NBCU Unveils Unscripted Pitch Accelerator Initiative in Search for Company’s Next Hit Franchises (EXCLUSIVE)

NBCUniversal Launch, the company’s umbrella brand that houses the comprehensive inclusion efforts across NBCUniversal’s entertainment television portfolio, is unveiling its annual Unscripted Pitch Accelerator program.

The program is designed to discover the next generation of unscripted storytellers for NBC, Bravo and Peacock. The initiative offers independent creators and producers the opportunity to pitch original concepts directly to NBCUniversal television executives. Applicants do not need representation.

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Jeanne Mau, Executive Vice President, TV Programming Inclusion, NBCU Launch said, “We’re focused on expanding access for any and all standout independent creators with bold unscripted ideas.” She added, “This initiative underscores NBCU Launch’s commitment to the next generation of storytellers and creates a pathway to find the next breakout unscripted franchise from anywhere.”

As part of the initiative, creators are encouraged to submit pitches spanning various genres and formats, including shiny-floor/in-studio formats, competition formats, social experiments, dating/relationship formats, character-led docu-soaps, premium true-crime series and documentary series.

Five standout pitches will be awarded a development deal along with dedicated development support for creators to ready their concepts for greenlight consideration for NBC, Bravo, or Peacock. All projects are being developed by Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group.

The initiative aims to expand the pool to find the best ideas, inviting creators at all stages to bring forward bold, original ideas. Submissions for the NBCU Launch Unscripted Pitch Accelerator will be accepted May 18-June 14 via the NBCU Launch website.

Sharon Vuong and Rachel Smith, Executive Vice Presidents, Unscripted Content, NBCU Entertainment. said, “NBCU has a deep legacy of unscripted series that don’t just succeed, but help define culture. We’re always searching for the next great series to join our iconic franchises, such as ‘America’s Got Talent,’ ‘The Voice,’ ‘The Real Housewives’ and ‘Love Island.'” Vuong added, “Through this Accelerator Initiative, we hope to discover fresh, franchise-ready ideas with the potential to define the next era of unscripted television.”

In the past, NBCU Launch has developed its programs focused on the unscripted space, including the NBCU Launch Unscripted Producers Initiative, which has supported 64 producers at all career levels across more than 30 NBCU unscripted series, such as “The Real Housewives” franchise (Miami, New York and Salt Lake City), “Love Island USA,” “The Valley” and “American Ninja Warrior.” Successful participants have since been invited back for subsequent seasons of their shows, secured roles on other NBCU shows, or advanced to higher positions. Through the NBCU Launch Production Assistant Initiative, 63 production assistants have been hired across 22 unscripted series to date, including “Southern Charm,” “The Wall,” “Married to Medicine” and “Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together.”