Shonda Rhimes Extends Deal with Netflix, Keeps Creative Control

Shonda Rhimes is re-upping her overall deal with Netflix, securing a new, five-year agreement that will keep her creative control over the streamer’s projects. The partnership also includes support for Shondaland’s inclusion initiatives, such as the Ladder Program, aimed at training underrepresented creatives.

Rhimes first signed with Netflix in 2017, leaving her long-time home at Disney. This deal marked a significant moment in the Peak TV era, signaling streamers' willingness to compete for top talent. In 2021, she re-signed with Netflix, and with that deal set to expire, she has inked this new pact through 2031.

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Background and History

The partnership has been fruitful: Shondaland produces several popular shows, including Bridgerton, which has become one of the most viewed English-language Netflix series. The company's library also includes Inventing Anna and Grey’s Anatomy, which streams on Netflix and Hulu.

Shondaland will continue to support its inclusion efforts under this new deal. The Ladder Program aims to train below-the-line creatives from underrepresented backgrounds, furthering the company's commitment to diversity in storytelling.

Rhimes expressed her excitement about extending her relationship with Netflix, praising the streamer's autonomy and support for telling diverse stories. The partnership will continue to shape the future of streaming content, with Shondaland at the forefront of innovative storytelling.

Impact on Content

Nearly a decade in, this partnership keeps proving that Shonda’s instincts aren’t just brilliant storytelling — they’re a blueprint for what a hit can become.

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We couldn’t be prouder to remain the home where Shondaland continues to surprise and entertain audiences around the world.”

Shonda Rhimes is re-upping her overall deal with Netflix.

Rhimes and her Shondaland company, which she leads with Betsy Beers, have signed a new, five-year deal with the streamer she has called home since 2017. The new deal (“creative partnership,” in Netflix’s terminology) covers development of series, feature films and games for Netflix along with live events and merchandise tied to Shondaland’s IP.

Netflix will also continue supporting Shondaland’s inclusion efforts, including a program to train underrepresented below-the-line creatives called the Ladder Program.

“I am excited to extend our relationship with Netflix,” Rhimes stated in a statement. “For almost a decade, Netflix has provided Shondaland with the autonomy and support to tell our kind of stories — stories that both entertain and reflect diversity and humanity in a way that resonates with audiences around the world.

I am so thankful to Ted [Sarandso], Bela [Bajaria] and the entire Netflix team for their continued partnership, trust and enthusiasm. Let’s go!” Rhimes’ first deal with Netflix, in 2017, saw her move from her long-time home at Disney.

It was a key moment in the Peak TV era, signaling streamers’ willingness to compete (and pay) for the exclusive services of top creatives. Rhimes re-signed with Netflix in 2021, and with that deal sunsetting, she inked the new pact that will run through 2031.