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Tina Fey’s new comedy is moving to Netflix.
The 30 Rock creator and business partner Robert Carlock inked a deal with NBC for their latest project, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, only for the series to be cancelled before it could even premiere.
And now streaming service Netflix has stepped in to save the project, Deadline Hollywood reports.
A spokesperson for the popular service confirmed the deal, adding that the company had doubled NBC’s 13-episode order.
“The very construct of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt — its offbeat premise, hilarious and rich characters and serialised storytelling — make it a perfect Netflix comedy series,” Cindy Holland, VP of Original Content, told the outlet. “Tina and Robert’s unique comic voice and sensibility come through in this series.”
NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt insisted it was the best move for all involved.
“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,” he stated. “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.”
Tina and Robert echoed the sentiment, adding that the pair still plan to develop projects with the network despite the switch.
“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,” they said in a joint statement, adding they believe the series has found its “best possible home at Netflix”.
Unbreakable is scheduled to premiere in March.