Shonda Rhimes Leaves ABC For Netflix; What Happens To ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘HTGAWM’?

Shonda Rhimes announced her departure from ABC after signing a deal with Netflix on Sunday.

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix, released a statement expressing his excitement over Rhimes’ collaboration with the popular streaming site. “Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television. 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 Netflix 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,” he said.

According to TV Line, Rhimes’ three ABC shows, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How to Get Away With Murder,” will continue to air on their home network. But Rhimes’ partnership with Netflix requires her to create a series exclusively for the streaming site.

Rhimes also explained her decision to leave ABC and move forward with Netflix together with her production company, Shondaland. “Shondaland’s move to Netflix is a result of a shared plan Ted 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,” she said.

Meanwhile, Rhimes’ two upcoming TV series, “For the People” and the untitled “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff, will also be released under ABC. According to Deadline, Rhimes left ABC a year before her four-year contract deal with them expired. The exec’s contract with Netflix is also set at four years.

ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey also released a statement about the upcoming lineup for the network, but not regarding Rhimes’ departure. “I’m proud to have a 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,” she said.