Next Gen 2012: Hollywood's Fastest-Rising Stars

Chavez’s latest project, the J.J. Abrams drama Revolution, not only has proved to be one of the fall schedule’s few breakout hits but also has helped lift NBC to No. 1 status in the key 18-to-49 demo for the first time in 10 years. The L.A.-born drama exec, 28, who has survived the network’s many regime changes, also has a hand in the critically praised Parenthood.

INDUSTRY MENTOR: David Janollari. My first gig out of college was at the WB Network, and David was the president. We have a standing dinner, and he gives me great advice.

TURNING POINT: I was about to send in my acceptance letter to UC Berkeley to study political science when I got into USC film school. I had applied on a whim.

BIG BREAK: I got a fellowship through Warner Bros. that offered a full ride and required me to intern throughout college. When I graduated, I went right to work at the WB Network.

10 YEARS AGO: I was an intern on a Fox show called Fastlane. They had me directing cars to the table read and stacking sodas for McG.

CAN’T-MISS TV: The Walking Dead.

MOVIE FIX: My office is covered in old movie posters, but my favorite is Annie Hall.

I FALL ASLEEP AT: 12 a.m.

THE LAST THING I DO: Come off of a four-hour TV binge.