Shonda Rhimes Leaves ABC for Netflix

Shonda Rhimes is officially leaving ABC Studios to head to Netflix, Deadline reports.

Netflix announced Sunday night that it has clinched a multi-year deal with Rhimes that will move her production company, Shondaland, to the streaming service, with the company functioning as a division of Netflix‘s in-house studio. The producer had one year remaining on her four-year deal with ABC Studios.

Rhimes’ current ABC shows, which include Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How To Get Away with Murder and the upcoming For The People and a Grey’s Anatomy spinoff, will remain on the network. Several other projects are also in various stages of development.

“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix. “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 move is a major one, as Rhimes’ shows have become some of the most popular dramas on television and the producer has made large strides in both on-screen content and diversity.

“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,” Rhimes said. “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.”

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