Netflix Bags Ryan Murphy And TV History In $300 Million Deal

Ryan Murphy created big ripples in the TV industry with his move to Netflix amidst the settlement of Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Fox Television and FX Productions.
On Tuesday, Murphy signed a five-year, first-look deal with the streaming giant according to a report by Variety. This deal reportedly cost Netflix an outstanding $250 million – $300 million. It’s said to have granted Murphy the chance to align his company with a cutting-edge platform. It also opened opportunities for him to pursue a wider variety of content for his audience. However, it seems that the much-wanted producer’s defection has cost more for those he leaves behind.

Ryan Murphy leaves no drama behind in his move to Netflix

Murphy’s works that have led him to the icon status has been a significant contributor to TV’s role in shaping and remodeling society. Starting with the drama series “Nip/Tuck,” he went on to gather prestigious awards for hit shows like “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” “American Crime Story,” and “Scream Queens.” Despite Murphy’s total turnover to Netflix in July, he will continue to work with Fox and FX on his ongoing shows. His work includes the forthcoming show “Pose,” a drama about the New York transgender community in the 1980’s. Despite the loss, his home studios reacted to his decision with respect.

“For more than 15 years, we have enjoyed an outstanding partnership with Ryan Murphy, and we look forward to continuing that relationship on our four shows under his creative leadership,” said FX Networks CEO John Landgraf to Variety.
In behalf of Fox TV, Chairman-CEO Dana Walden has expressed their support of Murphy’s decision in an interview. “Netflix is very lucky. They’re getting a once-in-a-lifetime creator and I know he’s going to do great there,” said Walden. She admitted that the timing wasn’t right for them to stay together. For her, the few years that they’ll still be working together while he creates new things for Netflix has made the news much more comfortable to bear. Some speculated that Walden and Murphy might join forces on a production venture, but Walden is not expected to follow in Murphy’s steps.
When Disney set out to purchase the 20th TV and FX Productions, Disney chairman-CEO Bob Iger hoped to welcome Murphy into the enlarged family. However, Fox TV is facing a limbo as they await federal approval of their absorption into Disney. The transaction concerns a $52.4 billion deal. Added to that is the rumors that Comcast may be coming out with a counteroffer for Fox. This move would mean an extended period of waiting mainly for Fox. In the middle of all this, Netflix had come through to Murphy and secured his place in their ever-growing network.
Murphy had already started working with Netflix back in September for “Ratched.” The series revolves around the origins of Nurse Ratched from “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.” Along with that, Fox TV is also producing Murphy’s political satire “The Politician” for Netflix.
In a press release by Netflix, the producer admits that this historical moment for TV industry is not lost on him. He then proceeds to express his hopes and joy on the new course of his career. “I am a gay kid from Indiana who moved to Hollywood in 1989 with $55 in savings in my pocket, so the fact that my dreams have crystallized and come true in such a major way is emotional and overwhelming to me,” Murphy said. “I am awash in genuine appreciation for Ted Sarandos, Reed Hastings, and Cindy Holland at Netflix for believing in me and the future of my company, which will continue to champion women, minorities, and LGBTQ heroes and heroines, and I am honored and grateful to continue my partnership with my friends and peers at Fox on our existing shows.”