Lynn Barrie has joined Freeform as senior vice president of Original Programming and Development, where she will oversee the development of scripted drama and comedy series. She will help identify and grow the unique, compelling and brand-appropriate ideas for scripted content. Barrie will report to Karey Burke, executive vice president, Programming and Development.
“I’ve known and respected Lynn for longer than I’m willing to admit and I can think of no one better to lead us into the next phase of our growth here at Freeform. She is universally admired as a great creative partner to writers and as a champion for bold ideas. Her integrity, honesty and instincts have won her a wide following and we are delighted to have her here as one of our own,” said Burke.
Prior to joining Freeform, Barrie was the vice president of Comedy Development at ABC Entertainment Group and oversaw the development and production of scripted comedies including “Speechless” and “The Goldbergs.” Previously, Barrie served as senior vice president, Current Programming, ABC Entertainment Group, where she oversaw the production of all scripted dramas and comedies, including “The Middle,” “Modern Family” and “Happy Endings.” She began her career at 20th Century Fox Television in 2001 as manager, Creative Affairs, and promoted to director, Creative Affairs in 2002. There she covered live-action and animated series, including “Reba,” “Greg the Bunny,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “American Dad” and “Arrested Development.” In 2005 she was named vice president, Comedy Development & Creative Affairs, where she oversaw the development of “Modern Family” and “Better Off Ted.”
Barrie holds a Master of Arts in English Literature from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from UCLA. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children.