It had been the subject of much speculation, and now Netflix have confirmed Kenya Barris has entered into a multi-year overall deal to produce new series exclusively at Netflix, starting today, August 16. Under the deal, Barris will write and executive produce all projects through his production company, Khalabo Ink Society.
As the creator of the hit, Peabody award-winning comedy series black-ish, along with its successful spin-off series Grown-ish, and the writer of last summer’s comedy blockbuster Girls Trip, Barris has continually demonstrated his ability to tell stories about the Black experience that resonate with all audiences. With an innate sense for what is funny, truthful and timely, Barris will continue to create stories that reflect culture through an urban, youth and female focused lens.
“Kenya Barris is one of our great modern storytellers,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President, 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.”
“When my agents reached out to me about this little garage start-up called Netflix, I wasn’t sure what to think,” said Barris. “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.”
Kenya follows in the footsteps of Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy, who have both signed deals with Netflix. Barris did have 3 years remaining on his previous deal with ABC Studios, but they managed to negotiate a deal for him to depart in August. The reasons as for why exactly Barris parted company with ABC are complex. There was said to be a growing frustration with ABC, who hadn't picked up any of his pilots since Black-ish and last season moved the show from its post-Modern Family slot.
The Network also pulled a controversial Black-ish episode from air at the last minute, and that incident is reported to have set in motion his departure from the studio.
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