EXCLUSIVE: Disney Entertainment Television has chosen its participants for the 2025-26 Directing and Writing Programs, talent development initiatives which connect emerging writers and directors with opportunities across DET’s scripted and unscripted television slate.
“This year’s cohorts reflect the bold, original voices that will help shape the next era of television,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development and Inclusion, Disney Television Studios. “Through the DET Directing and Writing Programs, we have the joy of helping rising writers and directors build real momentum in their careers — offering hands-on experience, meaningful mentorship and access to a strong creative community that continues to support them well beyond the program.”
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The 2025-26 DET Directing Program is a yearlong initiative that guarantees participants the opportunity to direct on a Disney series, as well as receive 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 2025-2026 directing cohort includes scripted directors Vanessa Beletic (Coven Academy), Sammi Cannold (Grey’s Anatomy), Alejandra Lopez (General Hospital) and Ryan Richmond (Reasonable Doubt); and unscripted directors Jamala Gaither (Project Runway), Gayle Galvez (Celebrity Family Feud), Claire Gostin, Sagiv Karpel (Dancing with the Stars) and Kiki Malone (The Bachelorette).
DET Directing Program alumni include Jennifer Arnold (Emily in Paris), Tessa Blake (9-1-1 franchise), Pete Chatmon (High Potential), Ryan Coogler (Black Panther franchise, Sinners), Zetna Fuentes (Pluribus), Amin Kaderali (Grey’s Anatomy), Maggie Kiley (9-1-1), Regina King (One Night in Miami…), Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr. (Shōgun), Nzingha Stewart (Daisy Jones & the Six) and Jude Weng (Only Murders in the Building).
2026 DET Writing Program
After nearly 40 years, the DET Writing Program continues to be a launchpad for emerging television writers, offering advanced career development and industry access. The program supports participants as they strengthen their 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; if a writer staffs during that period, compensation transitions to WGA scale. The program has maintained a near-100% annual staffing rate for more than a decade, with last year’s cohort staffing on 9-1-1: Nashville, Adults, Deli Boys, Far Cry, Shifting Gears, The Rookie and Tracker.
These programs represent the best of what we can do as a creative community — identify exceptional voices and back them with real opportunities,” said Jane Francis, executive vice president, Series, 20th Television. “My team is proud to champion this burgeoning talent by connecting them to series where they can develop their craft and kickstart their careers.”
The 2026 Writing Program cohort includes Maya Florin, Mariam Girgis, Cassidy Lee, Noelle Liljedahl, Monica Lucas, Neiman & Aaron Outlen, Jenna Park and Ekaterina Vladimirova.
Notable program alumni include Jewel Coronel (The Chi), Claudia Forestieri (Gordita Chronicles), Raamla Mohamed (Reasonable Doubt), Sierra Ornelas (St. Denis Medical), Sabir Pirzada (Ms. Marvel), Luvh Rakhe (Chad Powers) and Peter Saji (Unprisoned).
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