Netflix Signs Stranger Things Producer to Overall Deal

Shawn Levy, the director and producer behind the Netflix hit Stranger Things, has entered into an exclusive overall deal with the streaming giant to produce new series.

Netflix and Levy’s production company, 21 Laps, first joined forces on Stranger Things, which recently earned 18 Emmy nominations, with five wins. Levy is best known as a director of hit comedies and family tentpoles, whose films have grossed more than $3 billion worldwide. He is behind the blockbuster Night at the Museum franchise and last year’s Oscar-nominated sci-fi hit Arrival.

Levy has named Josh Barry as president of 21 Laps Television. Barry recently spent six years as the head of television and a partner at The Firm, spearheading their development and production across all major networks and studios. In 2016-17, he executive produced three series: Salem, on its third season for WGN/Fox21; the comedy Haters Back Off for Netflix; and the ABC/Sony series Notorious.

Levy said, “I don’t know any other company that would have taken a chance on a show about kids and inter-dimensional monsters, created by young unknown twin brothers and produced by a movie director’s production company. Netflix did, and they bet big, and it’s been truly thrilling to take this wild ride with such exceptional partners. My aspiration for 21 Laps has always been to create content that is eclectic, bold, humanist and surprising. As such, Netflix is the perfect home for us and our collaborators. My partners Dan Levine and Dan Cohen, along with President of Television Josh Barry and the rest of our 21 Laps colleagues and I, can’t wait to craft and usher more singular shows into the world with this empowering platform and partner.”

“Shawn and 21 Laps are courageous and adept storytellers who lean into risk both narratively and by nurturing great young talent,” said Cindy Holland, the VP of original content for Netflix. “They have an admirable track record for telling ambitious stories that have incredible heart and which resonate with audiences all over the world.”