Netflix replaces NBC as Tina Fey comedy’s home

Netflix is replacing US broadcaster NBC as the home of upcoming Tiny Fey/Robert Carlock comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

The Universal Television-produced show had been lined up for the Comcast Communications-owned channel’s new season, but will now launch exclusively across Netflix territories worldwide.

Furthermore, Netflix has committed to two seasons of the show, compared with the one NBC had greenlit. Furthermore, NBC was yet to confirm when the show would air.

NBC Entertainment’s chairman Robert Greenblatt said: “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.

“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.”

The series, from 30 Rock’s Fey and Robert Carlock, stars Ellie Kemper (The American Office) as a woman that escapes a doomsday cult and stars life over.

“The very construct of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – its offbeat premise, hilarious and rich characters and serialised storytelling – make it a perfect Netflix comedy series,” said Cindy Holland, VP, original content at Netflix.

“Tina and Robert’s unique comic voice and sensibility come through in this series and we could not be more excited to present Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt exclusively to Netflix members around the world.”

Fey and Carlock, whose comedy 30 Rock was one of NBC’s biggest recent hits, will continue to develop TV projects at NBC’s Comcast stablemate Universal Television despite the move with Kimmy.

“Happily, we will still collaborate with our longtime partners at Universal Television to fulfill Netflix’s two-season order,” they said in a statement. “We grew up at NBC and will continue to develop broadcast projects with them as well. We found the inspiration for this series in Ellie Kemper’s shining all-American face, and we know that she and Kimmy Schmidt have found their best possible home at Netflix.”

Universal produces the show with Little Stanger Inc., 3 Arts Entertainment and Beaver Gears. Fey and Carlock executive produce along with fellow 30 Rock alums Jeff Richmond, Jack Burditt and David Miner.