"Seen on the Screen": From Television Enthusiast to Television Trailblazer with Pearlena Igbokwe

Overseeing NBCUniversal’s four TV studios—which collectively produce 100+ series across 25+ platforms—Pearlena Igbokwe offers a unique perspective on television’s impact, the importance of representation, and the art of pairing stories with the right platforms.

Jacqueline Coley sits down with Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Universal Studio Group, to explore her extraordinary journey from discovering American culture through television as a child to becoming one of today’s leading voices in the industry. For the first time on “Seen on the Screen,” television takes center stage as Pearlena shares her experience developing culturally significant shows like Soul Food, Dexter, and The Equalizer. As a champion of ambitious storytellers, she discusses her pivotal role in bringing groundbreaking stories to life for platforms like NBC, Peacock, and Netflix.

Learn More about "Seen on the Screen" by Make It Universal and Rotten Tomatoes

“Seen on the Screen” is your ticket to the personal narratives happening behind the scenes at Universal. Hosted by Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes, each episode invites you into intimate conversations with NBCUniversal employees to explore how the magic of film impacts their lives. With a blend of entertaining games and thought-provoking questions, Jacqueline guides us through an exciting journey with each guest – asking them to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, scared the daylights out of them, or even changed them forever.

Make It Universal believes that behind every film, campaign, and award lies a human story waiting to be told. “Make It Universal” isn’t just a mantra – it’s a commitment to celebrating the diversity and collective experiences that make our stories truly Universal. From the industry’s famous faces to its unsung heroes, every voice matters.

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