Marisa Levy

Chief Content Officer

Levy + Schaffer

As Head of Unscripted Programming at CBSViacom’s BET Networks, Marisa Levy oversaw the content strategy, development and production of all original non-fiction programming across BET Networks and BET+ Streaming Service.
She is a consummate storyteller with an notable track record of understanding diverse audiences and developing content that resonates with them. Marisa’s keen understanding of American and international audiences has allowed her to create successful, long-running programming around the world. Since joining BET, Marisa solidified ViacomCBS’ support of the Black Lives Matter movement with the launch of Copwatch America, launched BET+ beating all subscriber projections, and achieved ratings success with hit series No Limit Chronicles and Sunday Best.

Prior to joining BET, Marisa served at ViacomCBS sister networks MTV and VH1, creating new programming and adapting international formats for the channels including MTV’s breakout series How Far is Tattoo Far. While at Discovery Communications’ TLC Network she created and developed many of the network’s signature hit shows including My Big Fat Fabulous Life, Sex Sent Me to the ER, Extreme Cheapskates, Long Island Medium, and Unexpected. At Discovery Health Channel she helped launch hit franchises Jon & Kate Plus 8 and The Duggars.

She then produced projects for Fox, SyFy, A&E, Discovery Channel, History, Investigation Discovery, MSNBC, and National Geographic Channel with international production company Story House Productions.

Prior to joining the television industry, Marisa produced and directed award-winning independent documentaries and worked on scripted feature films in South Africa.

Levy holds an undergraduate degree from Rice University, a Masters of the Arts degree from the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten, Utrecht in The Netherlands and studied towards a doctorate at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.