Netflix, the world's leading Internet TV network, has picked up two seasons and will be the exclusive home to Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, the new comedy series from Universal Television from co-creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock.
The series stars Ellie Kemper (The Office) as a woman who escapes from a doomsday cult and starts life over in New York. The 13-episode first season was originally slated to premiere on NBC and instead will now launch exclusively across all Netflix territories in March 2015.
"The very construct of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt -- its offbeat premise, hilarious and rich characters and serialized storytelling -- make it a perfect Netflix comedy series," said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix. "Tina and Robert's unique comic voice and sensibility come through in this series and we could not be more excited to present Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt exclusively to Netflix members around the world."
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to debut Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt exclusively on Netflix, which has proven to be such an outstanding place for distinctive, original programming, said Fey and Carlock. Happily, we will still collaborate with our longtime partners at Universal Television to fulfill Netflix's two-season order. We grew up at NBC and will continue to develop broadcast projects with them as well. We found the inspiration for this series in Ellie Kemper's shining all-American face, and we know that she and Kimmy Schmidt have found their best possible home at Netflix.
NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt stated: "When the opportunity arose for Tina Fey and Robert Carlock to premiere their new show on Netflix with a two-season commitment, we decided this was the best possible scenario to launch this captivating new series. While it was originally developed for NBC, we have a very drama-heavy mid-season schedule so we're thrilled about this Netflix opportunity; it's an instant win-win for everyone, including Tina, Robert, and Universal Television. We're already talking to these extraordinary creators about new development for NBC, but meanwhile, everyone here from Universal Television will do everything possible to see that Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt becomes a long-running hit on Netflix."
After living in a cult for fifteen years, Kimmy decides to reclaim her life and start over in New York City. Armed with just a backpack, light-up sneakers, and a couple of way-past-due library books, she's ready to take on a world she didn't even think existed anymore. Wide-eyed but resilient, nothing is going to stand in her way. She quickly finds a new job (working for 30 Rock's Jane Krakowski), a new roommate (Tituss Burgess, 30 Rock), and a new beginning. The cast also includes Lauren Adams, Sara Chase, Sol Miranda and Emmy winner Carol Kane (Taxi, The Princess Bride).
The series was created by Tina Fey (30 Rock) and Robert Carlock (30 Rock), who serve as executive producers with Jeff Richmond (30 Rock), Jack Burditt (30 Rock, The Mindy Project) and David Miner (30 Rock, Brooklyn Nine-Nine).
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WTF?
ReplyDeleteIt`s like NBC is giving up trying to do original sitcoms. They`re almost just trying to live on former glory (like the former Bill Cosby-project, Sean Saves The World or Michael J. Fox Show) or something similar to big shows like Modern Family.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was NBC's best bet for a post voice slot in the spring. Now I think schedule will be:
ReplyDeleteMarry Me burnoff | About a Boy during the voice hiatus
Mr. Robison | About a Boy post voice return
Mr. Robison | One Big Happy late spring
This is the third show NBC has cancelled before it premiered THIS YEAR. What's up with that?
ReplyDeleteHaha, i still remember the Dane Cook that was cancelled. The head writer or showrunner was so pissed he wrote a big open letter about what idiots NBC was.
ReplyDeleteAt this point they need to get The Voice Jr. Get that shit on the air. Bag it and tag it ready for airing.
ReplyDeleteShow sounds entirely too original and unique to be successful on network TV. Huge win for the producers and actors involved to go to Netflix and not have to worry about ratings.
ReplyDeleteAt this stage, it looks like they may put an hour-long after the Tuesday Voice. Either a drama, or the Neil Patrick Harris variety show perhaps? Mr Robinson has a 6 ep order with zero buzz and One Big Happy is also 6 ep (and as a multicam could pair with Undateable's 10 ep 2nd season in the summer or late spring).
ReplyDeleteMight be for the best, now the show has a chance to make it.
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to this show, running low on good comedies. Thankfully this shift means we got a renewal already! I hope they dump the whole season on one day so I can binge watch!
ReplyDeleteit seems nbc cannot be successful in the comedy department. This is a smart move,I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteNetflix is saving everything these days
ReplyDeletewell it WAS a Dane Cook show, not much to expect from anyway
ReplyDeleteIf only so that they can reduce the regular Voice show to one cycle per season.
ReplyDelete30 Rock was successfull awards wise, but you are right, their comedies are mostly bad ratings-wise.
ReplyDeleteThey need a new network head.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Mr. Robinson was 6 episodes only, though I have noticed its lack of buzz.
ReplyDeleteWell then maybe it will be an hour long and Silvio will get his wish.
The premise sounds hilarious. Part of me is sad NBC is so clearly giving up, another part of me thinks this show DOES sound like a better fit for Netflix, and will probably have a much much longer life because of this move.
ReplyDeleteNow Netflix when are you gonna do me a solid and save Witches of East End? ;)
I didn't even know NBC ditched this one. Interesting that Netflix has picked it up, and not only that, but for two seasons! Hopefully that'll allow for some more interesting creative rights. This is from a team that may be able to benefit from some of the perks of being on a streaming service.
ReplyDeleteI've read that 30 rock had low ratings,but got renewed due to critical acclaim i think?
ReplyDeleteSeriously. Is there anyone who likes Bob Greenblatt's tenure?
ReplyDeleteBest news of the day.
ReplyDeleteI love Tina Fey and NBC would cancel it after one season just like every comedy they've aired over the last 3 years.
She did wonders under the network TV regime on 30 Rock, including mocking NBC itself, I can't even image what she can do with all creative freedom from Netflix.
True that, but still kinda funny/wrong/idiotic how NBC handles their business.
ReplyDeletedefinitely not mad about this... i mean it was a midseason NBC comedy so we either would have seen 6 episodes and then have it be cancelled or not see it at all so at least this way we get more episodes!
ReplyDeleteThe whole first season is coming i march next year. They started filming the show after the pilot this summer, so they have like filmed most of the season already.
ReplyDeleteHe will love that haha
ReplyDeleteHe will love that haha!
ReplyDeleteHe will love that haha!
ReplyDeleteHe will love that haha!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow interesting, they must really love the show. I'm glad actually. I wish Netflix would take on some other shows like Selfie but I doubt they will.
ReplyDeleteNBC are a mess, they had the best comedy shows for years (Office, 30 Rock, Community and Parks and Rec) but just couldn't accept they would be low rated in most cases so kept making new shows to replace them which either ended up being awful (Whitney) or still being good but still low rated and then cancelled (Go On)
I was really looking forward to this show, so this is a win for me. NBC would have probably cancelled it in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm still soooo pissed of about Mission Control's cancellation, easily my most anticipated comedy of the season.
Good for them, the show actually has a chance of a long life now... And I may just watch it (if I reactivate my account lol)
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