After spending more than a decade with ABC, TV producer and show writer Shonda Rhimes is leaving the network for an exclusive multi-year deal with Netflix.
Netflix made the announcement early Monday morning, and many believe it to be a response (and power move) to Disney’s recent announcement about launching a streaming service of its own, which means all Disney and Pixar movies will ultimately be removed from Netflix.
So what better way to cover a potential revenue loss than by stealing one of your competitors’ top talent under exclusive rights?
While Rhimes will be in an overall deal with Netflix, her current TGIT lineup, which includes Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, and Scandal, will continue to air on ABC – though Scandal will end after its upcoming season. Rhimes will also deliver one final mid-season series called For the People and a Grey’s spin-off to close out her tenure with the network.
Rhimes released a statement about her switch, stating there her possibilities with Netflix are “limitless.”
“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. 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.”
ABC’s entertainment president also released a statement regarding Rhimes’ new endeavors.
“I’m proud to have given a home to what have become some of the most celebrated and talked-about shows on television. With the launch of a new season upon us, fans can rest assured that TGIT remains intact and will be as buzzed about as ever.”
From sex and infidelity to the depths of political plot twists and graphic storylines, Shonda found her niche and transformed network television. She broke ratings records; watched a limited edition clothing collection develop; started a Thursday night trend; and took home 15 awards as a result. We’re just saying, Is anyone else wondering what Shonda Rhimes is capable with no limits involved?
