FX will continue to identify “talented writers” and “tell diverse stories” after Ryan Murphy leaves 20th Century Fox Television for Netflix, CEO John Landgraf said in a statement Wednesday.
“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,” Landgraf said.
“With more than 20 scripted original series on our schedule or upcoming, FX has a very successful track record of identifying and developing talented writers who have produced award-winning hit shows and it will continue to do so,” his statement continued. “The network has an outstanding slate of development and FX Productions has the finest roster of producers in our history. We will continue to provide creative freedom and support for artists of all backgrounds to tell diverse stories and do their best work.”
It was announced Tuesday night that Murphy has signed a new multi-year overall deal to produce new series and films at Netflix starting July 1, 2018.
The new deal, which is reportedly worth as much as $300 million, makes exclusive what had already been a growing relationship between Murphy and Netflix. Earlier this month the streamer picked up two seasons of the musical series “The Politician” from Murphy and co-creators Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. Murphy is also working on Netflix’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” prequel series “Ratched,” starring Sarah Paulson.
Murphy currently oversees five shows at Fox and FX: “American Crime Story,” “American Horror Story,” “Feud,” “9-1-1” and the upcoming “Pose,” all of which will continue at their respective network homes.
Not only is the deal a major blow to 20th, but it could also potentially affect Disney, which reached a deal late last year to acquire most of 21st Century Fox — including the TV studio — for $52.4 billion. Murphy said last month that he was personally in contact with Disney CEO Bob Iger and would weigh his options about whether to stay with the company should the deal go through.