Key Takeaways:
- The Disney Entertainment Television (DET) Directing and Writing Programs have selected their participants for the 2025-26 year.
- The DET Directing Program provides a year-long opportunity for emerging directors to work on Disney series, receive guidance from industry professionals, and gain access to Disney creative executives.
- The 2025-26 directing cohort includes eight participants who will work on shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Reasonable Doubt, and The Bachelorette.
- The DET Writing Program offers advanced career development and industry access to emerging television writers, with a near-100% annual staffing rate for over a decade.
- The 2026 Writing Program cohort includes eight participants who will have the opportunity to strengthen their writing samples, sharpen their voices, and build relationships with executives and showrunners.
Introduction to the Disney Entertainment Television Programs
The Disney Entertainment Television (DET) Directing and Writing Programs have announced their participants for the 2025-26 year. These programs are designed to connect emerging writers and directors with opportunities across DET’s scripted and unscripted television slate. According to Tim McNeal, senior vice president of Creative Talent Development and Inclusion at Disney Television Studios, "This year’s cohorts reflect the bold, original voices that will help shape the next era of television." The programs aim to provide hands-on experience, meaningful mentorship, and access to a strong creative community that continues to support participants well beyond the program.
The DET Directing Program
The 2025-26 DET Directing Program is a year-long initiative that guarantees participants the opportunity to direct on a Disney series. The program provides guidance from industry professionals, shadowing and directing experiences, and access to Disney creative executives for learning and networking. This year, the program will add Celebrity Family Feud, Coven Academy, Grey’s Anatomy, and Reasonable Doubt to its roster of scripted and unscripted directing opportunities. Other participating shows include The Bachelorette, Dancing with the Stars, General Hospital, and Project Runway. The 2025-26 directing cohort includes eight participants, including Vanessa Beletic, Sammi Cannold, Alejandra Lopez, and Ryan Richmond, who will work on scripted shows, and Jamala Gaither, Gayle Galvez, Claire Gostin, Sagiv Karpel, and Kiki Malone, who will work on unscripted shows.
Notable Alumni of the DET Directing Program
The DET Directing Program has a strong track record of launching successful directing careers. Notable alumni include Jennifer Arnold, Tessa Blake, Pete Chatmon, Ryan Coogler, Zetna Fuentes, Amin Kaderali, Maggie Kiley, Regina King, Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr., Nzingha Stewart, and Jude Weng. These alumni have gone on to work on a range of successful shows and films, including Emily in Paris, 9-1-1, Black Panther, and Only Murders in the Building. The program’s success is a testament to the importance of providing emerging directors with opportunities to gain experience and build their skills.
The DET Writing Program
The 2026 DET Writing Program is a launchpad for emerging television writers, offering advanced career development and industry access. The program supports participants as they strengthen their writing samples, sharpen their voices, and build relationships with executives, showrunners, producers, and alumni across the Disney Entertainment Television ecosystem. Over the course of the program, writers take part in intensive workshops and professional development sessions, and are integrated into the creative community through meetings and mentorship. Participants are employed by Disney for one year with salary and benefits, and if a writer staffs during that period, compensation transitions to WGA scale.
Success of the DET Writing Program
The DET Writing Program has maintained a near-100% annual staffing rate for over a decade, with last year’s cohort staffing on shows such as 9-1-1: Nashville, Adults, Deli Boys, Far Cry, Shifting Gears, The Rookie, and Tracker. Notable program alumni include Jewel Coronel, Claudia Forestieri, Raamla Mohamed, Sierra Ornelas, Sabir Pirzada, Luvh Rakhe, and Peter Saji. According to Jane Francis, executive vice president of Series at 20th Television, "These programs represent the best of what we can do as a creative community — identify exceptional voices and back them with real opportunities." The program’s success is a testament to the importance of providing emerging writers with opportunities to develop their craft and kickstart their careers.
Conclusion
The Disney Entertainment Television (DET) Directing and Writing Programs are highly competitive and prestigious initiatives that provide emerging writers and directors with opportunities to launch their careers. With a strong track record of success, the programs have launched the careers of many notable alumni and continue to be a launchpad for emerging talent in the television industry. As the 2025-26 cohorts begin their journey, they will have the opportunity to work on a range of exciting shows, gain valuable experience, and build relationships with industry professionals. With the support of the DET community, these emerging writers and directors are sure to make a significant impact in the television industry.