Originally set to premiere on NBC, new comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock will now transition to Netflix for a March 2015 debut. The online streaming service has additionally renewed the series for a second season.
After living in a cult for fifteen years, Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) 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, nothing is going to stand in her way. She quickly finds a new job, a new roommate and a new beginning.
The cast also includes Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, Lauren Adams, Sara Chase, Sol Miranda and Carol Kane.
The series was created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, who serve as executive producers with Jeff Richmond, Jack Burditt and David Miner. Universal Television, Little Stranger Inc., 3 Arts Entertainment and Bevel Gears produce.
"The very construct of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - its offbeat premise, hilarious and rich characters and serialized 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."
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to debut Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt exclusively on Netflix, which has proven to be such an outstanding place for distinctive, original programming," said Fey and Carlock. "Happily, we will still collaborate with our longtime partners at Universal Television to fulfill Netflix's two-season order. 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."
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 midseason 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.
