Another mega producer is leaving their longtime TV studio home to head to Netflix. In what is believed to be the biggest TV pact ever, Ryan Murphy, an Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody Award-winning producer, director and writer, has signed an overall deal with Netflix, which sources say could reach as high as $300 million. It starts July 1.
Under the multi-year agreement, which one industry insider called "the deal of a lifetime for an artist of a lifetime," Murphy and his Ryan Murphy Productions will produce new series and films exclusively at Netflix. Murphy is moving to Netflix, which also is home of top broadcast drama showrunner Shonda Rhimes, after a long stint at 20th Century Fox TV.
"The history of this moment is not lost on me," said Murphy. "I am a gay kid from Indiana who moved to Hollywood in 1989 with $55 dollars in savings in my pocket, so the fact that my dreams have crystallized and come true in such a major way is emotional and overwhelming to me. I am awash in genuine appreciation for Ted Sarandos, Reed Hastings and Cindy Holland at Netflix for believing in me and the future of my company which will continue to champion women, minorities and LGBTQ heroes and heroines, and I am honored and grateful to continue my partnership with my friends and peers at Fox on our existing shows."
Murphy, one of the top creator-producers working in television today, has pulled off the rare feat of launching commercial and award-winning hits on both broadcast and cable. As the producer admitted at TCA in January, he also had been courted by Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger. Disney is in the process of acquiring key Fox assets, including 20th Century Fox TV.
While I hear Murphy very seriously considered both options, the timing worked better for Netflix, which provided a clear vision for the future and opportunity for Murphy to pursue TV series, films and documentaries — all under the same roof. Meanwhile, the alternative at the combined Disney-Fox company was still a subject to speculation because the deal is far off.
Indeed, all eight series Murphy has on the air are with 20th TV/Fox 21 TV Studios, and, at least for the next year, he is expected to be focused on them, continuing to work with the team at the studio as well as Fox and FX. I hear Walden was approached about joining Murphy at Netflix. She is currently committed to her job at Fox and has been rumored for a potential top post at Disney-Fox. But, given the duo's long history and close partnership, it is possible for them to again work together in the future.
Ryan Murphy's new original series,
Ratched and
The Politician, will premiere globally on Netflix. Murphy also oversees production on
American Crime Story, American Horror Story, Feud, 9-1-1 and the upcoming
Pose.
