Shondaland is receiving a major makeover. Shonda Rhimes has signed a multi-year deal with Netflix that will deliver brand new series exclusively to the streaming service.
The Wall Street Journal first reported that the superstar producer and writer will exit ABC Studios, which she has been a part of for 15 years. Rhimes will now develop all-new shows for Netflix, but will continue to remain involved in the series that are currently airing or in development at ABC. In an interview, Rhimes revealed that Netflix allows for “larger creative freedom.”
“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, said 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.”
The current TGIT (Thank God It’s Thursday) lineup, which includes “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How To Get Away with Murder,” will remain on ABC (the shows are also streaming on Netflix). Rhimes said that she is “thrilled by the idea of a world where I’m not caught in the necessary grind of network television.” Despite ABC renewing the entire lineup for new seasons earlier this year, the entertainment company confirmed in May that “Scandal” will end after its upcoming seventh season. Ratings have continued to drop for all three shows.
New Shondaland stories will be told in a “limited series format,” allowing more flexibility for fewer episodes per season. While terms of the Netflix deal were not disclosed, the Wall Street Journal reports that her production deal with ABC is worth more than $10 million a year.
See how social media reacted to the major Shondaland shakeup below:
Social Media Reacts to Shonda Rhimes Signing Deal with Netflix
The idea of Shonda Rhimes decoupled from network TV is
— Alissa Wilkinson (@alissamarie) August 14, 2017
Disney pulls plug on Netflix streaming deal.
Netflix steals Shonda Rhimes from ABC.
What a juicy battle this rivalry is becoming…
— Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) August 14, 2017
When you wake up to news that @shondarhimes and all her #BLACKGIRLMAGIC has shaken the world of #TVprogramming & #showbiz pic.twitter.com/tQP7vXF5KX
— Alice Fuller (@hollywoodlvwork) August 14, 2017
Disney: "we're making our own streaming service so we're gonna need all our movies back"
Netflix: "well, Shonda Rhimes is ours. Your move"
— Adriana De Jesús Salamán (@adrianadesala) August 14, 2017
GUYS IMAGINE A SHONDA RHIMES SHOW WITH SWEARING
— KB (@KaraRBrown) August 14, 2017
They didn't realize queen Shonda is very calculated. She's more than conquered network TV. Shondaland is gonna be great for Netflix
— Tim Dun (@TDUN1) August 14, 2017
Shonda Rhimes is probably going to give us another show like #HTGAWM but on Netflix. This deal is amazing for her though!
— . . (@MJFINESSELOVER) August 14, 2017
Shonda rhimes to abc execs this morning pic.twitter.com/bc3IEmBBJv
— ahmad (@ahmadmerhebe) August 14, 2017
YASSSS OH MY GOD @shondarhimes I LOVE YOU! ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!! Literally you the JK Rowling of TV gurl. You Shonda Rhimes. You go. https://t.co/qp5fKe3VEP
— kade (@kade_ab) August 14, 2017
I don't care what anyone says. Shonda Rhimes coming to Netflix is gonna be glorious. This is only good news as far as I'm concerned.
— [email protected] (@cmclymer) August 14, 2017
What are your thoughts on Shonda Rhimes leaving ABC for Netflix? Which Shondaland series is your favorite? Sound off in the comments section below!
Photo credit: Disney | ABC Television Group, Flickr
Read more: Shonda Rhimes Blasts Katherine Heigl In New Interview
Actress Elizabeth Pena Dies at 55