Scandal’s Shonda Rhimes leaves ABC for Netflix

Shonda Rhimes, writer/producer, has joined Netflix, American entertainment company, ending her 15-year relationship with Walt Disney’s ABC Studios.

She is responsible for hit television series like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder.

Rhimes has said she would begin the production of her new series for Netflix while her pre-existing shows will continue to air.

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

According to the Wall Street Journal, Netflix will pay Rhimes $10 million per year to produce shows for the network.

“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. 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.”

In a statement, ABC’s entertainment president, Channing Dungey, said, “I’m proud to have given a home to what have become some of the most celebrated and talked-about shows on television. With the launch of a new season upon us, fans can rest assured that TGIT remains intact and will be as buzzed about as ever.”

Her shows, How to Get Away with Murder, Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal have already been renewed for new seasons.