Netflix Orders Reality Show From Organization Guru Marie Kondo

by Lacey Rose via The Hollywood Reporter on 12/14/18

The eight-episode first season is being produced by Gail Berman's Jackal Group.

Marie Kondo is bringing her expertise to Netflix.

The organization guru, whose books have sold more than 8.5 million copies, has inked a deal to produce and star in her own unscripted series for the streaming giant. The eight-episode first season will focus on Kondo as she guides people who, as Netflix describes them, are at a crossroads to spark joy in their homes, transforming their lives in emotional and surprising ways.

The still-untitled series is being produced by Gail Berman’s Jackal Group, and marks the latest female-created and-driven project in its portfolio. “Marie created an incredible global movement to inspire personal understanding through mindful organization,” says the veteran exec-turned-producer, adding: “We’ve seen individuals undergo astonishing and moving personal journeys simply by applying Marie’s approach to their own homes, and we are delighted to work with her and Netflix to share her method.”

Kondo’s goal to build a global community is in line with Netflix’s, which will launch the series to its 117 million subscribers at the same time around the world. Her method has been formally dubbed the KonMari method, and Kondo and her team, through their KonMari Media, have been busy certifying consultants in the aforementioned method. To date, they’ve certified some 85 people as “KonMari consultants," and have welcomed some 400 more from 35 counties to attend her seminars, with three more planned (in San Francisco, New York City and London) later this year. In late 2017, she launched an online course as well.

“My mission is to organize the world and spark joy in people’s lives,” Kondo reiterated in a statement, noting of her global ambitions: “Through this partnership with Netflix, I am excited to spread the KonMari Method to as many people as possible."

Bianca Barnes-Williams (The Real Housewives) will serve as the series’ showrunner, with Berman, Jackal Group’s Joe Early, Kondo and Kondo’s husband, manager and photographer, Takumi Kawahara, joining her as executive producers. Kondo is repped by WME.