Tina Fey & Robert Carlock’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt moves to Netflix

NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt supported the move saying it was a ‘win-win’ situation.

The story of a girl who had spent her entire life in a cult and finally decides to step out into a world she didn’t know existed. She has moved to New York with just a backpack, sneakers and a slightly fazed after her escape from the cult, she gets a job as a nanny and rents a room with a struggling Broadway actor. This was the story line of the newest series developed by 30 Rock’s show runners Tina Fey and Rob Carlock. The series was developed by Universal Studios to become a part of NBC comedy time slot. 

However NBC is struggling very much to keep anything funny on the network. With cancellation of the half hour comedies Bad Judge and A to Z, the network doesn’t have much comedy shows to keep the Thursday Comedy two hour slot alive. They cut the two hour time to one hour this fall and if there was any hope left, that spot will be taken over by Blacklist as soon as it premieres its new season. In the drama dominated network, there was little hope an upbeat show like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt starring Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Sara Chase and Jane Krakowski would have survived on the network. 

Luckily, Netflix saw the potential of the show and had faith in Carlock and Fey to sign the show to premiere on Netflix. The deal is not for just one season but two. This will not be the first time that Netflix has rescued a comedy before. Arrested Development was also signed on by Netflix who is gradually building up its comedy profile. The network has been daring to sign on a series that hasn’t even premiered but according to the network, with an All-American face like Kemper’s and its upbeat and colorful story, the show is bound to be successful. The network is thrilled to debut the Fey and Carlock voiced series.

Netflix VP Cindy Holland said in a statement: “The very construct of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt—its offbeat premise, hilarious and rich characters and serialized storytelling—make it a perfect Netflix comedy series. 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.”

Bob Greenblatt, NBC Chairman who also looks over Universal Studios, stated that they were glad that Netflix had signed on the show.

“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,” Robert Greenblatt said.

“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.”

It meant that it wouldn’t go to waste and Tina And Rob’s work will be noticed and appreciated. It will also be beneficial to Universal Studios so it’s a ‘win-win’ situation for everyone. Netflix will also urge Tina Fey and Rob Carlock to develop other series for Netflix and Universal Studios would be happy to help.

“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,” Tina Fey and Carlock said in a joint statement.

“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.”

Although it is a good news for the fans of the show and cast but the transference of the show raised some serious concerns for the network as it declines to put up a reasonable collection of comedy shows, loosing viewers in the process.

Sources: E! News, Deadline