Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes has walked away from ABC Studios after a 15-year working relationship and has signed a multi-year production deal with Netflix. Shondaland, will now be producing new series for Netflix, although Rhimes will continue to stay involved in her current broadcast series meaning that Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder will still air in the U.S. on ABC. Her longtime producing partner, Betsy Beers will also be making the move to Netflix.
“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer, Netflix, in a statement. “Her work is gripping, inventive, pulse-pounding, heart-stopping, taboo-breaking television at its best. I’ve gotten the chance to know Shonda and she’s a true Netflixer at heart — she loves TV and films, she cares passionately about her work, and she delivers for her audience. We’re so excited to welcome her to Netflix.”
“Shondaland’s move to Netflix is the result of a shared plan Ted Sarandos and I built based on my vision for myself as a storyteller and for the evolution of my company,” said in a statement. “Ted provides a clear, fearless space for creators at Netflix. He understood what I was looking for — the opportunity to build a vibrant new storytelling home for writers with the unique creative freedom and instantaneous global reach provided by Netflix’s singular sense of innovation. The future of Shondaland at Netflix has limitless possibilities.”
Netflix collaborations are always off the chain. We can’t wait to see what a Shondaland/Netflix union will cook up!
