While networks are currently hard at work deciding what will be hitting the airwaves this fall, Netflix has just secured what’s believed to be the biggest deal of the season.Deadlinereports that in a highly competitive situation, the streaming giant has landed a two-season order for a new TV series fromRyan MurphycalledThe Politician. The hourlong comedy series will be spearheaded by Tony winnerBen Platt, who is red hot coming off his Broadway stint in the smash hit musicalDear Evan Hansen. As if that wasn’t enough,Barbra StreisandandGwyneth Paltroware in talks to co-star and produce, with Streisand expected to direct multiple episodes.
The series revolves around the political aspirations of a wealthy Santa Barbarian, and each season will revolve around a different political race his character is involved in. So presumably, if this thing goes five seasons, we’re headed towards a lighter take onHouse of Cards.
There will be several musical numbers in the show, which will showcase Platt’s talents as well as Streisand’s, and if that seems an odd fit for the series keep in mind the show hails from the same trio that createdGlee. Indeed, Murphy and creative partnerBrad Falchukbrought inGleeco-creatorIan Brennan, and all three will serve as creators and executive producers onThe Politician. The three previously teamed up forScream Queenson Fox, which was cancelled last May after two seasons.
This marks Murphy’s second deal with Netflix, as he previously sold theSarah Paulson-fronted seriesRatched, which will chronicle the titular character fromOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nestin an origin story of sorts. Whatever you think about the quality of Murphy’s work, his shows are incredibly popular, so this was a huge get for Netflix.
It may also be a harbinger of things to come. While Murphy helped grow FX withAmerican Horror StoryandAmerican Crime Story, he’s been quite public about his fears of what will happen to the network’s content after the Disney-Fox deal goes through. Murphy’s contract with FX is up soon, so it’s possibleThePoliticianwas a show of good faith from Netflix as the streaming service tries to poach Murphy with an overall deal, like they did withShonda Rhimes.
The prolific producer/writer/director is keeping busy.The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyis currently airing on FX (to far quieter buzz thanO.J, it must be pointed out), andKatrina: American Crime Storyis poised to go into production this year. Murphy is also gearing up production on his FX seriesPose, which features the largest LGBTQ cast ever assembled, and he launched the Fox series9-1-1this season to stellar ratings. Still unclear is when the next season ofFeudwill go into production, butThe Politicianis a very high profile series and the show is expected to start filming late summer, with Murphy directing the first episode, so it appears this one is a high priority.
Stay tuned, folks. The TV landscape is still shifting in big ways.
