Disney names eight directors for revamped two-year directing programme
Eight emerging directors will direct full episodes of Disney television series over the next two years.
Disney Entertainment Television has named its 2026-2028 scripted cohort for the DET Directing Program, according to Deadline. The organisation has also reshaped the scheme into a two-year format. Year one is built around training, networking and mentorship on an assigned show. Year two is when each director steps up to direct an episode.
The promise at the centre has not changed. Every participant is guaranteed the chance to direct on a Disney series, with on-set shadowing — following a working director through prep, shoot and edit — plus mentorship and access to Disney creative executives.
The new line-up leans on familiar network titles and a few fresh additions. High Potential, The Rookie: North, Scrubs, Shifting Gears and Tracker join the scripted roster for 2026-2028, alongside returning shows 9-1-1, The Rookie and Will Trent.
Each director has been paired with a series. Tessa Slovis joins High Potential, Stephanie Turner joins 9-1-1, Winter Dunn joins The Rookie and Nicole Dorsey joins The Rookie: North. Melissa Fisher joins Will Trent, Eric Lin joins Tracker, Kristen Buckels Cantrell joins Shifting Gears and Talia Light-Rake joins Scrubs.
There is a separate track for unscripted television, meaning reality, documentaries and other shows without a script. The 2026-2027 unscripted cohort is Diana Horn, Nikki Lazaran, Asa Livingston, Roush Niaghi, Molly Smith and Brittany Thompson.
What makes this stand out for viewers is the path it creates. Directing television is often closed to newcomers because each episode carries a large crew, a tight schedule and a continuing story. A guaranteed episode cuts through that.
The programme has run since 2001. Last season’s edition was structured as a yearlong initiative, which makes the new two-year run the longest version in recent years.
