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‘Scandal’ Creator Shonda Rhimes Signs Exclusive Deal With Netflix

Showrunner says she’ll have “larger creative freedom” with streaming service.

Netflix has recruited television producer Shonda Rhimes to develop shows for the video-streaming service as part of a multiyear exclusive agreement. Rhimes, who brought ABC at least $2 billion in revenue with Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy, will continue her involvement with ABC shows already on the air and in development, but will move her production company to Netflix, The Wall Street Journal reports. “I’m thrilled by the idea of a world where I’m not caught in the necessary grind of network television,” Rhimes told the Journal, adding that Netflix would provide “larger creative freedom.” The news comes as Netflix ramps up efforts to break free from its reliance on Hollywood studios, having recently recruited directors Joel and Ethan Coen and late-night icon David Letterman to create exclusive content.