Craig Piligian, a pioneering figure in reality television, is set to leave Lionsgate Alternative Television and Pilgrim Media Group by the end of the year. He will continue as a consultant and executive producer on several projects after his departure.
Piligian has played a significant role in shaping the unscripted TV genre since the mid-1990s. He sold his remaining stake in Pilgrim Media Group to Lionsgate last year, having sold a majority stake for around $200 million in 2015.
He expanded his responsibilities in 2021 to include Lionsgate’s unscripted division, which was rebranded as Lionsgate Alternative Television following the acquisition of eOne. This acquisition brought multiple companies such as Blackfin, Renegade, and Daisybeck Studios under the Lionsgate umbrella.
Piligian’s career began in news production before launching Pilgrim Films & Television in 1997. He gained widespread recognition producing series like Inside The CIA for Discovery and was instrumental in launching the iconic reality show Survivor, serving as co-executive producer for its first season.
His production credits include major unscripted hits such as American Chopper, Ghost Hunters, and Dirty Jobs. He also created The Ultimate Fighter, a series that has run for 14 seasons and earned him a place in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Additional series under his belt include Wicked Tuna, Fast N’ Loud, The Ultimate Surfer, Lindsay, Swamp Pawn, Kocktails with Khloé, and Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints. Lionsgate Alternative Television also produces Naked and Afraid, Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez, and Ex on the Beach.
The unscripted sector has faced challenges recently. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer noted last year that the division was experiencing a “continuing market correction,” indicating tough conditions for producers like Piligian.
It remains uncertain what Piligian’s next step will be, though industry insiders speculate he may launch another television company. Leadership at Lionsgate Alternative Television will shift, with Tom Huffman, Nicholas Caprio, and Geno McDermott now reporting to Kevin Beggs, Chair and Chief Creative Officer of Lionsgate Television Group.
Jon Feltheimer praised Piligian for his contributions, saying, “Craig helped us build our brand in the unscripted space, guided us through the pandemic and assisted with the eOne acquisition.” He also emphasized ongoing collaboration through consulting and producing roles.
Piligian’s departure marks the end of a decade-long partnership with Lionsgate but leaves open avenues for future projects in the dynamic reality and unscripted television landscape.
Read more at: deadline.com
