Netflix takes over Tina Fey’s next TV project from NBC
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Michelle Clancy
| 22 November 2014
Netflix has rescued Tina Fey’s TV project, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, from NBCUniversal, picking up two full seasons of the comedy series.

The series stars Ellie Kemper (The Office) as a woman who escapes from a doomsday cult and starts life over in New York. It was co-created by Fey and Robert Carlock for Universal Television, but NBC reportedly decided not to option it. Netflix however will add it to its exclusive and original series stable, launching it exclusively across all Netflix territories in March 2015.

"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, vice president of 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."

After living in a cult for 15 years, Kimmy decides to reclaim her life and start over in New York City. Armed with just a backpack, light-up sneakers and a couple of way-past-due library books, she's ready to take on a world she didn't even think existed anymore. Wide-eyed but resilient, she quickly finds a new job (working for 30 Rock's Jane Krakowski), a new roommate (Tituss Burgess of 30 Rock), and a new beginning. The cast also includes Lauren Adams, Sara Chase, Sol Miranda and Emmy winner Carol Kane (Taxi, The Princess Bride).

NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt added, "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. We're already talking to these extraordinary creators about new development for NBC, but meanwhile, everyone here from Universal Television will do everything possible to see that Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt becomes a long-running hit on Netflix."