Netflix and Rhimes expand creative pact
July 9, 2021
Following the record-breaking success of Bridgerton, Netflix and the show’s executive producer Shonda Rhimes are extending their creative content relationship. A new pact expands the current deal with Rhimes, her company Shondaland as well as her long-standing producing partner Betsy Beers.
The expanded partnership will give Netflix and Shondaland Media the opportunity to exclusively produce, stream and distribute feature films as well potential gaming and virtual reality content. The pact currently includes a branding and merchandise deal for Shondaland Media content, which will now add live events and experiences.
As an integral piece of the newly expanded overall deal, Netflix is investing in and providing the financial and technical infrastructure to support Shondaland’s mission to create DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) programs that can increase industry workplace representation for underrepresented groups both domestically and in the UK. More details will be announced soon.
Inspired by the series of romance novels by Julia Quinn, Shondaland’s Bridgerton went on to smash Netflix records as it was watched by 82 million member households around the world in its first 28 days. Bridgerton Season 2 is currently in production and set to launch in 2022. Netflix has already renewed the series for Seasons 3 and 4.
The upcoming series Inventing Anna which was created by Rhimes and executive produced by Rhimes and Betsy Beers, is set to release in 2022. The Shondaland limited series stars Julia Garner, Anna Chlumsky, Katie Lowes, Laverne Cox and Alexis Floyd. David Frankel directs the first episode. Shondaland Media’s Netflix documentary Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker chronicling the legendary choreographer and director Debbie Allen premiered on Netflix in November 2020.
Rhimes commented: “When Ted and I decided to break the traditional network TV business model to move Shondaland to Netflix, we were both taking a leap into the unknown. Today, Shondaland at Netflix is creatively thriving, profitable as an asset and engaging audiences around the world with stories that fearlessly challenge viewers and keep them highly entertained all at once. Ted, Bela and the entire team at Netflix have been tremendous partners during every step of the process, supporting my creative vision and showing a continued dedication to the innovation that has made Netflix such a powerhouse. The Shondaland team and I are thrilled and excited to be expanding our relationship with our content partners at Netflix.”