Ryan Murphy Signs 300 Million, Five-Year Netflix Deal

Photo: Courtesy of FX

Ryan Murphy has just made streaming history.

Variety reports the man behind some of our favorite shows — American Horror Story, American Crime Story, Feud, and 9-1-1 — has just signed a five-year deal with Netflix valued at nearly $300 million. The exciting partnership, announced on Tuesday night, requires Murphy to produce brand-new series and films for the streaming giant beginning on July 1, when Variety reports the showrunner's longstanding contract with 20th Century Fox will be up.

The news comes just weeks after Netflix announced it had ordered two seasons of The Politician, a one-hour musical comedy, and two seasons of Ratched, a drama, produced by none other than Mr. Murphy himself.

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Though Murphy's move to Netflix is wonderful for him, we'd be lying if we said we weren't worried about how it might ultimately impact our go-to FX shows. Thankfully, Variety reports that, aside from some possible tension on set, nothing is going to change between Murphy and Fox in relation to current programming.

"The history of this moment is not lost on me," Murphy said in a statement obtained by Deadline. "I am a gay kid from Indiana who moved to Hollywood in 1989 with $55 dollars 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. 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."

American Horror Story will continue through FX. Ryan Murphy will continue to serve as an exec producer on FX's American Horror Story, American Crime Story, Feud, Pose and Fox's 911. pic.twitter.com/AL4j05KcwH
— AHS LEAKS (@ahsleak) February 14, 2018

If you're worried that the deal might cause Murphy to lose focus on his existing projects, don't. He's already started working on AHS' eighth season, and from what we know so far, it's going to be unlike anything we've ever seen. According to TV Line, Murphy will send his newest roster of dark characters into the future. When you think about it, there's nothing much scarier than a plunge into the unknown.

That is, unless you're part of Disney and Fox, who Forbes reports just signed a massive merger. Though the move will undoubtedly put Disney at the top of the cable game, some are wondering just how effective their reign will be after losing two of their top players, Murphy and Shonda Rhimes, to Netflix.

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Netflix now has Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes. Binging entire seasons of their shows will be satisfying, but also, what does that mean for broadcast and cable? https://t.co/nhk5WRe4kr
— Evette Dionne ? (@freeblackgirl) February 14, 2018

Can't wait for Ryan Murphy's new show, "Feud: FX and Netflix"
— Damian Holbrook (@damianholbrook) February 14, 2018

Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy goin to Netflix? It’s over for everybody else. Now lemme get a show ??‍♀️
— Camille Winbush (@camilleSwinbush) February 14, 2018

Of course, there's another point some fans are noticing: the pay disparity between Murphy and Rhimes.

Shonda Rhimes moves to Netflix for $100 mill. Ryan Murphy moves to Netflix for $300 mill. Just noticing that.
https://t.co/orYca5VbLk
— B. Rose (@bookbeaut) February 14, 2018

Surprised I haven't heard anyone bring up the large disparity in deal price between the Netflix deals of Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes. $100m vs $300m... @brooksbarnesNYT @anoushasakoui @benfritz @sarafischer https://t.co/EUtuT2SXck
— JeremyHodkin (@JeremyHodkin) February 14, 2018

Let me get this correct: Ryan Murphy got 300 million for a five year deal with Netflix, but Shonda Rhimes only got 100 million for four? Nothing to sneeze at, but someone's agent is getting cussed the fuck out right now.
— Akela Cooper (@AkelaCooper) February 14, 2018

Perhaps Netflix's next big move should be closing the pay gap?

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