Jeff Thacker

Jeff Thacker is an acclaimed television producer whose career spans both the UK and the USA. With roots as a dancer and choreographer, he rose to prominence as Head of Music Programming for the ITV Network, where he launched its music entertainment division and produced award-winning shows featuring global artists. Thacker choreographed iconic music videos, including Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love,” and produced programs that earned a BAFTA, an Emmy, and honors from the Montreux Television Festival and New York Film and Television Awards. He has received multiple Emmy and BAFTA nominations and produced eight Royal Variety Performances for Queen Elizabeth II. As Executive Producer of So You Think You Can Dance, Thacker helped the show earn 73 Emmy nominations and 17 wins. He produced over 33 international versions and directed its national tours, introducing artists like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Janelle Monáe to American audiences. His credits include American Idol, the UK and LA BAFTA Awards, and FOX’s New Year’s Eve LIVE. He choreographed Idol Gives Back, which received ‘The Governor’s Emmy Award’, and in 2022, served as Executive Producer for CBS’s Come Dance With Me. A dedicated humanitarian, Thacker supports global charities including UNICEF, Comic Relief, and The American Dance Movement. In 2023, he received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Dance Award,’ presented by Chita Rivera, honoring his profound impact on the field of dance.

In addition to his producing career, Jeff serves on the Board of Councilors for the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. As a passionate champion for dancers and choreographers, he continues to advocate for proper credit and recognition in television while working to ensure emerging artists have access to the mentorship and support they need to succeed.