Shonda Rhimes is ditching ABC for Netflix

In a shocking late night announcement Sunday, Netflix and big time producer Shonda Rhimes broke the news that they will be going into business together as Rhimes leaves her ABC universe behind.

Netflix and producer Shonda Rhimes announced in a joint statement Sunday night that Rhimes will take her talents from her longtime home at ABC to the streaming service. Rhimes signature shows Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, and Scandal will keep airing on ABC, but the producer and her production company, ShondaLand will now be focused on producing content for Netflix.

In a statement about the new pairing, Netflix chief content chief Ted Sarandos said the service is thrilled to add Rhimes’ future projects to its ever-growing library of original content:

"“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix. “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.”"

Rhimes weighed in on the new partnership in a statement as well:

"“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,” said Rhimes. “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.”"

The move seems to indicate yet again that Netflix is going all in with original programming. Last week, Disney announced it would be pulling its content from the streaming service, only the latest company to sever its licensing ties with Netflix. With Rhimes prolific record of hit shows, the $10 million-plus deal, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, could be a serious boost to the already buzzy list of shows Netflix has been rolling out in recent years. But what will become of TGIT and its buzzy list of shows on ABC?

Next: Wait, will Netflix still have some of Disney’s movies?

Check back with Culturess for developments in this story.