Shonda Rhimes has some of the best shows on TV right now because she’s not afraid to tell the stories she wants to tell. However, it looks like the limiting nature of cable TV will no longer put restrictions on Rhimes’ storytelling because she is reportedly headed to Netflix.
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In a new announcement, it’s been revealed that Rhimes is leaving the confines of cable in a move from ABC, where she’s had immense success, to Netflix. Her most popular shows — Grey’s, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder — and their showrunners will stay on ABC, as well as the Grey’s Anatomy spinoff the network is currently working on. But when it comes to her plans for future shows, Rhimes will be dropping them on Netflix, which sounds totally exciting for Shondaland die-hards.
In a personal statement, Rhimes had some kind words for ABC despite her departure from the network.
“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,” she wrote. But she added that moving to Netflix is part of “[her] vision for [her]self as a storyteller and for the evolution of [her] company,” and that the streaming service has become a “fearless space for creators.”
She concluded by saying, “The future of Shondaland at Netflix has limitless possibilities.”
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It sounds like there are no hard feelings surrounding Rhimes’ decision to move. ABC also released a statement, saying, “We’re so proud of the work we’ve done with Shonda and Betsy throughout our long and productive relationship. The Shondaland imprint will always be an important part of ABC Studios and we wish them all the best in this new endeavor.”
Rhimes’ stories have previously felt limited by appearing on a major TV network. It makes sense. Take, for instance, instances in Grey’s Anatomy like when a character gets shot and all other characters can say is “What the hell?” when it’s pretty obvious (to me at least) that stronger words are needed. A move to Netflix would give room for those stronger reactions to happen.
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We personally can’t wait to see what Rhimes will come up with without the bounds of traditional TV holding her back.
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