The streaming giant Netflix has solidified its long-standing creative partnership with writer, producer, and showrunner Liz Feldman by announcing a multi-year extension of her overall deal. This contractual commitment coincides with the formal greenlighting of a new original series titled All the Rage, a project that reunites Feldman with her long-time collaborator and friend, Kelly Hutchinson. The new series represents the latest chapter in a successful professional relationship that has defined much of Netflix’s dark comedy output over the past half-decade.
The production of All the Rage will be spearheaded by Feldman and Hutchinson, building upon a creative rapport established during their work on previous Netflix hits. While the specific episode count and production timeline have yet to be finalized, the project is moving into active development, signaling Netflix’s continued strategy of betting on proven talent to anchor its comedy slate.
A Proven Creative Partnership
The professional history between Liz Feldman and Kelly Hutchinson is deeply intertwined with the trajectory of Netflix’s comedy programming. Feldman, who is best known for creating the critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated series Dead to Me, has maintained a home at Netflix for the past six years. During this period, she has become one of the streamer’s most reliable architects of the "dark dramedy" genre—a format characterized by its ability to balance sharp, biting wit with profound explorations of grief, trauma, and human volatility.
Kelly Hutchinson has been an integral part of this creative ecosystem. Having worked alongside Feldman on both Dead to Me and the upcoming series No Good Deed, Hutchinson has helped cultivate the specific tonal signature that has become synonymous with Feldman’s work. Their collaboration is frequently cited by industry insiders as a case study in effective long-term creative partnerships, where deep personal history—the pair has been friends for over 30 years—translates into a distinctive, shorthand-driven writing process.
The Premise of All the Rage
According to official loglines released by the studio, All the Rage is set to explore the complexities of long-term friendship and the transformative power of shared grievances. The narrative focuses on two central characters, Emma and Eli, who have been estranged for an extended period. The plot is set in motion when these two characters reconnect and discover a mutual, driving purpose: to seek retribution against the individual responsible for their past fracture.
Industry analysts suggest that the series will lean heavily into the themes of "revenge" and "neurosis," which have become hallmarks of Feldman’s writing. By positioning the show as a dark comedy, Netflix is signaling that the series will likely mirror the structural successes of Dead to Me, which used high-stakes mystery and dark humor to sustain audience engagement across multiple seasons. The focus on "reconnecting after estrangement" also provides a character-driven foundation, allowing the writers to explore how time and past trauma shape adult relationships.
Strategic Implications for Netflix
The decision to extend Feldman’s deal and greenlight another project in her signature genre is a calculated move for Netflix as it navigates a competitive streaming landscape. In an era where original content is increasingly expensive, streamers are prioritizing "proven creators"—individuals who have already demonstrated an ability to produce high-performing, binge-worthy content that drives subscriber retention.
Data from third-party streaming aggregators suggests that the "dark comedy" sub-genre has been a particularly strong performer for Netflix, often maintaining high completion rates compared to broader, more traditional sitcoms. By retaining Feldman, Netflix ensures that it remains at the forefront of this specific content vertical. Furthermore, the inclusion of Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum’s Gloria Sanchez Productions as executive producers adds significant industry weight to the project. Gloria Sanchez Productions has been instrumental in producing high-profile, female-led comedies, further positioning All the Rage as a flagship project for the streamer’s development wing.
Official Statements and Industry Reaction
In a joint statement, Liz Feldman and Kelly Hutchinson framed the project as both a professional milestone and a personal endeavor. "We’re thrilled to tell this completely made-up story about revenge inspired by our very real friendship of 30 years," the pair stated. They humorously acknowledged the cathartic nature of their work, noting, "Thank you to Netflix for being the best partners in the biz and, more importantly, for paying us to finally work through 30 years of neurosis and resentment."
Tracey Pakosta, the Vice President of Comedy Series at Netflix, emphasized the importance of maintaining the creative synergy that the duo brings to the table. "We’re excited to continue our partnership with Liz and bring more of her distinct, brilliant vision to audiences worldwide," Pakosta remarked. "Her decades-long friendship with Kelly fuels their unique and sharp creative chemistry, which they showcased during their collaboration on Dead to Me. We’re thrilled to have them join forces again for All the Rage, which is sure to blend dark comedy and emotional depth like only Liz and Kelly can."
Chronology of Development
The path to this announcement follows a clear trajectory of creative growth within the Netflix ecosystem:
- 2018: Liz Feldman signs her initial major deal with Netflix, following her previous work on shows like 2 Broke Girls and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
- 2019: Dead to Me premieres on Netflix. It becomes an immediate critical success, garnering significant award attention and establishing Feldman as a primary creative voice for the streamer.
- 2020–2022: The expansion of the Dead to Me franchise sees multiple seasons released, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Netflix’s comedy library.
- 2023: Development begins on No Good Deed, another dark comedy project spearheaded by Feldman.
- 2024: Netflix officially announces the renewal of Feldman’s overall deal and the greenlighting of All the Rage, marking the next phase of their collaborative efforts.
The Broader Landscape of Comedy Production
The industry-wide trend toward "creator-centric" development has been accelerated by the success of platforms like Netflix, which rely on a steady pipeline of "prestige" comedy to balance their larger-budget action and fantasy offerings. By securing talents like Feldman, Netflix reduces the risk associated with new, unproven intellectual property.
Moreover, the integration of established production houses like Gloria Sanchez Productions—led by Will Ferrell—ensures that the project has the infrastructure and industry connections necessary to scale from a script to a high-quality finished product. With Christie Smith of Rise Management also on board, the project is well-positioned for talent acquisition and marketing, two critical components for a successful global launch.
As production on All the Rage commences, the industry will be watching to see if Feldman can replicate the "lightning in a bottle" effect that made her previous work so resonant. If the current trajectory holds, the series is likely to become a central component of Netflix’s upcoming slate, further defining the streamer’s identity as the primary destination for modern, character-driven, and emotionally resonant dark comedy.
