In 2004, Lloyd Braun was fired by ABC after greenlighting Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, and LOST. Disney Executives fired him because of LOST, which he had greenlit with no actual script (only an outline). The $11.5 million pilot episode was the most expensive in television history, and it was presumed by the execs that it would be a massive failure. (Braun was later given a homage by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse -- he became the "Previously on LOST" voice). So Braun got the axe and was replaced by Stephen McPherson, who in turn got to ride on the popularity of shows that Braun had begun.
McPherson (no relation to myself) had a very successful time with ABC, and that's not to say that the credit was all Braun's. McPherson helped shows like the three mentioned above expand greatly, and he introduced new shows like Dancing with the Stars and Ugly Betty to the network's roster. However, it seems, McPherson's time has passed as the head of ABC. After 2009-2010's dismal season, which contained the flop FlashForward, the cancellation of Ugly Betty, and the end of LOST, McPherson (pictured above, left) decided it was time to go. He resigned Tuesday night.
Now, ABC has replaced him with former head of ABC Family, Paul Lee, effective immediately. I really like Paul Lee. Not because of his track record with ABC Family, which includes hits like Kyle XY, Huge, Pretty Little Liars, and Secret Life of the American Teenager. No, I like the British-born exec because he launched BBC America, perhaps the greatest service to cable television ever. My hope? Paul Lee might bring in some British co-productions, much like Starz is doing with Torchwood. Personally, I'd love to see how Doctor Who would do if placed in a prime time slot on ABC.
In any case, I'm happy to see Lee (pictured above, right) as ABC's new president, and I hope he can take the network in a very interesting new direction.
I hope flash foward makes it on starz.