Shonda Rhimes Extends Netflix Deal Through 2031
Shonda Rhimes has renewed her overall deal with Netflix for another five years, extending a partnership that began in 2017 and now runs through 2031. The deal, which The Hollywood Reporter described as a 'fruitful' relationship, covers series, feature films, games, live events, and merchandise tied to Shondaland's intellectual property.
Rhimes, who leads Shondaland with Betsy Beers, will continue to develop and produce content exclusively for Netflix. The streamer will also keep supporting the company's inclusion initiatives, including the Ladder Program, which trains underrepresented below-the-line creatives.
In a statement, Rhimes expressed excitement about extending the relationship, thanking Netflix's Ted Sarandos and Bela Bajaria for what she called 'the autonomy and support to tell our kind of stories.' Netflix's chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, praised Rhimes as 'incomparable' and described the partnership as a 'blueprint for a hit.'
Bridgerton and the Pitch
The deal arrives as the Bridgerton franchise continues to perform strongly for Netflix. Deadline reported that the franchise has recorded 610 million views since the first half of 2023. The first season of Bridgerton ranks as the seventh most popular show ever on Netflix, and the third season sits at number ten, according to figures cited by Deadline.
The Hollywood Reporter separately estimated that the Bridgerton-verse, which includes the prequel series Queen Charlotte, accounted for 180 million worldwide views in the first half of this year. Queen Charlotte entered Netflix's all-time top ten when it launched in 2023, Deadline noted.
Bridgerton's fifth season is currently filming in London. According to Deadline, the new season will focus on the character of Francesca and Michaela. The second season debuted earlier this year, and there is talk of additional Bridgerton-related projects, including a prequel built around Violet Bridgerton, though that project has not been confirmed.
Shondaland's Other Netflix Work
Beyond Bridgerton, Shondaland has produced the limited series Inventing Anna and the murder-mystery drama The Residence, as well as documentaries including Black Barbi and Dance Dreams. By comparison, The Hollywood Reporter noted that Grey's Anatomy, an earlier Rhimes creation, streams on Netflix and still charts regularly in Nielsen ratings.
Industry Context
Rhimes first joined Netflix in 2017, moving from a longtime home at Disney in a deal that Deadline described as a key moment in the so-called Peak TV era. She re-signed in 2021, and the new pact follows that five-year term.
The extension comes at a time when Netflix has lost other high-profile creators. The Duffer Brothers, the creators of Stranger Things, signed a major deal with Paramount last year, and Ryan Murphy, known for Dahmer, returned to Disney in 2023, as reported by one outlet.
Quotes and Statements
Rhimes and Bajaria both emphasized the longevity and trust in the relationship. Rhimes said she is "thankful" to the Netflix leadership for "their continued partnership, trust and enthusiasm." Bajaria called the extension "thrilling" and described Rhimes as an "incomparable" creative force.
Financial terms of the new deal were not disclosed by either outlet.