Shonda Rhimes is packing her bags and moving to Netflix! The former ABC showrunner, who brought us such favorites as Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, has penneded a huge multi-year deal with the streaming giant.
Shondaland, which she runs partnered with Betsy Beers, will be making the move with her. Over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged production company, complete with its own infrastructure. It will be a new part of Netflix’s “in-house studio.”
But Rhimes can’t leave the ABC family just yet. She still has a year left in her four year deal. Rumors say that she cut out early, or did it for a higher pay rate.
Whatever the case, we can’t wait to see more of Shonda Rhimes and her genius!
Rhimes is not the first big name to be lured away by the major streaming company. Jenji Kohan, Marta Kauffman, and Chuck Lorre have also been tempted away from their old posts. But Rhimes is the first major writer-producer “at the top of her game.”
According to Deadline, Rhimes will complete the current easons of Shondaland and ABC shows before making the jump. Scandal is on its last season, and Grey’s Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder may just make the move with her. Some say that “after twelve years, Rhimes was getting restless, feeling that she had accomplished all she could on broadcast TV and was looking for new opportunities to evolve as an artist and push the envelope.”
“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix. “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.”
Rhimes has made a name for herself and her work at ABS Studios, and they will be sad to see her go. But president Patrick Moran said they are “so proud of the work we’ve done with Shonda and Betsy through our long and productive relationship” and that they all “wish them all the best in this new endeavor.”
Rhimes’ Netflix move will also end her partnership with Disney. She wrote The Princess Diaries 2 for the studio.