The Rise of Kelly Kahl: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at CBS’s President
Have you ever wondered who is responsible for bringing your favorite TV shows to your screen? Meet Kelly Kahl, the President of CBS Entertainment. He oversees the development, production, and promotion of all CBS dramas, comedies, reality shows, and specials. Under Kahl’s leadership, CBS has become one of the most successful networks in the industry, with hits like The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, and Young Sheldon. He’s been with CBS for almost 25 years, but his rise to the top was anything but easy. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Kahl’s journey, his accomplishments, and what makes him one of the most respected executives in the business.
From Intern to President
Kahl started his journey at CBS as an intern in 1991. After graduating from college, he applied for a job at the network, but was turned down. Determined to get his foot in the door, he took an unpaid position in the CBS mailroom, sorting letters and packages. From there, he worked his way up the ladder, eventually becoming the head of CBS scheduling. In 2017, he was named President of CBS Entertainment, succeeding Glenn Geller, who stepped down due to health issues.
A Passion for TV
Kahl’s love for television began at a young age. He grew up in a family of TV lovers and would often watch sitcoms and dramas with his parents and siblings. But it wasn’t until high school that he realized he wanted to pursue a career in the industry. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “I knew I wanted to be in TV the moment I saw the credits roll on a sitcom and saw all the names of the people involved. I thought, ‘I want to be one of those people.'”
A Successful Track Record
Since taking over as President of CBS Entertainment, Kahl has led the network to success after success. CBS has been the most-watched network in the United States for 12 consecutive years, with shows like The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, and Blue Bloods consistently ranking among the top-rated programs. Kahl has also had a hand in launching new hits like Young Sheldon, which premiered in 2017 to critical acclaim and huge viewership numbers.
The Challenges of Leading a Network
Being the President of a major television network comes with its fair share of challenges. Kahl is responsible for overseeing the development of dozens of TV shows each year, selecting which pilots to pick up, and juggling schedules and budgets. He also has to deal with unexpected issues, like the firing of The Big Bang Theory’s creator, Chuck Lorre, in 2018. But through it all, Kahl maintains a calm demeanor and a focus on what’s best for the network and its viewers.
Kahl’s Personal Life
When he’s not working, Kahl enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He’s an avid sports fan and loves watching football and basketball. He’s also a big music lover and enjoys going to concerts whenever he can.
FAQs
1. What are Kelly Kahl’s responsibilities as President of CBS Entertainment?
As President of CBS Entertainment, Kahl oversees the development, production, and promotion of all CBS dramas, comedies, reality shows, and specials.
2. What shows has Kahl helped bring to CBS?
Under Kahl’s leadership, CBS has seen success with shows like The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, Young Sheldon, and Blue Bloods.
3. What challenges has Kahl faced as President of CBS Entertainment?
Kahl has had to deal with a variety of challenges in his role, including selecting which pilots to pick up, managing budgets and schedules, and unexpected issues like dealing with the firing of Chuck Lorre.
4. What is Kahl’s personal life like?
When he’s not working, Kahl enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and going to concerts.
5. What drew Kahl to a career in television?
Kahl grew up in a family of TV lovers and was drawn to the industry after seeing all the names of the people involved in the production of his favorite shows.
6. How did Kahl get his start in the television industry?
Kahl started as an intern at CBS in 1991 and worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming the head of CBS scheduling.
7. How successful has CBS been under Kahl’s leadership?
CBS has been the most-watched network in the United States for 12 consecutive years, with hits like The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, and Blue Bloods consistently ranking among the top-rated programs.
The Bottom Line
Kelly Kahl’s rise to the top of CBS Entertainment is a testament to his hard work and passion for television. His success in the industry has been hard-earned, but he remains focused on his goal of bringing quality programming to viewers. As fans of CBS’s shows, we have him to thank for the entertainment we enjoy every day.