In a summer where football transfer sagas have dominated the news cycle, it’s nice for a bit of a change. Sort of. Well, we can officially confirm that TV producer Shonda Rhimes, the creator of hit TV shows Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder, has agreed to leave ABC and join Netflix.
So what does this mean to Netflix and ABC?
Well, initially, very little. ABC studios will keep airing Grey’s Anatomy (for its 14th season), but it will lose the rights to Rhimes’ newest shows, which will all be broadcasted exclusive on Netflix.
While we’re all well-versed in sporting transfer deals, but big name talent swaps also occur in Hollywood. In the case of Rhimes, the deal means that she will now produce content exclusively for Netflix, after a hugely successful stint at ABC.
Rhimes’ work is not new to Netflix users, the streaming service has long carried older episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and HTGAWM in selected markets around the world.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, shared his excitement by stating that, “Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television. 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.”
More Netflix originals coming soon got us sitting on the edge of our seats.
Personally, we are all glad they got this transfer squeezed in before the end of the transfer window.
