Scandal producer signs for Netflix

US streamer Netflix has signed a multi-year overall deal with writer-producer Chris Van Dusen, with his first project already on the commissioning slate.

Chris Van Dusen

Van Dusen will create new series and other shows for the streaming platform, with his first project being an as-yet-untitled drama produced with Shonda Rhimes’ prodco Shondaland.

The one-hour multi-part drama has been ordered straight to series and is based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novel series.

The books are set in 19th Century England and follow the lives of the women and men in London’s high society marriage mart, as told through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family.

Van Dusen will adapt, showrun and executive produce the show, along with Rhimes and Betsy Beers through Shondaland. Rhimes and Beers left their production deal at US broadcaster ABC to move to Netflix on a lucrative long-term deal.

“I couldn’t be more excited about being a part of the creative powerhouse that is Shondaland at Netflix,” said Van Dusen.

Van Dusen most recently served as co-executive producer on US drama Scandal having spent most of his career at Shondaland, where he wrote on Grey’s Anatomy.