Introduction: The Genius of Shonda Rhimes
When you think of powerhouse TV producers and writers, Shonda Rhimes’ name inevitably comes to the forefront. From Grey’s Anatomy to her more recent Netflix venture, The Residence, Rhimes has redefined television storytelling with compelling characters, intricate plots, and unforgettable moments. Her unique ability to tackle themes of love, power, betrayal, and redemption has made her one of the most influential figures in entertainment.
This article takes a deep dive into Shonda Rhimes’ best shows, ranking them from her latest project, The Residence, to her longest-running and most iconic series that has made history.
Let’s explore the evolution of Shonda Rhimes’ empire and rank her shows based on their impact, popularity, and cultural significance!
1. The Residence (2025 – Netflix)
A New Era of Shonda Rhimes’ Storytelling
Shonda Rhimes made a massive leap into the world of streaming with Netflix’s The Residence, her first major project with the streaming giant. This thrilling, high-stakes drama is set in the White House and follows a mysterious and scandalous event that shakes the very foundation of the U.S. government. Fans of Rhimes’ signature style – fast-paced drama, suspense, and sharp wit – will find themselves immediately hooked. Although it’s still early in the show’s run, The Residence has already captivated viewers with its intense storyline and strong performances.
Why It’s Special: The show marks a new chapter for Rhimes, moving away from her usual medical and political dramas to focus on the intrigue and suspense within the corridors of power. Fans of Scandal will appreciate the political tones, but The Residence introduces a more elevated and complex narrative structure, making it a must-watch.
2. Bridgerton (2020 – Present)
A Regency Romance for the Ages
Based on the book series by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton is a period drama set in the early 19th century that follows the lives and loves of the Bridgerton family in Regency-era London. Shonda Rhimes’ adaptation for Netflix brought the series international fame, blending steamy romance, societal drama, and biting wit. The first season exploded in popularity, and it wasn’t long before fans were clamoring for more.
Why It’s Special: Bridgerton has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. With its lush sets, scandalous storylines, and diverse casting, it redefined period dramas for modern audiences. The show is rich with emotional depth, and Rhimes’ ability to mix historical intrigue with contemporary storytelling makes it one of her most successful projects.
The show’s high ratings, critical acclaim, and cultural relevance make it one of Rhimes’ brightest and most popular shows.
3. Scandal (2012 – 2018)
Political Drama at Its Finest
Scandal introduced the world to Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), a former political fixer turned crisis manager, as she navigates complex relationships, political scandals, and her own personal demons. The show’s intense, fast-paced drama combined with Rhimes’ sharp writing and complex characters made it a major hit for ABC.
Why It’s Special: With Scandal, Shonda Rhimes became the queen of political drama, proving that she could captivate audiences in any genre. The series introduced powerful political maneuvering, sharp dialogues, and unforgettable characters, cementing Olivia Pope as one of TV’s most iconic heroines. The addictive nature of the show – with its frequent twists, turns, and cliffhangers – made it a must-watch for fans of political thrillers.
4. Grey’s Anatomy (2005 – Present)
The Longest-Running Shonda Rhimes Hit
Arguably Rhimes’ most iconic creation, Grey’s Anatomy continues to be a pop culture staple. The medical drama centers on Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and her colleagues at Seattle Grace Hospital. What started as a hospital procedural soon evolved into a character-driven drama, exploring complex relationships, love, loss, and professional triumphs. With over 18 seasons and counting, Grey’s Anatomy has made its mark as the longest-running medical drama in history.
Why It’s Special: Grey’s Anatomy is the show that defined Shonda Rhimes’ success. Its characters are beloved, with relationships that have kept fans invested for years. The show has a knack for tackling difficult real-world issues while maintaining its emotional core. Through heartbreak, triumph, and plenty of “OMG” moments, Grey’s Anatomy has remained a fan favorite for nearly two decades, making it an undeniable standout in Rhimes’ career.
5. Private Practice (2007 – 2013)
A Spin-Off That Stands on Its Own
Private Practice, a spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, followed Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) as she left Seattle and moved to Los Angeles to work at a private practice. While the series often felt like a different kind of drama, it still carried the emotional weight and character-driven storytelling that Rhimes’ shows are known for.
Why It’s Special: Though it never achieved the same level of success as Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice still found its place in Rhimes’ legacy. It explored complex medical cases and personal dilemmas, and its focus on relationships set it apart from typical medical dramas. The show had a loyal fanbase and is often considered an underrated gem in Rhimes’ catalog.
6. How to Get Away with Murder (2014 – 2020)
A Thrilling Legal Drama
Though not directly created by Rhimes, Shonda Rhimes served as an executive producer on this addictive legal thriller. How to Get Away with Murder followed the brilliant and ruthless law professor Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) as she guided her students through high-stakes criminal cases, while also dealing with their own dark secrets. The show is known for its suspenseful twists, complex characters, and for making Viola Davis the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
Why It’s Special: While How to Get Away with Murder has a different tone compared to Rhimes’ other work, it shares the same intricate storytelling and character development. The series was widely praised for its compelling storylines, especially in terms of legal drama and its exploration of power dynamics.
7. For The People (2018 – 2019)
A Legal Drama with Rhimes’ Signature Touch
For the People followed a group of rookie lawyers working in the Southern District of New York Federal Court. The series delved into the personal and professional lives of the characters, who faced high-pressure cases while navigating the complexities of their careers and relationships.
Why It’s Special: Though it was short-lived, For the People showcased Shonda Rhimes’ ability to tackle the legal genre, just like she did with Scandal. The series had promise, with its focus on up-and-coming lawyers and their moral dilemmas, but ultimately struggled to find its footing in a competitive TV landscape.
Conclusion: Shonda Rhimes’ TV Legacy
From the steamy romance of Bridgerton to the intense medical drama of Grey’s Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes has redefined what it means to create compelling television. Her shows are known for their unforgettable characters, shocking plot twists, and emotional depth.
As The Residence begins to make its mark, fans are eagerly awaiting what Shonda Rhimes will bring next to the small screen. Whether it’s a medical drama, political thriller, or historical romance, one thing is certain: Shonda Rhimes will continue to dominate the TV landscape for years to come.
FAQs:
1. What is Shonda Rhimes’ latest show on Netflix? Her latest show is The Residence, a political drama set in the White House.
2. What is the longest-running show created by Shonda Rhimes? Grey’s Anatomy holds the record as the longest-running show created by Shonda Rhimes.
3. Was Private Practice a spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy? Yes, Private Practice was a spin-off following Dr. Addison Montgomery from Grey’s Anatomy.
4. Which Shonda Rhimes show won an Emmy for Viola Davis? How to Get Away with Murder won Viola Davis an Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
5. What type of shows does Shonda Rhimes typically create? Shonda Rhimes is known for creating character-driven dramas with complex relationships, including medical, legal, political, and historical narratives.
