Mark Burnett Pursuing Vladimir Putin as Next Reality TV Star

The superproducer behind 'Sarah Palin's Alaska' wants to create "a series of shows from the eyes of leaders of nations." Following Putin? Fidel Castro.

This story first appeared in the July 3 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

Mark Burnett can see Russia from his office.

The reality TV superproducer behind the TLC hit Sarah Palin's Alaska -- along with NBC stalwartThe Voice, CBS' Survivor and ABC's Shark Tank, among others -- has his eye on a series that would go inside the world of global government leaders. First on his wish list: Russia'sVladimir Putin. If all goes as he hopes, others, including Cuba's Fidel Castro, would follow.

"I want this to be a series of shows from the eyes of leaders of nations about their countries," Burnett, 54, tells THR, "not through the lens of a news organization."

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