Stranger Things exec strikes Netflix deal

Stranger Things has been given a third season

One of the executive producers of Netflix hit Stranger Things has signed an exclusive programming deal with the streamer.

The exclusive multi-year agreement will see Shawn Levy produce shows for Netflix through his prodco 21 Laps Entertainment, which has also appointed former ABC exec Josh Barry as president of television.

Levy directs and exec produces 1980s-set drama Stranger Things, which was recently renewed for a third season, alongside 21 Laps’ Dan Cohen as well as Iain Paterson (House of Cards) and creators Matt and Ross Duffer.

He is best known for helming feature films including all three Night at the Museum movies and sci-fi hit Arrival, but his 21 Laps label has a burgeoning TV portfolio, including Tim Allen comedy series Last Man Standing alongside Stranger Things.

Barry joins the LA-based company having previously worked as head of television and partner at LA prodco The Firm.

During six years there, he spearheaded development and production across major networks and studios. In the past year, he has exec produced Salem, a Fox21 Television Studios production for WGN America, Netflix’s Haters Back Off and Sony, Osprey Productions and ABC Studios copro Notorious.

Prior to joining The Firm, Barry was a creative executive at ABC Entertainment Group, working as head of drama development and current programming and senior VP at ABC Studios. During that period, he worked on numerous hits including Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and Lost.

Cindy Holland, VP of original content at Netflix, labelled Levy and 21 Laps “courageous and adept storytellers who lean into risk both narratively and by nurturing great young talent.”