Planned Tina Fey series heads to Netflix

NEW YORK, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A new comedy series from Tina Fey and Robert Carlock originally developed for NBC has been picked up by Netflix instead.

The 30 Rock collaborators initially wrote the comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, starring Ellie Kemper, for a mid-season debut on NBC.

Netflix announced Friday it would air the first 13-episode season in March instead.

The series is about a woman who escapes from a doomsday cult and moves to New York City to rebuild her life.

The "offbeat premise, hilarious and rich characters and serialized storytelling" made it "a perfect Netflix comedy series," Netflix vice president of original content Cindy Holland said. Fey and Carlock's "unique comic voice and sensibility come through in this series."

It's an unexpected move for NBC darlings Fey and Carlock. NBCUniversal will continue to produce the series

"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 chairman Bob Greenblatt said. "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."

NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt, who also oversees Universal TV, addressed the rational behind the decision to move the series."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," he said. "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."