Peter Rice named Netflix chief content officer, replacing Bela Bajaria
Peter Rice starts at Netflix on Oct. 26 with oversight of global film, series and live events, while any shift in movie strategy remains unannounced.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Peter Rice, Netflix chief content officer, is the company’s new hire effective Oct. 26, replacing departing content leader Bela Bajaria after nearly a decade at the streamer.
Netflix says Rice will run its global content organization, covering scripted and unscripted series, films, live events and other programming across every region. It is a wide remit, not a film-only job.
The company has not announced a change to its movie slate, theatrical-release approach or leadership below Rice. But the appointment has prompted questions about whether his movie background could eventually shape Netflix’s film decisions.
What will Peter Rice oversee at Netflix?
Rice will oversee the full content operation, according to Netflix and Deadline. That includes television, movies, unscripted programming and live events, so any read on the hire has to account for far more than the company’s film business.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said Rice has deep experience in film and television and strong relationships with talent. Rice said he was looking forward to working with the existing team and building on the global organization Bajaria helped create.
Bajaria led Netflix’s global content group most recently. Netflix credited her with expanding unscripted programming and helping launch live events and sports.
Why are people watching Netflix’s movie strategy?
Rice previously led Fox Searchlight Pictures, where Netflix says he released films including Slumdog Millionaire, Juno, Little Miss Sunshine and Sideways. He later held senior television posts at 21st Century Fox and Disney, including chairman of Walt Disney Television and chairman of General Entertainment.
That Fox Searchlight record is why Variety’s commentary raised the possibility that Rice’s arrival could produce a culture clash over movies. For now, though, that is an interpretation of what might happen, not a confirmed dispute or Netflix plan.
The confirmed news is narrower: Rice is arriving to lead a content portfolio that spans several formats and regions. Netflix has not said he will change film policy or alter its release plans.
The leadership switch also follows broader upheaval at the company. CNBC reported that Netflix carried out layoffs affecting about 6% of its workforce, roughly 1,000 jobs, the day before Rice’s appointment was announced. Neither Netflix nor Rice has linked those cuts to the hiring.
Rice’s first task is clear on paper: take charge of Netflix’s worldwide programming pipeline. Whether his arrival changes how the streamer handles movies will be judged by future decisions, not the Oct. 15 announcement.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.