Netflix inks multi-year deal with Kenya Barris

Netflix has entered a multi-year overall deal with Black-ish writer and producer Kenya Barris to produce new series exclusively on the platform.

Under the deal, Barris will write and executive produce all projects through his production company Khalaboo Ink Society. It was not stated how much the streamer has brought Barris on board for.

Barris has continually demonstrated his ability to tell stories about the Black experience that resonate with all audiences through his work, including Black-ish, its spin-off series Grown-ish and comedy blockbuster Girls Trip.

“Kenya Barris is one of our great modern storytellers,” said Cindy Holland, vice president of original content at Netflix.

“Kenya uses his voice to make audiences more aware of the world around them, while simultaneously making them laugh. His honesty, comedic brilliance and singular point of view, combined with the creative freedom he will enjoy at Netflix, promises to create powerful new stories for all our members around the world.”

Barris added: “When my agents reached out to me about this little garage start-up called Netflix, I wasn’t sure what to think.

“But after I talked to Ted and Cindy, I started to believe that maybe this mom-and-pop shop with only 130 million subscribers might just be something… so I decided to take a swing… a leap of faith if you will, and take a chance with the new kids on the block.”

Barris joins Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy and the Obamas in Netflix’s roster of superdeals for talent.