[5][6] Pennette's career began on the sitcom Kate & Allie from where he moved on to other projects including Dave's World and Dear John.
"[12] On February 11, 2008, ABC picked up Ugly Betty for the 2008-09 television season, but on the day the renewal was announced, Pennette, along with fellow executive producer James Hayman, were let go.
[14] Openly gay, Pennette was outed by a network executive on the People's Choice Awards red carpet when asked about his boyfriend in front of his family members, who were unaware of his sexuality.
[15] His long-time partner is television talent manager Steve Rabiner,[16] with whom he has three daughters, Ally,[15] Chelsea,[4] and Zoe, all born by surrogate pregnancy, the inspiration for his medical drama Inconceivable.
[15][17] He is a good friend of Broadway theatre spokesman Seth Rudetsky, having hired him previously to write a song for a character in his sitcom Caroline in the City—an IRS employee auditioning for the musical Cats.