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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|3|23}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|3|23}}
| birth_place =
| birth_place =
| education = [[Oral Roberts University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br />[[Harvard University]] ([[Master of Business Administration|MPA]])
| education = [[Oral Roberts University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br />[[Harvard University]] ([[Master of Business Administration|MBA]])
| occupation = Media executive
| occupation = Media executive
}}
}}
'''Brian Graden''' (born March 23, 1963) is an American [[television]] executive and founder and CEO of Emmy-winning Brian Graden Media, founded in 2013. Its series include ''Create Together'' (Emmy winner), ''Escape the Night, HitRECord on TV'' (Emmy winner), ''Finding Prince Charming, Lance Loves Michael: The Lance Bass Wedding Special, Walk of Shame, Gay Skit Happens'', and ''The Disappearance of Natalee Holloway.''
'''Brian Graden''' (born March 23, 1963) is an American [[television]] executive.

Graden was previously a senior vice president at Foxlab, Fox’s alternative programming unit. While there he oversaw shows like ''COPS'' and ''America’s Most Wanted''. He also created the relationship show, STUDS. In 1997, he became MTV’s executive VP of programming, and was put in charge of all programming. This was a change for MTV, as the network previously had four programming executives. In 2002, he was promoted to president of programming for MTV and MTV2. Later that year, after being asked to assess a struggling VH1, he was named President of Entertainment, MTV and VH1. He was responsible for the programming strategy and development slate for VH1, and the creative and business developments of MTV, MTV2, CMT, and eventually Logo, which was launched in 2005 as the first 24 hour gay and lesbian network with Graden as president.

As President of Entertainment, Graden oversaw and/or greenlit shows like ''Total Request Live'', ''The Osbournes'', ''Jackass, Jersey Shore'', and ''Teen Moms'' for MTV; ''Best Week Ever'' and ''I Love the 80s'' for VH1; and ''RuPaul’s Drag Race'' for Logo.

Prior to his work with MTV, Graden worked with Trey Parker and Matt Stone as an executive producer of the hit animated series ''South Park''.


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Graden grew up in [[Hillsboro, Illinois]],<ref name=":0" /> and graduated from [[Hillsboro High School (Illinois)|Hillsboro High School]] in 1981. He graduated from [[Oral Roberts University]]<ref name=":0" /> in 1985 with a degree in [[business]], and later graduated with an [[Master of Business Administration|MBA]] from [[Harvard University]]. He is of [[Jewish]] background.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.simpletoremember.com/articles/a/jews-in-the-media-hollywood/| title = Jews In The American Media {{!}} Hollywood}} </ref>
Graden grew up in [[Hillsboro, Illinois]],<ref name=":0" /> and graduated from [[Hillsboro High School (Illinois)|Hillsboro High School]] in 1981. He graduated from [[Oral Roberts University]]<ref name=":0" /> in 1985 with a degree in [[business]], and later graduated with an [[Master of Business Administration|MBA]] from [[Harvard University]].<ref name=":11" />


==Career==
==Career==


=== Fox Network ===
=== Fox Network ===
Graden began working in television, ultimately becoming a senior vice president at Foxlab, Fox's alternative-programming unit, where he oversaw shows like ''COPS''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cops |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/cops/1000242631/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> and ''America's Most Wanted.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-01 |title=Brian Graden: Stress Less and Trust the Work |url=https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/brian-graden-stress-less-trust-work |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Los Angeles, CA Patch |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=America's Most Wanted |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/americas-most-wanted/1000187655/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Allison |date=2003-09-08 |title=His Finger Is on the Pulse of Pop Culture |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/his-finger-pulse-pop-culture-100452 |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Broadcasting Cable |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=1998-09-13 |title=Graden |url=https://labusinessjournal.com/news/graden/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Los Angeles Business Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
Graden began working in television, ultimately becoming a senior vice president at Foxlab, Fox's alternative-programming unit, where he oversaw shows like ''COPS''<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Cops |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/cops/1000242631/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> and ''America's Most Wanted.''<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2018-11-01 |title=Brian Graden: Stress Less and Trust the Work |url=https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/brian-graden-stress-less-trust-work |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Los Angeles, CA Patch |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=America's Most Wanted |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/americas-most-wanted/1000187655/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Allison |date=2003-09-08 |title=His Finger Is on the Pulse of Pop Culture |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/his-finger-pulse-pop-culture-100452 |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Broadcasting Cable |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last= |date=1998-09-13 |title=Graden |url=https://labusinessjournal.com/news/graden/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Los Angeles Business Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" />


=== South Park (Comedy Central) ===
=== [[South Park]] (Comedy Central) ===
In 1995, he hired [[Trey Parker]] and [[Matt Stone]] to create a video Christmas card after seeing their animated short ''The Spirit of Christmas.''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=George |date=2022-09-09 |title=10 Influential Early Web Animations |url=https://listverse.com/2022/09/09/10-influential-early-web-animations/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Listverse |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gillette |first=Felix |date=2009-08-18 |title=The Reinvention of Brian Graden |url=https://observer.com/2009/08/the-reinvention-of-brian-graden/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Observer |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=2019-12-24 |title=Watch the First 'South Park' Short 'The Spirit of Christmas' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/south-park-spirit-of-christmas-video-short-39256/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> This led to the hit video “Jesus vs. Santa.”<ref name=":0" /> Parker and Stone decided to further develop their characters and pitch a show to Fox.<ref name=":1" /> When the network decided not to pursue Stone’s and Parker’s animated series ''South Park'', Graden left Fox and became an executive producer for the series.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=South Park |url=https://www.emmys.com/content/south-park-5 |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Television Academy |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2002-05-15 |title=Brian Graden Named President Entertainment, MTV and VH1 |url=https://idobi.com/news/brian-graden-named-president-entertainment-mtv-and-vh1/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=idobi Network |language=en-US}}</ref> It was picked up by Comedy Central.<ref name=":1" />
In 1995, he hired [[Trey Parker]] and [[Matt Stone]] to create a video Christmas card after seeing their animated short ''The Spirit of Christmas.''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=George |date=2022-09-09 |title=10 Influential Early Web Animations |url=https://listverse.com/2022/09/09/10-influential-early-web-animations/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Listverse |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gillette |first=Felix |date=2009-08-18 |title=The Reinvention of Brian Graden |url=https://observer.com/2009/08/the-reinvention-of-brian-graden/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Observer |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=2019-12-24 |title=Watch the First 'South Park' Short 'The Spirit of Christmas' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/south-park-spirit-of-christmas-video-short-39256/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> This led to the hit video “Jesus vs. Santa.”<ref name=":0" /> Parker and Stone decided to further develop their characters and pitch a show to Fox.<ref name=":1" /> When the network decided not to pursue Stone’s and Parker’s animated series ''South Park'', Graden left Fox and became an executive producer for the series.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=South Park |url=https://www.emmys.com/content/south-park-5 |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Television Academy |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2002-05-15 |title=Brian Graden Named President Entertainment, MTV and VH1 |url=https://idobi.com/news/brian-graden-named-president-entertainment-mtv-and-vh1/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=idobi Network |language=en-US}}</ref> It was picked up by Comedy Central.<ref name=":1" />


''South Park'' celebrated its 25th anniversary in August 2022 with a concert in Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Kluft |first=Alex |date=2022-08-15 |title=Bass Magazine's South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert Recap |url=https://bassmagazine.com/artists/bass-magazines-south-park-the-25th-anniversary-concert-recap |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Bass Magazine |language=en-us}}</ref> It was a three-hour, 30-song event with Trey Parker and Matt Stone, performances from Primus and Ween, and a musical cameo from two members of Rush.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Ryan |date=2022-07-20 |title=Comedy Central to Air South Park 25th Anniversary Concert Event (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/south-park-25th-anniversary-concert-premiere-comedy-central-1235183448/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |date=2022-08-11 |title=South Park’s 25th Anniversary Concert at Red Rocks Is a Rush, in More Ways Than One |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/south-park-anniversary-concert-rush-red-rocks-primus-1235339159/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Variety}}</ref>
''South Park'' celebrated its 25th anniversary in August 2022 with a concert in Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Kluft |first=Alex |date=2022-08-15 |title=Bass Magazine's South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert Recap |url=https://bassmagazine.com/artists/bass-magazines-south-park-the-25th-anniversary-concert-recap |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Bass Magazine |language=en-us}}</ref> It was a three-hour, 30-song event with Trey Parker and Matt Stone, performances from Primus and Ween, and a musical cameo from two members of Rush.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Ryan |date=2022-07-20 |title=Comedy Central to Air South Park 25th Anniversary Concert Event (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/south-park-25th-anniversary-concert-premiere-comedy-central-1235183448/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |date=2022-08-11 |title=South Park's 25th Anniversary Concert at Red Rocks Is a Rush, in More Ways Than One |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/south-park-anniversary-concert-rush-red-rocks-primus-1235339159/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Variety}}</ref>


=== MTV Networks ===
=== MTV Networks ===
In November 1997, Graden joined MTV as executive vice president of programming.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Vid channels feel merger mania; Strides made online|last=Hay|first=Carla|date=27 December 1997|magazine=Billboard|id = {{ProQuest|227102196}}}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=1997-12-17 |title=Graden’s MTV mandate |url=https://variety.com/1997/music/news/graden-s-mtv-mandate-111780390/ |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Under the role, Graden was responsible for all of MTV’s programming.<ref name=":3" /> This was a new structure for the network as it had previously had four programming executives.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Epstein |first=Jeffrey |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y2MEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA76&dq=Brian+Graden&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiK0qm1tef6AhVjK1kFHXxGC1wQ6AF6BAgaEAI#v=onepage&q=Brian%20Graden&f=false |title=The Advocate |date=2000-05-23 |publisher=Here Publishing |year=2000 |isbn= |pages=77-79 |language=en |issn=0001-8996}}</ref>
In November 1997, Graden joined MTV as executive vice president of programming.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Vid channels feel merger mania; Strides made online|last=Hay|first=Carla|date=27 December 1997|magazine=Billboard|id = {{ProQuest|227102196}}}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=1997-12-17 |title=Graden's MTV mandate |url=https://variety.com/1997/music/news/graden-s-mtv-mandate-111780390/ |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Under the role, Graden was responsible for all of MTV’s programming.<ref name=":3" /> This was a new structure for the network as it had previously had four programming executives.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Epstein |first=Jeffrey |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y2MEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Brian+Graden&pg=PA76 |title=The Advocate |date=2000-05-23 |publisher=Here Publishing |year=2000 |isbn= |pages=77–79 |language=en |issn=0001-8996}}</ref>


In 2002, Graden was promoted to president of programming for MTV and MTV2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2009-06-15 |title=Brian Graden leaving MTV Networks |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/brian-graden-leaving-mtv-networks-85409/ |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> He was responsible for creative content on all platforms, and oversaw music, news and specials, production, talent and artist relations, animation, scheduling, and series development.<ref name=":4" />
In 2001, MTV partnered with groups including the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to run a campaign that examined hate crimes.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Wehrman |first=Jessica |date=2001-01-10 |title=MTV to help head off hate |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/amp/arts/mtv-to-help-head-off-hate/article1029392/ |access-date=2022-11-07}}</ref> The campaign included using 17 hours of air time to run a scroll listing the names of hundreds of victims of hate crimes.<ref name=":12" />

In 2002, Graden was promoted to president of programming for MTV and MTV2.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2009-06-15 |title=Brian Graden leaving MTV Networks |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/brian-graden-leaving-mtv-networks-85409/ |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> He was responsible for creative content on all platforms, and oversaw music, news and specials, production, talent and artist relations, animation, scheduling, and series development.<ref name=":4" />


In the spring of 2002 he was asked to assess VH1, which was struggling.<ref name=":0" /> After his review, he was put in charge of restructuring the network and was named President Entertainment, MTV and VH1.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /> This made him additionally responsible for developing the programming strategy and development slate for VH1, as well as the creative and business developments of MTV, MTV2, CMT, and Logo.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />
In the spring of 2002 he was asked to assess VH1, which was struggling.<ref name=":0" /> After his review, he was put in charge of restructuring the network and was named President Entertainment, MTV and VH1.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /> This made him additionally responsible for developing the programming strategy and development slate for VH1, as well as the creative and business developments of MTV, MTV2, CMT, and Logo.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />
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In the April 2007 issue of ''[[Out (magazine)|Out]]'', Graden was ranked the number ten most powerful gay person in America.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-04-03 |title=The Power 50 |url=http://www.out.com/out-exclusives/power-50/2007/04/03/power-50 |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=www.out.com |language=en}}</ref> He has also been named one of the most influential executives in reality programming.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvweek.com/real-power-08/index.php |title=Brian Graden: President of entertainment, MTV Networks Music Channels |publisher=Tvweek.com |access-date=2013-11-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104075906/http://www.tvweek.com/real-power-08/index.php |archive-date=2013-11-04 }}</ref>
In the April 2007 issue of ''[[Out (magazine)|Out]]'', Graden was ranked the number ten most powerful gay person in America.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-04-03 |title=The Power 50 |url=http://www.out.com/out-exclusives/power-50/2007/04/03/power-50 |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=www.out.com |language=en}}</ref> He has also been named one of the most influential executives in reality programming.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvweek.com/real-power-08/index.php |title=Brian Graden: President of entertainment, MTV Networks Music Channels |publisher=Tvweek.com |access-date=2013-11-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104075906/http://www.tvweek.com/real-power-08/index.php |archive-date=2013-11-04 }}</ref>


=== Brian Graden Media ===
In 2009, Graden announced he was stepping down as the president of entertainment at MTV Networks in order to focus on writing a musical, ''Limbo'', and two books.<ref name=":0" />
In 2009, Graden announced he was stepping down as the president of entertainment at MTV Networks in order to focus on writing a musical, ''Limbo'', and two books.<ref name=":0" /> In 2013, he founded Brian Graden Media (BGM) and serves as CEO.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Kacala |first=Alexander |date=2021-11-05 |title=The 'Old Gays' are getting their own docuseries |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-pop-culture/old-gays-are-getting-docuseries-rcna4620 |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2021-10-29 |title=Brian Graden Media Bolsters Development Team With John Magennis As SVP & Bri Reed As Manager |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/brian-graden-media-development-team-john-magennis-svp-bri-reed-manager-1234864939/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> The company’s original works have aired on Oxygen, Logo, YouTube, Netflix, and other networks.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |date=2016-07-12 |title=Lance Bass To Host Logo's 'Finding Prince Charming' Gay Dating Competition Series |url=https://deadline.com/2016/07/lance-bassfinding-prince-charming-logo-gay-dating-series-1201785247/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> This includes ''Finding Prince Charming'' (Logo), ''Lance Loves Michael: The Lance Bass Wedding Special'' (E!), ''Walk of Shame'' (VH1), T''he Disappearance of Natalee Holloway'' (Oxygen), and ''Gay Skit Happens'' (Logo).<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Robbins |first=Caryn |title=THE DISAPPEARANCE OF NATALEE HOLLOWAY is Highest-Rated True Crime Series Premiere in Oxygen History |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/THE-DISAPPEARANCE-OF-NATALEE-HOLLOWAY-is-Highest-Rated-True-Crime-Series-Premiere-in-Oxygen-History-20170830 |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref>

BGM’s show ''HitRECord on TV'', which was created, hosted, and directed by Joseph Gordon Levitt,<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Easton |first=Anne |date=2015-06-10 |title=Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Why 'HitRECord ON TV' Is 'Bizarre and F*cking Awesome' |url=https://observer.com/2015/06/joseph-gordon-levitt-on-why-hitrecord-on-tv-is-bizarre-and-fcking-awesome/ |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> has been nominated for Emmys twice, and won an Emmy in 2014, and the program ''Create Together'' won an Emmy in 2020.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-09-01 |title=Television Academy Announces Juried Winners for 72nd Emmy Awards |url=https://soundandpicture.com/2020/09/television-academy-announces-juried-winners-for-72nd-emmy-awards/ |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Sound & Picture |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{Cite web |last=Bolden |first=Juliana J. |date=2014-08-14 |title=Joseph Gordon-Levitt on 'Hitrecord On TV' Winning an Emmy Award |url=https://www.emmys.com/news/industry-news/video-joseph-gordon-levitt-hitrecord-tv-winning-an-emmy-award |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Television Academy |language=en}}</ref>

In November 2021, BGM signed TikTok stars Robert Reeves, Mick Peterson, Bill Lyons, and Jessay Martin, to develop a docuseries about their lives.<ref name=":8" /> The four are known as the “Old Gays.”<ref name=":8" />

In June 2022, Netflix greenlit ''Stand Out: The Documentary'', which examines the history of LGBTQ stand-up comedy.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2022-06-09 |title=Netflix Greenlights 'Stand Out: The Documentary', A Look At The History Of LGBTQ Stand-Up Comedy |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/netflix-greenlights-stand-out-the-documentary-a-look-at-the-history-of-lgbtq-stand-up-comedy-1235041445/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> It will combine original performances, interviews, archival materials, and backstage vérité footage while exploring themes such as “comedy as activism, diversity in stand-up, new queer culture, and mainstreaming the alternative.”<ref name=":10" /> The executive producers are Graden, Dave Mace, and LB Horschler from BGM, and Wanda Sykes from Push It Productions.<ref name=":10" />

== Series ==
Graden assisted in the development of and/or at one time oversaw:

Fox

* ''America's Most Wanted''<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":14" />
* ''COPS''<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":13" />

Comedy Central

* ''South Park''<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=South Park |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/south-park/1030177962/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>

MTV

* ''Boiling Points''<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Denise |date=2004-12-10 |title=MTV dreaming of teens |url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/mtv-dreaming-of-teens-1117914749/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Boiling Points |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/boiling-points/1000325598/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Celebrity Death Match''<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Celebrity Deathmatch |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/celebrity-deathmatch/1030178662/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Cribs''<ref name=":4" />
* ''High School Stories''<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=High School Stories |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/high-school-stories/1030052664/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Jackass''<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-26 |title=Jackass: An Oral History |url=https://www.maxim.com/entertainment/jackass-oral-history/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=www.maxim.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''Jersey Shore''<ref name=":7" />
* ''Laguna Beach''<ref name=":17" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/laguna-beach-the-real-orange-county/1030283610/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Next''<ref name=":15" />
* ''Pimp My Ride''<ref name=":7" />
*''Punk’d''<ref name=":7" />
* ''Room Raiders''<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Room Raiders |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/room-raiders/1000237936/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Teen Mom''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hawks |first=Asa |date=2015-04-21 |title=MTV announces Teen Mom 2 Season 6 premiere date, more at 2015 Upfront presentation * starcasm.net |url=https://starcasm.net/mtv-announces-teen-mom-2-season-6-premiere-date-2015-upfront-presentation/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=starcasm.net |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''The Hills''<ref name=":17" />
* ''The Newlyweds''<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sternbergh |first=Adam |date=2005-06-16 |title=Brian Graden and Logo, the New Gay TV Channel |url=https://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/tv/12045/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=New York Magazine |language=en-us}}</ref>
* ''The Osbournes''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Bryan |date=2014-07-10 |title=What's the life cycle of a reality TV family? |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/television/2014/07/10/reality-tv-stars-kardashians-honey-boo-boo-duck-dynasty/12487897/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartmann |first=Graham |date=2021-05-03 |title='The Osbournes' Is the Most Iconic Reality Show of All Time |url=https://loudwire.com/the-osbournes-iconic-reality-show/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Total Request Live (TRL)''<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":16" />
VH1

* ''Best Week Ever''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Week Ever |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/best-week-ever/1000081401/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>

* ''I Love the 80s''<ref>{{Cite web |title=VH1 becomes the nostalgia network |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2004/12/03/vh1-becomes-the-nostalgia-network/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref>

Logo

* ''RuPaul’s Drag Race'' (moved to VH1 in 2017)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=2019-10-14 |title=How RuPaul Paved the Way for the Art of Drag to Be Celebrated by the Masses |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/rupaul-variety-vanguard-award-drag-race-pioneer-profile-1203360164/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

Brian Graden Media

* ''Create Together'' - Emmy winner<ref name=":20" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2022-02-22 |title=Brian Graden Media Promotes Dave Mace To President, LB Horschler Rejoins Company As EVP Production |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/brian-graden-media-dave-mace-president-lb-horschler-evp-production-1234956963/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''Escape the Night''<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Alexandra |date=2018-10-11 |title=Brian Graden: Trust That the Universe Will Open the Right Doors |url=https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/brian-graden-trust-universe-will-open-right-doors |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Los Angeles, CA Patch |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Finding Prince Charming''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2016-09-29 |title='RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' & 'Finding Prince Charming' Push Logo To Ratings Record |url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-finding-prince-charming-logo-thursday-ratings-record-1201828172/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''Gay Skit Happens''<ref name=":9" />
* ''HitRECord on TV'' - Emmy winner<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":19" />
* ''Lance Loves Michael: The Lance Bass Wedding Special''<ref name=":9" />
* ''Walk of Shame''<ref name=":9" />
* ''The Disappearance of Natalee Holloway''<ref name=":21" />

== Awards ==
Graden received:

* The EQCA Equality Leadership Award in 2005<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-08-25 |title=Equality California Makes 2005 Awards |url=https://smmirror.com/2005/08/equality-california-makes-2005-awards/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=SM Mirror |language=en-US}}</ref>
* The GLAAD Media Vito Russo Award for Excellence in Media<ref name=":7" />
* The EQCA Award for Commitment to Advancing LGBT Equality<ref name=":7" />
* The Equality Forum’s National Role Model award for his commitment to civil rights for the LGBT community<ref name=":7" />
Brian Graden Media received:

* 2014 Emmy Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media - Social TV Experience - ''HitRECord on TV''<ref name=":19" />
* 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Award - Outstanding Innovation in Interactive Programming - ''Create Together''<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":20">{{Cite web |title=Create Together With Joseph Gordon-Levitt |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/create-together-joseph-gordon-levitt |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=Television Academy |language=en}}</ref>

Graden and Logo TV received the 2018 Media Award.<ref name=":7" />


==References==
==References==
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{{US-tv-bio-stub}}

Latest revision as of 18:51, 24 September 2024

Brian Graden
Born (1963-03-23) March 23, 1963 (age 61)
EducationOral Roberts University (BA)
Harvard University (MBA)
OccupationMedia executive

Brian Graden (born March 23, 1963) is an American television executive and founder and CEO of Emmy-winning Brian Graden Media, founded in 2013. Its series include Create Together (Emmy winner), Escape the Night, HitRECord on TV (Emmy winner), Finding Prince Charming, Lance Loves Michael: The Lance Bass Wedding Special, Walk of Shame, Gay Skit Happens, and The Disappearance of Natalee Holloway.

Graden was previously a senior vice president at Foxlab, Fox’s alternative programming unit. While there he oversaw shows like COPS and America’s Most Wanted. He also created the relationship show, STUDS. In 1997, he became MTV’s executive VP of programming, and was put in charge of all programming. This was a change for MTV, as the network previously had four programming executives. In 2002, he was promoted to president of programming for MTV and MTV2. Later that year, after being asked to assess a struggling VH1, he was named President of Entertainment, MTV and VH1. He was responsible for the programming strategy and development slate for VH1, and the creative and business developments of MTV, MTV2, CMT, and eventually Logo, which was launched in 2005 as the first 24 hour gay and lesbian network with Graden as president.

As President of Entertainment, Graden oversaw and/or greenlit shows like Total Request Live, The Osbournes, Jackass, Jersey Shore, and Teen Moms for MTV; Best Week Ever and I Love the 80s for VH1; and RuPaul’s Drag Race for Logo.

Prior to his work with MTV, Graden worked with Trey Parker and Matt Stone as an executive producer of the hit animated series South Park.

Early life and education

[edit]

Graden grew up in Hillsboro, Illinois,[1] and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1981. He graduated from Oral Roberts University[1] in 1985 with a degree in business, and later graduated with an MBA from Harvard University.[2]

Career

[edit]

Fox Network

[edit]

Graden began working in television, ultimately becoming a senior vice president at Foxlab, Fox's alternative-programming unit, where he oversaw shows like COPS[3] and America's Most Wanted.[4][5][2][6][1]

South Park (Comedy Central)

[edit]

In 1995, he hired Trey Parker and Matt Stone to create a video Christmas card after seeing their animated short The Spirit of Christmas.[7][1][8] This led to the hit video “Jesus vs. Santa.”[1] Parker and Stone decided to further develop their characters and pitch a show to Fox.[7] When the network decided not to pursue Stone’s and Parker’s animated series South Park, Graden left Fox and became an executive producer for the series.[7][1][9][10] It was picked up by Comedy Central.[7]

South Park celebrated its 25th anniversary in August 2022 with a concert in Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater.[11] It was a three-hour, 30-song event with Trey Parker and Matt Stone, performances from Primus and Ween, and a musical cameo from two members of Rush.[11][12][13]

MTV Networks

[edit]

In November 1997, Graden joined MTV as executive vice president of programming.[14][15] Under the role, Graden was responsible for all of MTV’s programming.[15] This was a new structure for the network as it had previously had four programming executives.[15][16]

In 2001, MTV partnered with groups including the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to run a campaign that examined hate crimes.[17] The campaign included using 17 hours of air time to run a scroll listing the names of hundreds of victims of hate crimes.[17]

In 2002, Graden was promoted to president of programming for MTV and MTV2.[18] He was responsible for creative content on all platforms, and oversaw music, news and specials, production, talent and artist relations, animation, scheduling, and series development.[10]

In the spring of 2002 he was asked to assess VH1, which was struggling.[1] After his review, he was put in charge of restructuring the network and was named President Entertainment, MTV and VH1.[1][10] This made him additionally responsible for developing the programming strategy and development slate for VH1, as well as the creative and business developments of MTV, MTV2, CMT, and Logo.[1][10]

In 2005, Graden helped oversee the launch of Logo, the first 24-hour, completely ad-supported gay and lesbian cable network.[19][20][21][22] Graden was also president of Logo.[19][20]

In the April 2007 issue of Out, Graden was ranked the number ten most powerful gay person in America.[23] He has also been named one of the most influential executives in reality programming.[24]

Brian Graden Media

[edit]

In 2009, Graden announced he was stepping down as the president of entertainment at MTV Networks in order to focus on writing a musical, Limbo, and two books.[1] In 2013, he founded Brian Graden Media (BGM) and serves as CEO.[25][4][26] The company’s original works have aired on Oxygen, Logo, YouTube, Netflix, and other networks.[4][27] This includes Finding Prince Charming (Logo), Lance Loves Michael: The Lance Bass Wedding Special (E!), Walk of Shame (VH1), The Disappearance of Natalee Holloway (Oxygen), and Gay Skit Happens (Logo).[27][28]

BGM’s show HitRECord on TV, which was created, hosted, and directed by Joseph Gordon Levitt,[27][29] has been nominated for Emmys twice, and won an Emmy in 2014, and the program Create Together won an Emmy in 2020.[4][30][31]

In November 2021, BGM signed TikTok stars Robert Reeves, Mick Peterson, Bill Lyons, and Jessay Martin, to develop a docuseries about their lives.[25] The four are known as the “Old Gays.”[25]

In June 2022, Netflix greenlit Stand Out: The Documentary, which examines the history of LGBTQ stand-up comedy.[32] It will combine original performances, interviews, archival materials, and backstage vérité footage while exploring themes such as “comedy as activism, diversity in stand-up, new queer culture, and mainstreaming the alternative.”[32] The executive producers are Graden, Dave Mace, and LB Horschler from BGM, and Wanda Sykes from Push It Productions.[32]

Series

[edit]

Graden assisted in the development of and/or at one time oversaw:

Fox

Comedy Central

MTV

VH1

Logo

  • RuPaul’s Drag Race (moved to VH1 in 2017)[47]

Brian Graden Media

  • Create Together - Emmy winner[48][49]
  • Escape the Night[50]
  • Finding Prince Charming[51]
  • Gay Skit Happens[27]
  • HitRECord on TV - Emmy winner[50][31]
  • Lance Loves Michael: The Lance Bass Wedding Special[27]
  • Walk of Shame[27]
  • The Disappearance of Natalee Holloway[28]

Awards

[edit]

Graden received:

  • The EQCA Equality Leadership Award in 2005[52]
  • The GLAAD Media Vito Russo Award for Excellence in Media[4]
  • The EQCA Award for Commitment to Advancing LGBT Equality[4]
  • The Equality Forum’s National Role Model award for his commitment to civil rights for the LGBT community[4]

Brian Graden Media received:

  • 2014 Emmy Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media - Social TV Experience - HitRECord on TV[31]
  • 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Award - Outstanding Innovation in Interactive Programming - Create Together[30][48]

Graden and Logo TV received the 2018 Media Award.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Gillette, Felix (2009-08-18). "The Reinvention of Brian Graden". Observer. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
  2. ^ a b c Romano, Allison (2003-09-08). "His Finger Is on the Pulse of Pop Culture". Broadcasting Cable. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
  3. ^ a b "Cops". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Brian Graden: Stress Less and Trust the Work". Los Angeles, CA Patch. 2018-11-01. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
  5. ^ a b c "America's Most Wanted". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
  6. ^ a b "Graden". Los Angeles Business Journal. 1998-09-13. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
  7. ^ a b c d Wilson, George (2022-09-09). "10 Influential Early Web Animations". Listverse. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
  8. ^ Greene, Andy (2019-12-24). "Watch the First 'South Park' Short 'The Spirit of Christmas'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
  9. ^ "South Park". Television Academy. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Brian Graden Named President Entertainment, MTV and VH1". idobi Network. 2002-05-15. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
  11. ^ a b Kluft, Alex (2022-08-15). "Bass Magazine's South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert Recap". Bass Magazine. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
  12. ^ Parker, Ryan (2022-07-20). "Comedy Central to Air South Park 25th Anniversary Concert Event (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
  13. ^ Eustice, Kyle (2022-08-11). "South Park's 25th Anniversary Concert at Red Rocks Is a Rush, in More Ways Than One". Variety. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
  14. ^ Hay, Carla (27 December 1997). "Vid channels feel merger mania; Strides made online". Billboard. ProQuest 227102196.
  15. ^ a b c "Graden's MTV mandate". Variety. 1997-12-17. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  16. ^ Epstein, Jeffrey (2000-05-23). The Advocate. Here Publishing. pp. 77–79. ISSN 0001-8996.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  17. ^ a b Wehrman, Jessica (2001-01-10). "MTV to help head off hate". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  18. ^ a b c Andreeva, Nellie (2009-06-15). "Brian Graden leaving MTV Networks". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  19. ^ a b Fonseca, Nicholas (2005-07-01). "The Logo channel begins its run this week". Entertainment. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  20. ^ a b "Brian Graden looks forward to Logo launch (16370)". www.advocate.com. 2005-06-28. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  21. ^ Sternbergh, Adam (2005-06-16). "Brian Graden and Logo, the New Gay TV Channel". New York Magazine. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  22. ^ Thomas, June (2012-07-04). "Gay TV is not just for gays anymore, Logo is finding". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  23. ^ "The Power 50". www.out.com. 2007-04-03. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  24. ^ "Brian Graden: President of entertainment, MTV Networks Music Channels". Tvweek.com. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  25. ^ a b c Kacala, Alexander (2021-11-05). "The 'Old Gays' are getting their own docuseries". NBC News. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  26. ^ Petski, Denise (2021-10-29). "Brian Graden Media Bolsters Development Team With John Magennis As SVP & Bri Reed As Manager". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  27. ^ a b c d e f Tartaglione, Nancy (2016-07-12). "Lance Bass To Host Logo's 'Finding Prince Charming' Gay Dating Competition Series". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  28. ^ a b Robbins, Caryn. "THE DISAPPEARANCE OF NATALEE HOLLOWAY is Highest-Rated True Crime Series Premiere in Oxygen History". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  29. ^ Easton, Anne (2015-06-10). "Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Why 'HitRECord ON TV' Is 'Bizarre and F*cking Awesome'". Observer. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  30. ^ a b "Television Academy Announces Juried Winners for 72nd Emmy Awards". Sound & Picture. 2020-09-01. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  31. ^ a b c Bolden, Juliana J. (2014-08-14). "Joseph Gordon-Levitt on 'Hitrecord On TV' Winning an Emmy Award". Television Academy. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  32. ^ a b c Petski, Denise (2022-06-09). "Netflix Greenlights 'Stand Out: The Documentary', A Look At The History Of LGBTQ Stand-Up Comedy". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  33. ^ "South Park". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  34. ^ a b c d Martin, Denise (2004-12-10). "MTV dreaming of teens". Variety. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  35. ^ "Boiling Points". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  36. ^ "Celebrity Deathmatch". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  37. ^ "High School Stories". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  38. ^ "Jackass: An Oral History". www.maxim.com. 2010-10-26. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  39. ^ "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  40. ^ "Room Raiders". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  41. ^ Hawks, Asa (2015-04-21). "MTV announces Teen Mom 2 Season 6 premiere date, more at 2015 Upfront presentation * starcasm.net". starcasm.net. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  42. ^ Sternbergh, Adam (2005-06-16). "Brian Graden and Logo, the New Gay TV Channel". New York Magazine. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  43. ^ Alexander, Bryan (2014-07-10). "What's the life cycle of a reality TV family?". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  44. ^ Hartmann, Graham (2021-05-03). "'The Osbournes' Is the Most Iconic Reality Show of All Time". Loudwire. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  45. ^ "Best Week Ever". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  46. ^ "VH1 becomes the nostalgia network". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  47. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (2019-10-14). "How RuPaul Paved the Way for the Art of Drag to Be Celebrated by the Masses". Variety. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  48. ^ a b "Create Together With Joseph Gordon-Levitt". Television Academy. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  49. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (2022-02-22). "Brian Graden Media Promotes Dave Mace To President, LB Horschler Rejoins Company As EVP Production". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  50. ^ a b Smith, Alexandra (2018-10-11). "Brian Graden: Trust That the Universe Will Open the Right Doors". Los Angeles, CA Patch. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  51. ^ Petski, Denise (2016-09-29). "'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' & 'Finding Prince Charming' Push Logo To Ratings Record". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  52. ^ "Equality California Makes 2005 Awards". SM Mirror. 2005-08-25. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
[edit]
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