Rhimes reveals Netflix slate

Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes has revealed her first development slate for Netflix, including adaptations of books about African-American migration and sexual harassment in Silicon Valley.

Shonda Rhimes

The Warmth of Other Suns is based on Isabel Wilkerson’s book of the same name and follows African Americans who moved north and west between 1916 and 1970 in search of a better life. Rhimes’ prodco Shondaland will work with Anna Deavere Smith to adapt the novel.

Rights have also been acquired to adapt Ellen Pao’s memoir Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change, which details her time working in Silicon Valley and the sexism she experienced.

An adaptation of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novel series is also in the works, which will explore marriage in London’s high society during the 19th century. Chris Van Dusen (Scandal) is attached as exec producer and showrunner.

In addition, Janet Leahy is behind Pico & Sepulveda, an 1840s-set show about how the US acquired what was once the Mexican state of California, while The Residence is based on Kate Andersen Brower’s non-fiction book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House.

Also on Rhimes’ slate is half-hour comedy Sunshine Scouts, created by Jill Alexander and focusing on a group of teenage girls who survive an apocalyptic disaster.

Finally, Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is a docuseries that offers behind-the-scenes access to the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and its reimagining of ballet The Nutcracker. Oliver Bokelberg is attached as director, cinematographer and producer.

The slate, first revealed by the New York Times, joins an adaptation based on New York Magazine article How Anna Delvey Tricked New York’s Party People, written by Jessica Pressler.

The story details the infamous rise and fall of Anna Delvey (real name Anna Sorokin), who hoodwinked the New York social scene to become an “it girl” and scammed hundreds of thousands of dollars from banks, business and friends.

Rhimes, who left ABC earlier this year after working on hits such as Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder, said she wanted Shondaland to broaden its scope for Netflix.

The acclaimed showrunner said she wanted “the new Shondaland to be a place where we expand the types of stories we tell, where my fellow talented creatives could thrive and make their best work and where we as a team come to the office each day filled with excitement.”

“Everybody thinks that there’s a ‘Shondaland show,’” she added. “No. There’s a Shondaland show that we made for ABC. Now I can’t wait to show everybody what a Shondaland show is that we make for the world.”

In related news, Netflix has poached the MD of leading UK comedy producer Tiger Aspect to join its own comedy team. Ben Cavey will move to the US later this year, according to UK trade mag Broadcast.