Apple TV has just lost two key members of its international content team in quick succession, marking a significant shake-up in the streaming service’s creative leadership. Six months after Oliver Jones walked away to join Amazon MGM Studios, Head of International Development Morgan Wandell has announced his departure to launch Kismet, a new production company focused on premium scripted series for the global market. Wandell, who joined Apple in 2017 after stints at Amazon Studios and ABC Studios, helped develop shows such as Tehran, Acapulco, and Masters of the Air. With his exit, Apple’s Head of Programming and Domestic Development Matt Cherniss will absorb Wandell’s portfolio, while Creative Director for Europe Jay Hunt will expand her remit to oversee both international and local-language originals. The moves come at a time when Apple TV continues to push high‑profile titles—Severance, Ted Lasso, The Morning Show—while exploring new outlets for culturally rich storytelling. The industry will be watching closely as competitors respond to this internal realignment.

Wandell’s new venture, Kismet, aims to identify and nurture projects that can resonate across borders, leveraging his experience in crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. On the Apple side, Cherniss, already responsible for hit series like The Studio and Severance, will now oversee Wandell’s slate, potentially reshuffling priorities within Apple’s content strategy. Meanwhile, Jay Hunt’s expanded authority may signal a shift toward unified quality standards for European and other international originals. For subscribers, the changes may translate into fresh global content offerings over the next few years while maintaining the current library’s high production values.

The departures underscore the competitive nature of streaming services' content divisions, as executives seek new opportunities to shape television on a global scale. Apple’s next strategic moves will likely focus on maintaining its position amid a crowded marketplace, balancing domestic hits with ambitious international storytelling.

Key Points:

- Morgan Wandell, Apple TV Head of International Development, leaves to start Kismet, a production company focused on global premium scripted series

- Apple shifts Wandell’s responsibilities to Matt Cherniss, Head of Programming & Domestic Development

- Jay Hunt, Creative Director for Europe, expands role to cover international and local-language originals

- The departures reflect a broader industry trend of talent reshuffling within streaming content teams

- Apple’s focus remains on high‑profile domestic shows while exploring culturally rich global stories