While Netflix has found it success in crafting award-winning scripted original series and films, it seems the streaming giant is now looking to master the domain of reality television, and may very well be testing the waters with a new reality competition show.
According to Variety, Netflix has tapped singer-songwriter John Legend to aide in the development of a new competition series titled "Rhythm & Flow." In addition to Legend, his own Get Lifted Film Co., known for its development of WGN’s “Underground,” and Jeff Gaspin and Primary Wave Entertainment are all involved in the creation of the new show.
Details surrounding specifics of the project remain undetermined as Netflix has not yet ordered the series, nor have any other celebrity names been attached to the project. While Netflix did unroll the reality athletic contest "Ultimate Beastmaster" last year, it failed to catch on the viral and cult-like following that the streaming service is known to create. "Rhythm & Flow" would mark the company’s first stab in the realm of talent competitions—a realm that’s seen its fair share of resurgence in recent times.
Notably, “American Idol” will be making its return to small screens via the ABC Network, while its former home, FOX just put out a series order for a new singing competition, “The Four.” As for rival NBC, the network is still holding fast to its successful “The Voice” competition while having also ordered a new series titled “The Stream.” "Rhythm & Flow" will be centered around the genres of Soul and R&B, making for a more targeted series in comparison to wide ranging scope of other similar shows.
While John Legend’s experience as a coach and judge on NBC’s "The Voice" puts him in the perfect position to head up the new outing, there is not yet any clarification on whether or not he’ll be appearing on-camera or remain behind-the-scenes. As for Gaspin, the former NBC executive has an impressive track record in the development of unscripted programming, having developed shows such as VH1’s “Behind The Music,” Bravo’s “Project Runway,” NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” and “The Apprentice.”