Lionsgate's Reality TV Executive Craig Piligian to Depart After a Decade

Veteran reality TV producer Craig Piligian is set to leave his position as managing director of Lionsgate Alternative Television at the close of this year. This marks ten years since he sold a majority stake of his Pilgrim Media Group to Lionsgate for an estimated $200 million.

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer commented on Piligians departure: Weve shared an incredible decade. Craig played a crucial role in shaping our unscripted programming, navigating challenges during the pandemic, and supporting the eOne acquisition. Hes both a trusted friend and an outstanding entrepreneur. We look forward to collaborating with him as a consultant and producer on various unscripted projects.

Even after stepping down from his executive role, Piligian will continue contributing to the company as a consultant and executive producer on select series. While the exact reasons for his exit havent been disclosed, sources indicate he will remain active in entrepreneurial ventures.

Piligian originally joined Lionsgate in 2015 after selling a majority of Pilgrim Media Group. He renewed his agreement in 2021 and expanded his responsibilities to oversee the studios unscripted division, which became Lionsgate Alternative Television following the eOne acquisition. In 2024, he sold his remaining shares in Pilgrim Media Group to Lionsgate.

His departure coincides with a deeper integration of Lionsgate Alternative Television into the broader Lionsgate Television Group. Leadership changes include Tom Huffman, formerly Chief Creative Officer at Pilgrim, now EVP, Development at Lionsgate Alternative Television; Nicholas Caprio as EVP; and Geno McDermott, Chief Creative Officer at Blackfin, all reporting to Kevin Beggs, Chair and Chief Creative Officer of Lionsgate Television Group.

Piligian is highly regarded in the unscripted television sector. He founded Pilgrim Films & Television in 1997 and served as co-executive producer for the first three seasons of Survivor, a series that reshaped reality TV. His other notable productions include American Chopper (TLC), Ghost Hunters (Syfy), and The Ultimate Fighter (Spike TV, now on ESPN), a contribution that earned him a place in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2025.

Author: Grace Ellison