Netflix strikes back. Delivering a huge blow to Disney and ABC, the streaming giant announced that prolific showrunner Shonda Rhimes is joining their team in an exclusive overall deal.
Netflix signs one of the biggest names of ABC
Shonda Rhimes is one of the most brilliant storytellers of the present television era. For the past 15 years, ABC has been the home of her great talent. She is the brilliant mind behind numerous hit ABC series such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and “How To Get Away With Murder”. Today, Rhimes made headlines not for her shows but for jumping ship from ABC to Netflix.
Variety reports that Netflix has successfully signed Shonda Rhimes to a multi-year production deal. She will be heading to Netflix along with Shondalaland, a full-fledged production company that she built in the past year. Betsy Beers, one of the most successful producers of the decade will also be tagging along.
Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos describes Rhimes’ work as gripping, pulse-pounding, inventive, taboo-breaking and heart-stopping. Sarandos praises the writer for her passion towards work. The officer who claims to know Rhimes on a more personal note is convinced that she is a true Netflixer by heart.
New York Times reports that the decision to move Shondalaland to Netflix is the first step towards realizing a plan that Rhimes created with the help of Sarandos.
Rhimes believes that Netflix serves as the perfect avenue for fearless creators. The writer thinks that transferring to Netflix will serve as a ticket that will lead to limitless possibilities.
Netflix is playing the game, others are also paying attention
Very recently, Disney made headlines after announcing its plans of creating its own streaming service.
And in order to do so, Disney had to severe several ties with Netflix. The series of events led to the removal of several Disney and Pixar movies from Netflix.
Signing Shonda Rhimes is Netflix’s response. The exit of one of its priced writers is a big loss to ABC. The movie streaming service has been aggressive lately. In the previous weeks, Netflix has brought A-list showrunners into their camp.
Rhimes will join Netflix’s roster of talents which already includes Jenji Kohan, Marta Kauffman, and Chuck Lorre.
The battle between the largest television and movie companies continue to develop. Several rivals like Apple and Facebook have also made several moves that suggest that they are serious about becoming key players in the television game.
