James R | On 22, Nov 2014

Tiny Fey’s new series, Ubreakable Kimmy Schmidt, has been nabbed by Netflix. The comedy, which is created by Fey and Robert Carlock, was set to premiere on NBC during the midseason, but has now hopped over to the subscription VOD platform instead.

The Internet TV service is no stranger to network shows, especially ones that have been cancelled: AMC’s The Killing was resurrected by Netflix for a third, co-produced season, and then became a streaming exclusive for a fourth.

Kimmy stars Ellie Kemper, of The Office and 21 Jump Street, as a woman restarting her life after escaping a cult, of which she has been a member for 15 years. The show, from Universal TV studios, joins a string of comedy acquisitions by Netflix, the most recent being Judd Apatow’s series Love, and yet another double order by the company: two seasons of Schmidt have been given the go-ahead, the same as Love and, going back to when House of Cards was first commissioned, the same number given to Fincher and co’s political drama.

“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,” NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt, who also overseas Universal TV, told Deadline.

“While it was originally developed for NBC, we have a very drama-heavy midseason schedule, so we’re thrilled about this Netflix opportunity. It’s an instant win-win for everyone, including Tina, Robert, and Universal Television.”

“The very construct of — its offbeat premise, hilarious and rich characters and serialized storytelling — make it a perfect Netflix comedy series,” added Cindy Holland, VP of original content at Netflix.

The 13 episode series is expected to debut in March next year in the US. Whether it will arrive in the UK as well has not yet been confirmed – Netflix’s latest deal, for a fourth season of the cancelled show Longmire, is only available to US customers.

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