Mike Darnell

Joined Fox network in 1994 as its director of specials, which included Alien Autopsy: (Fact or Fiction?) (1995). Rose to president of Alternative Entertainment of the Fox Network. In 2000, The YTimes called him 'the Svengali of sometimes gruesome, sometimes comical specials that took television to new heights - or depths - of perversity.'.

[re 'American Idol's once huge audience] I don't think that's possible in television anymore...How many times have you heard that 'SNL.' is dead?" Then a new crop comes in and it's a big success again. There's something about these brands; the audience wants to like them.