Netflix Signs Black-ish Creator Kenya Barris to Massive Overall Deal

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Kenya Barris (Black-ish, Grown-ish, Girls Trip) has entered into a multiyear overall deal to produce new series exclusively at Netflix.

Under the pact, Barris will write and executive produce all projects through his production company, Khalabo Ink Society.

Barris is the creator of the hit comedy series Black-ish, as well as the spin-off series Grown-ish. He served as writer on last summer’s comedy blockbuster Girls Trip. Barris’s upcoming feature titles include Son of Shaft, Coming to America 2 and an animated film based on the songs of Bob Marley.

“Kenya Barris is one of our great modern storytellers,” said Cindy Holland, VP of original content at Netflix. “Kenya uses his voice to make audiences more aware of the world around them, while simultaneously making them laugh. His honesty, comedic brilliance and singular point of view, combined with the creative freedom he will enjoy at Netflix, promises to create powerful new stories for all our members around the world.”

“When my agents reached out to me about this little garage start-up called Netflix, I wasn’t sure what to think,” said Barris. “But after I talked to Ted and Cindy, I started to believe that maybe this mom-and-pop shop with only 130 million subscribers might just be something… so I decided to take a swing… a leap of faith if you will, and take a chance with the new kids on the block.”