Shonda Rhimes is Bringing Shondaland to Netflix
Many thought the news of Disney ending their relationship with Netflix would devastate the gigantic streaming service, well it seems Netflix will be just fine. The stock did drop after the Disney’s decision, however Netflix countered the decision with a move straight from Littlefinger’s handbook.
Image via NPR
Shonda Rhimes is heading to Netflix. Yes, THE Shonda Rhimes. The Shonda Rhimes that has been a one woman army at ABC has decided to pack up her things and move over to Netflix.
“The move further aligns Rhimes with Netflix, which has featured the Grey’s Anatomy library that has helped elevate the veteran ABC medical soap to become the network’s most-watched drama — a rare feat for a show in its 13th season. The series heads into season 14 in the fall as it sets its sights on being the longest-running medical drama on television alongside ER.”
The current Shondaland shows (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder) will continue to air on ABC, and already have a home at Netflix. The deal, for four-years, entails that Rhimes and her Shondaland banner will create and produce projects for Netflix. Betsy Beers will continue to head Shondaland.
Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, at Netflix has been making moves to make Netflix a worthy competitor in the entertainment landscape, and has been succeeding. Sarandos has a platform that encourages creatives to be true to their vision, and since Netflix is not solely reliant on original content they are free to take chances with unique voices and stories. However, taking on Rhimes is not taking a chance, rather it is a savvy business decision and decision that will bolster Netflix’s original content. It will surly ease other creatives to take Netflix more seriously.
““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.””
The deal will be Netflix’s first overall look with a talent. Bringing Rhimes on board brings Netflix onto another level. Netflix has proven that they are platform for creatives to let loose and not be held back by standard broadcast regulations and rules. The idea of Rhimes in this space is enough to excite any Netflix sceptic. Netflix now has a talent who has a whole day dedicated to her and her shows. Rhimes is the first African-American woman to surpass the 100-episode milestone, three times. Her shows have been identified as leading examples of effortless diversity, and complex female leads. Overall, Rhimes has a track record that shows that she is a smart business woman, and ambitious story teller. ABC, a division of the Walt Disney Company, has just lost a great talent. Netflix sure knows how to keep things interesting.
We all should be very excited about this new chapter for Shondaland. With the power of Netflix we will be blessed with a range of exciting, and challenging new content from Rhimes. Hopefully, Rhimes’ first step under this new deal will be giving a second-chance to Still Star-Crossed by bringing it to Netflix.
Source: THR.
