ABC powerhouse Shonda Rhimes has created some of today’s highest-rated prime-time dramas, including ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, and Scandal. Now headed to Netflix, Rhimes has a new lineup planned for the top streaming service and is already drawing big names.
Major deal with Netflix
Rhimes has been producing hit shows for ABC for 15 years, accordingto Entertainment Weekly. In late 2017, she signed amulti-year deal with Netflix to produce several new series and other projects.Going with her will be producing partner Betsy Beers, asreported by Entertainment Weekly.
“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” said Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos. “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.”
Rhimes made a statement, expressing her excitement about the partnership: “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 stated. “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.”
Fans may wonder about the fate of her shows on ABC, but Rhimes reassures viewers not to worry. “Our current shows will continue to thrive on ABC and Shondaland will be there every step of the way,” Rhimes said in her statement, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. “I could not have asked for a better home to begin my career. I continue to be grateful to work with so many talented people.”
A show yet to be named
One of Rhimes’ projects is based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels. According to Entertainment Weekly, the Bridgerton series will “unfold across eight one-hour episodes set in the sexy, lavish, and competitive world of Regency London high society,” as it follows the Bridgerton family and its eight siblings on their search for romance, adventure, and love. Chris Van Dusen from Scandal will adapt the series and be its showrunner.
With that type of description as the foundation of the series, it makes perfect sense that Rhimes signed on the one-and-only Julie Andrews.
Sounds like she’s leaving out the spoonful of sugar
Andrews will voice the character ofLady Whistledown. As reported by Entertainment Weekly, a Netflix press release described thecharacter as an anonymous, “mysterious, sharp-tongued gossip writer” who “usesa curious mix of social commentary and scathing insult” to cause a societalruckus in wealthy circles across London.
Andrews is a legend on both the screen and stage. She won an Oscar for her portrayal of Mary Poppins in 1965, and was nominated for an Academy Award for her roles in The Sound of Music and Victor/Victoria. Recently, Andrews has voiced many roles in animated films including the Despicable Me and Minions franchises, as well as several Shrek films.
Rhimes is looking forward to the transition. ”I wanted the new Shondaland to be a place where we expand the types of stories we tell, where my fellow talented creatives could thrive and make their best work and where we as a team come to the office each day filled with excitement,” Rhimes said, according to Variety.
Entertainment Weekly reports that the untitled Bridgerton series will bereleased on Netflix in 2020.
Source: Read Full Article