’13 Reasons Why’ Showrunner Inks Overall Deal With Paramount TV

Brian Yorkey is putting down his roots.

The 13 Reasons Why showrunner has signed a two-year overall deal with Paramount Television, the producers behind the Netflix breakout.

Under the pact, Pulitzer Prize winner Yorkey will develop new projects for broadcast, cable and digital television projects for the studio, which will have exclusive rights to them.

The announcement follows the formal season two renewal for 13 Reasons Why, which will see Yorkey continue on as the lone showrunner on the drama about teen suicide, bullying and sexual abuse. Yorkey adapted Jay Asher’s book of the same name for Netflix, with Selena Gomez also on board as an executive producer. Yorkey joins 13 Reasons Why exec producer Tom McCarthy, who directed, with an overall deal at Paramount Television.

Related Stories

Related Story

'13 Reasons Why' Officially Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix

“From Next to Normal to 13 Reasons Why, Brian has the innate ability to create both heart-warming and heart-breaking moments that fully immerse the audience and leave an indelible impact,” Amy Powell, president of Paramount Television and Digital, said Monday in a statement. “Paramount TV seeks out visionaries like Brian to partner on compelling and original content and we are excited to see his next project.”

Added Yorkey: “I couldn’t be more thrilled or more honored to be making my television home at Paramount. Amy Powell is a visionary leader and a smart, stalwart collaborator, and her team is passionate, resourceful and incredibly supportive. I’m excited to continue our 13 Reasons Why journey together and find our future adventures as well.”

Yorkey earned the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama as well as the 2009 Tony for best score for Next to Normal. He joins Anne Rice and Cary Fukunaga, among others, at Paramount TV.

Yorkey is repped by WME, Anonymous Content and Kim Stenton.

Related Stories

Related Story

'13 Reasons Why' Creator on its "Nakedly Honest" Portrayal of Teen Suicide