LIZ BRONSTEIN
Whale Wars splashes across the increasingly exhausted genre of people-at-work reality series like icy seawater, jolting you awake with a frothy, briny burst of — well, you get the idea. This is one spunky show.
LIZ BRONSTEIN
Executive Consultant ShowRunner Executive Producer
Liz has led production ecosystems of more than 300 people across multiple edit bays and delivery pipelines, overseeing everything from creative direction and on-camera talent to postproduction, legal, and final delivery. She specializes in building systems that allow teams to move quickly without sacrificing clarity of voice, editorial standards, or operational stability.
Most recently, Liz served as Executive Producer and Showrunner on CNN Originals’ six-part documentary series Eleanor & Franklin, a political and cultural history of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt featuring Jon Meacham, Hillary Clinton, and the voices of Sarah Paulson, Holland Taylor, and John Slattery. The series was produced by R.J. Cutler and premieres in 2026.
Liz is the founder and president of The Lizard Trading Company, the Los Angeles-based production company behind seven seasons of the multi-award-winning series Whale Wars for Discovery Channel, as well as Believer with Reza Aslan for CNN, Ocean Warriors for Animal Planet, Viking Shores for Discovery, Jockeys, and HBO’s Project Greenlight. Her work has consistently lived at the intersection of politics, culture, and conflict, with an emphasis on character-driven storytelling that cuts through noise.
In addition to her work as a showrunner, Liz has operated on the network side, serving as an Executive Producer overseeing Sundance Productions’ Ocean Warriors, and has developed original series for Adam McKay, Hello Sunshine, National Geographic, and Amazon. Earlier in her career, she held an overall deal at Sony Pictures Television and began her career as a news editor at CNN in Atlanta.
Liz is known for her ability to shape on-camera talent, make fast editorial decisions under pressure, and lead creative teams without bureaucracy. She brings a campaign-style mindset to media, prioritizing momentum, clarity, and impact over caution.
Shows
Executive Producer/ShowRunner
Eleanor & Franklin
Coming 2026
Executive Produced by Oscar and Emmy winner RJ Cutler, Eleanor & Franklin is a 6 episode documentary series that tells the revealing story of the most radical, bold and transformative partnerships in American history delving into the Roosevelt's open marriage and Eleanor’s female lover. The series also looks at how FDR was able to control and protect his public image so successfully that many people didn’t even know he was wheelchair-bound and paralyzed from the waist down. In the context of today’s fundamental reexamination of gender politics, sexual orientation, race, and even “fake news,” the Roosevelts’ marriage offers a unique opportunity to place these up-to-the-minute cultural conversations in an unexpected historical context, shedding light on both the past and the present.
Executive Producer/ShowRunner
Whale Wars
Whale Wars is an 8-Season that follows Sea Shepherd, a group dedicated to stopping illegal whaling operations through direct action. The show captures the dangerous confrontations between Sea Shepherd's crew and whalers in the Antarctic Ocean. Viewers witness the crew's daring tactics, including high-speed chases, ramming vessels, and boarding ships, all in the name of protecting endangered whales. The series offers a gripping look at the ethical and legal battles surrounding conservation efforts on the high seas and spawned two spin-off series, Viking Shores and Operation Blue Fin which follow their anti-whaling efforts in the Faroe Islands and the Mediterranean Sea.
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Ocean Warriors
Network Executive Producer
From Executive Producer Robert Redford, Ocean Warriors is a documentary series that follows environmental activists and conservationists as they battle illegal fishing and other threats to marine life across the world's oceans. The show highlights the relentless efforts of these brave individuals and organizations as they confront poachers, traffickers, and environmental criminals. With high-stakes missions and real-time action, Ocean Warriors exposes the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them. The series offers an eye-opening look at the global fight to preserve the health and diversity of our oceans.
Robert Redford's Ocean Warriors is a riveting spiritual Successor to Whale Wars
First Ladies
Network Executive Producer
Narrated by actress Robin Wright, this documentary series delves into the personal histories, challenges, and contributions of 6 of America's First Ladies, revealing the often-overlooked influence they wielded in politics and society. Through archival footage, expert interviews, and personal stories, First Ladies paints a compelling portrait of these powerful women and their roles in some of the most significant moments in American history. The show provides a nuanced perspective on how these women redefined the position and left their mark on the country. The premiere of the show on Oct 4, delivered CNN Original Programming its highest ratings since 2016.
Consulting Producer
The Giant Beast that is the Global Economy
Executive produced by Adam McKay, The Giant Beast That is the Global Economy is a documentary series, that delves into the complexities and oddities of the global economy. The show takes viewers on an eye-opening journey through various economic phenomena, from money laundering and cryptocurrency to artificial intelligence. With a blend of humor and investigative journalism, host Kal Penn. The series, guided by McKay's sharp wit, explores the strange and surprising ways economic forces impact our daily lives.
Executive Producer/ShowRunner
Believer
with
Reza Aslan
Believer with Reza Aslan is a documentary series where religious scholar Reza Aslan immerses himself in various faiths and spiritual practices around the world. The show explores the beliefs, rituals, and cultures of different religions, offering viewers a deep and personal understanding of what it means to believe. Through his immersive experiences, Reza challenges stereotypes and uncovers the complexities and commonalities of global spiritual traditions. The series provides a thought-provoking look at faith from a fresh, insider perspective.
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ShowRunner/Executive Producer
Jockeys
Jockeys is a documentary television series that provides an inside look at the high-stakes world of horse racing. The show follows the lives of professional jockeys as they navigate the intense competition, rigorous training, and personal challenges of their demanding careers. Viewers witness the emotional highs and lows of racing, from the thrill of victory to the physical risks involved in the sport. Jockeys offers a rare glimpse into the dedication and resilience required to succeed in one of the most dangerous and exhilarating sports in the world. Featuring Mike Smith, Garrett Gomez, Joe Talamo, Chantal Sutherland, Kyla Stra and Corey Nakatani.
One of the Best ShowsYou Probably Haven't Ever Watched
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Joe Millionaire
ShowRunner/Executive Producer
This genre defining dating show with a twist garnered consistently high ratings throughout its run, with its season finale attracting 42 million viewers, still the highest rated reality show in TV history. Credited with creating the structure, look and feel of the show and establishing the show’s comedic tone, as well as shaping and shepherding the production on the ground in France and in post-production. Joe Millionaire entered the cultural zeitgeist during its run and was featured in three The New Yorker cartoons and a Saturday Night Live skit.
ShowRunner/Executive Producer
Project Greenlight
This Emmy-nominated reality series about a first-time filmmaker was executive produced by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Miramax Films. The show received consistently high ratings, extensive press coverage, an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Series, and the honor of a 30-minute Martin Scorsese film spoof starring Dennis Leary.
Liz and The Lizard Trading Company are represented by Katie Zwick at CAA.
You can also contact Liz at LizBronstein@gmail.com