NBC won't squeeze it into its drama-heavy season, therefore Netflix seizes the opportunity to premiere the comedy next year.
- Nov 22, 2014
AceShowbiz - Tina Fey and Robert Carlock's new comedy "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" was once set for a midseason on NBC but it now belongs to Netflix. The major move came after the Peacock left it off the network's fall schedule.
"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" follows Ellie Kemper's Kimmy, who was rescued from a cult, along with a few other women. Their story became national news, with Kimmy having been part of this cult for the last 15 years. She decided to reside in NYC to work as a nanny as she took control of her life with a renewed and optimistic spirit.
Under its new home, the half-hour series has gained a second season. The first season will debut in March 2015. Fey and Carlock will write, executive produce and co-run the series.
NBC actually had to bid for the comedy from the "30 Rock" team against multiple networks, and was so confident that it gave the comedy straight to series order with 13 episodes in place. Earlier this year, the network announced that the series would premiere in the fall but the network was focusing on the dramas.
"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," NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt said. "While it was originally developed for NBC, we have a very drama-heavy midseason schedule so we're thrilled about this Netflix opportunity."
He continued, "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."
