Charles Sykes/NBCUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is on the move. Tina Fey and Robert Carlock's comedy is moving from NBC to Netflix before it even premieres. The streaming giant has handed out a second season order in addition to the 13-episode first season debuting in March 2015.
The comedy stars The Office and Bridesmaids veteran Ellie Kemper as Kimmy Schmidt, a member of a cult who escapes and decides to start her new life in New York City.
"The very construct of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt—its offbeat premise, hilarious and rich characters and serialized storytelling—make it a perfect Netflix comedy series," Cindy Holland, vice president of original content at Netflix, said in a statement. "Tina and Robert's unique comic voice and sensibility come through in this series and we could not be more excited to present Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt exclusively to Netflix members around the world."
Fey and Carlock brought 30 Rock to life on NBC for seven seasons.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to debut Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt exclusively on Netflix, which has proven to be such an outstanding place for distinctive, original programming," Fey and Carlock said in a joint statement. "Happily, we will still collaborate with our longtime partners at Universal Television to fulfill Netflix's two-season order. We grew up at NBC and will continue to develop broadcast projects with them as well. We found the inspiration for this series in Ellie Kemper's shining all-American face, and we know that she and Kimmy Schmidt have found their best possible home at Netflix."
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which also stars Jane Krakowski, Titus Burgess and Carol Kane, was originally set to debut on NBC during the midseason.
"When the opportunity arose for Tina Fey and Robert Carlock to premiere their new show on Netflix with a two-season commitment, we decided this was the best possible scenario to launch this captivating new series," NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement. "While it was originally developed for NBC, we have a very drama-heavy mid-season schedule so we're thrilled about this Netflix opportunity; it's an instant win-win for everyone, including Tina, Robert, and Universal Television. We're already talking to these extraordinary creators about new development for NBC, but meanwhile, everyone here from Universal Television will do everything possible to see that Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt becomes a long-running hit on Netflix."
In the series, Kimmy starts working for Krakowski's character, moves in with Burgess and starts her life anew. Lauren Adams, Sara Chase and Sol Miranda also star.
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)