Mike Darnell Steps Down as Fox Reality Capo

American Idol boss passes on contract renewal

Nearly 20 years into a stint that saw him steer an unscripted slate that included the likes of When Animals Attack! and American Idol, Fox president of alternative entertainment Mike Darnell is leaving the network.

Sources said that while Fox looked to retain Darnell’s services, the 51-year-old programmer has decided to part ways with the broadcaster after his contract expires on June 30. In a statement released Friday night, Darnell said that he simply wants to “try something new.”

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