Bonnie Hammer, acclaimed as the ‘Queen of Cable,’ is set to leave her position as vice chairman of NBCUniversal at the end of this year, marking the conclusion of a remarkable career that has spanned nearly five decades in the television industry.

Known for her influential involvement in an array of iconic shows, from classics like “This Old House” and “Zoom” to critically acclaimed series such as “Monk” and “Mr. Robot,” Hammer’s departure follows the expiration of her current contract with the company.

Joining NBCU in 2004, Hammer has witnessed and shaped significant transformations in the television landscape, particularly through her leadership during the merger of Universal Television and NBC.

Her role has included pivotal contributions to the launch of the Peacock streaming service, which has aimed to harness the digital shift in media consumption and compete with giants like Netflix and Disney+.

While sources close to Hammer indicate that her decision to step down is personal and not a reaction to NBCU's recent plans to spin off its cable assets, it highlights an era of change within the organization.

NBCUniversal did not comment on her exit.

Over her tenure, Hammer became synonymous with NBCU’s entertainment cable networks, particularly known for creating “blue sky” series that presented optimistic narratives.

These shows stood in stark contrast to the darker, grittier offerings from rival networks such as FX and HBO, which focused on flawed anti-heroes.

Under her guidance, the USA Network became the most-watched entertainment-focused cable channel for an impressive 13 years, delivering hits like “Royal Pains,” “Psych,” and “Burn Notice.”

Before her monumental success at NBCU, Hammer made her mark in Boston at WGBH, the PBS affiliate, contributing to groundbreaking public television programming.

She played a significant role in beloved shows like “This Old House” and “Zoom,” before heading to ABC’s WCVB, where she executive produced the local morning news program “Good Day!”

Hammer's trajectory at NBCU also included notable positions in documentary production at Lifetime, along with pivotal roles at Universal Television.

There, she was instrumental in uplifting what was previously known as the World Wrestling Federation and launching the now-popular Sci-Fi Channel, showcasing her versatility and forward-thinking approach in an evolving industry.

Beyond her executive feats, Hammer is also recognized for her artistic talent as a photographer, with her work featured in prestigious publications such as the Boston Globe and the Los Angeles Times.

As Bonnie Hammer prepares for her next chapter, her invaluable contributions have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the landscape of television, paving the way for future generations of content creators.

With her departure, the industry not only loses a visionary leader but also a beloved figure who inspired countless individuals in the television realm.

Stay tuned to see where Hammer’s journey takes her next, as we eagerly anticipate her future endeavors!