Ironically, Netflix has given a straight-to-series order for Blockbuster. The 10-episode workplace comedy takes place in the last remaining Blockbuster Video store. With Randall Park starring, the sitcom explores the lives of Blockbuster Video employees doing whatever it takes to keep the small business running.
How ‘Blockbuster’ was Picked up by Netflix
Netflix has once again picked up another project passed over by NBC, according to Deadline. After recent success in reviving NBC’s Manifest, Netflix saw another golden opportunity. Vanessa Ramos, whose credits include NBC’s Superstore and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, created the series alongside David Caspe (Happy Endings, Black Monday) and Jackie Clarke (Happy Endings, Superstore). All three will also serve as executive producers with Davis Entertainment’s John Davis and John Fox.
Randall Park is set to star in Netflix’s ‘Blockbuster’ comedy series. Image credit: Hollywood Reporter.
“We’re so happy to be strolling the aisles of a Blockbuster once again, with Vanessa, David and Jackie leading the way,” said Jim Donnelly, executive vp of comedy at Universal TV. “We’re also thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Netflix, where we never have to worry about late fees.” The series is produced by Universal Television.
Statements From NBC and Netflix
“To say getting to make a show about a place I love, with my friends Jackie and David, and Randall Park as our star is a dream come true, somehow feels like an understatement,” Ramos said in a statement Wednesday. “I could not be more grateful to Jim [Donnelly] and Megan [Macmillan] at Universal for supporting this project since day one and Tracey, Andy [Weil], and the whole team at Netflix for being on board with so many weird jokes.”
Tracey Pakosta, Head of Comedy at Netflix bought Blockbuster while she was NBC’s Co-President of Scripted Programming. “When Vanessa and David first came in and shared this idea for a comedy series, we were immediately excited,” said Pakosta. “This is ultimately the story of a dedicated group of co-workers, with a lot of heart. And now with the hilarious Randall Park signing on to play the lead, it’s a no brainer.”
The Feud Between Blockbuster and Netflix
The history between Blockbuster and Netflix is a rocky one. At first, Netflix swooped in as the underdog rental startup that was nowhere near Blockbuster’s popularity in the early 2000s. Netflix’s co-founders Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings made efforts to sell the company to Blockbuster for $50 million.
However, Blockbuster harshly rejected the offer. From then on, the pair were determined to take down Blockbuster. Now Netflix has become one of the largest entertainment giants worldwide. Unfortunately, Blockbuster declared bankruptcy in 2010 and ceased operations in 2014.
The last remaining Blockbuster located in Bend Oregon. Image credit: CNN
