, Bryan Seabury, Kate Adler and its extraordinary team,” says Snyder Urman. “And now I’m reuniting with Julie McNamara, who was so committed to my early projects in the studio, and I’m in a partnership, but I feel full of full safety and potential.”
McNamara was previously head of CBS Studios Drama Development and Paramount+ (Née CBS All Access) programming. She ended the role in 2021 after a 15-year run with CBS. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that McNamara had been appointed Vice President and Head of Spotify’s Global Podcast Studios. In that role, she oversaw Spotify’s in-house production and a portfolio of licensed podcasts from talents such as Alex Cooper, Dax Shepard, Joe Rogan, Jordan Peele, and Trevor Noah. She was reported to be resigning from Spotify in May 2024.
During his time at CBS Studios, McNamara helped launch shows such as Snyder Urman’s “Jane The Virgin” and “Charmed” reboots. Both were aired on CW. Other series developed during his tenure include Blue Blood, Good Wife, Star Trek: Discovery, and Star Trek: Strange New World. McNamara was previously Vice President of Drama Development at ABC, working on shows such as “Gray’s Anatomy” and “Lost.”
“Jenny and Julie have been a beloved part of the CBS Studios family for many years,” added David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “As a writer, Jenny’s voice is original, her storytelling is extremely human, and her series continues to resonate with audiences around the world. I’m equally excited to be able to bring Julie back to her family.
“Matlock” has proven to be a breakout success with both CBS critics and audiences. The show was quickly renewed for a second season after debuting in 2024, with sophomore season scheduled to begin on October 12th. Additionally, the series’ lead Cathy Bates was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in the 2025 Emmy Awards drama series.
