EXCLUSIVE: Longtime Berlanti Productions executive Jonathan Gabay has been named President of Television for film and television production company Rideback, which recently re-upped its first-look TV deal at CBS Studios. Reporting to Rideback Co-CEOs Jonathan Eirich and Michael LoFaso, Gabay will lead TV development and production, overseeing a team that includes Rideback VP of Television Courteney Tarantin.
Gabay succeeds Lindsey Liberatore who recently left as EVP of Television, segueing to producing.
He comes to Rideback from Berlanti Productions. During his almost six years at the Warner Bros. TV-based company, which he joined as SVP before being promoted to EVP of Television in 2021, Gabay oversaw projects in the drama, comedy, animation, and unscripted space. He helped develop and has served as co-executive producer on Brilliant Minds and Found, both currently on NBC, as well as Superman and Lois and All American: Homecoming for the CW. His production credits also include the company’s Prodigal Son for Fox, Gotham Knights and Kung Fu for the CW, and Superpowered: The DC Story for Max. Additionally, Gabay oversaw Berlanti Prods.’ Titans for Max, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina for Netflix, and Riverdale, All American, and Katy Keene for the CW. In 2020, he produced the GLAAD-nominated HBO Max docuseries Equal.
Before Berlanti Productions, Gabay spent several years at Fox, rising from Manager of Comedy Development to SVP of Comedy Development & Programming. He was involved in the development of such series as The Last Man on Earth, The Mick, Ghosted, LA to Vegas, The Grinder, Dads, and Enlisted, while also overseeing New Girl, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and The Simpsons, among others.
“Jonathan is an extraordinary creative executive, beloved in the industry, with impeccable taste and an extraordinary network of high-end talent relationships,” Eirich and LoFaso said in a joint statement. “His track record speaks for itself and makes him the perfect leader to drive Rideback’s television division into its next chapter, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board.”
Rideback, launched in 2007 by Dan Lin as Lin Pictures, is currently in production on Seasons 2 and 3 of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. The company also recently produced Interior Chinatown for Hulu, starring Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng and Chloe Bennet. Previously, Rideback produced the CW series Walker, which ran for four seasons, as well as its prequel Walker: Independence, both from CBS Studios.
“I am beyond excited to join Rideback, a company that is always pushing the standard for bold, innovative storytelling,” Gabay said. “Jonathan and Michael are building something very special—a creator-friendly home where collaboration and community fuel extraordinary creativity. I can’t wait to contribute to that legacy by developing series that entertain, inspire, and resonate with audiences around the world.”
Gabay announced his departure from Berlanti Prods. on Instagram a week ago, thanking the company’s principals Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter.
“I learned so much and made so many amazing friends,” he wrote. Beyond grateful and excited for the next chapter.”
