Well-known television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes has signed a multi-year deal with Netflix. In this deal, she will work with Netflix to produce new series and also work on other projects.
Shonda Rhimes is most well known for her show Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. After working with ABC for 15 years, she will now head to Netflix to work on hopefully-promising future projects. Reportedly, she will be paid about $10 million a year in her deal. Her longtime collaborator Betsy Beers will be accompanying her in move to Netflix.
Netflix’s chief content office Ted Sarandos said that “Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television.” In addition, “her work is gripping, inventive, pulse-pounding, heart-stopping, taboo-breaking television at its best.”
According to Variety, Rhimes will work on a wide range of genres and formats. “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 Rhimes. “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.”
Don’t worry though, her shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder will all continue to air on ABC. If you’re on Netflix, these shows are also available to stream depending on your region.
Netflix is looking to strengthen its stance on original content and this move further shows us how serious the company us. The streaming giant currently boasts over 104 million subscribers in over 190 countries.