Shonda Rhimes and Shondaland Move to Netflix

Shonda Rhimes, her producing partner Betsy Beers, and production company Shondaland have signed a multi-year deal with Netflix.

The astonishing move comes only days after news of Disney’s announcement that they would be cutting ties with the streaming provider.

The deal signals the end of a 15-year partnership with ABC, with shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away with Murder making Shondaland a household name.

GREY'S ANATOMY - "Undo" - When one of Grey Sloan's own lands in the hospital, Bailey tries to figure out what happened while the rest of the doctors jump in to help. Meredith juggles huge secrets that affect her relationships with Alex and Maggie. While Richard helps Jo with a big decision, April and Catherine clash over the new baby, on the season thirteen premiere of "Grey's Anatomy," THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Eric McCandless) — GREY’S ANATOMY – (ABC/Eric McCandless) ELLEN POMPEO, JUSTIN CHAMBERS

Rhimes being poached by Netflix has impeccable timing and showcases just how steadfast Netflix is to creating and producing original content of their own.

“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer, Netflix, in a statement.

“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.”

SCANDAL- "Dead in the Water" - It's a race against the clock when Olivia and OPA's investigation into the conspiracy puts one of their own in grave danger, on "Scandal," airing THURSDAY, APRIL 6 (9:01-10:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Scott Everett White) — SCANDAL- (ABC/Scott Everett White) CORNELIUS SMITH, JR., KERRY WASHINGTON, SCOTT FOLEY

The race to create the best content with easy access for audiences is heating up, as other subscription services like Amazon Prime and Hulu are looking to add to their growing VOD options. Recently, Amazon signed Robert Kirkman, the creator of AMC’s smash hit The Walking Dead, and his production company Skybound Entertainment.

Over the years, Shonda Rhimes has proven to be a force within television talent and has become one of the most successful writers/producers of our time. This deal could set the tone to focus on signing content creators as streaming services and Television networks fight to keep audiences.

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Hillary Esquina

Hillary is television fanatic and spends most of her free time talking about all things television and pop culture, even if it’s just with baby padawan (her son) and her wife. Her current day job is working within the nonprofit sector, and she is pretty much in love with any show that has strong female characters. Never one to be boxed into any sort of genre, her show preferences range from Wynonna Earp and Dark Matter to One Day At a Time and Modern Family.

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Hillary Esquina