From TV Enthusiast to TV Trailblazer with Pearlena Igbokwe

Like film, television has the power to connect audiences and shape culture. 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. Overseeing NBCUniversal’s four TV studios—which collectively produce 100+ series across 25+ platforms—Pearlena offers a unique perspective on television’s impact, the importance of representation, and the art of pairing stories with the right platforms.