Shonda Rhimes Shows Ranked: From Netflix’s The Residence to the Longest-Running Drama in History
Shonda Rhimes is a television powerhouse whose name is synonymous with groundbreaking drama, intense character development, and unforgettable plot twists. Her shows have captivated millions of viewers across the world, making her one of the most influential showrunners in modern television history. From Grey’s Anatomy to Bridgerton, Rhimes’ unique ability to blend drama, romance, and complex characters has reshaped the landscape of TV.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the ranking of Shonda Rhimes’ shows, starting with her most recent work on Netflix’s The Residence, all the way to the incredible success of her longest-running drama in history. Let’s explore how each series measures up and the impact they’ve had on television audiences worldwide.
Shonda Rhimes’ Legacy: A Storyteller Who Changed the Game
Before diving into the ranking of her shows, it’s important to understand the cultural impact of Shonda Rhimes herself. The creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton, Rhimes revolutionized how stories are told on television, particularly for women and people of color. Her approach to character-driven drama, often mixed with social commentary, set her apart from other creators in the industry.
Rhimes was born on January 13, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois. She earned a degree in English from Dartmouth College before moving into the world of television writing. Her career skyrocketed with Grey’s Anatomy in 2005, a medical drama that would go on to become one of the most iconic shows in TV history.
Since then, Rhimes has expanded her creative empire, moving into various genres and platforms. Each of her shows carries the hallmark of her unique voice, blending drama with emotional complexity, strong female leads, and moments of profound vulnerability. Her storytelling prowess has made her one of the most respected showrunners in the entertainment industry.
Now, let’s break down some of her most popular shows, ranked from Netflix’s recent The Residence to her longest-running drama to date.
5. The Residence (2023)
Shonda Rhimes made her highly anticipated debut on Netflix with the period drama The Residence. The show is set in the White House and follows the behind-the-scenes drama of its staff as they navigate the complexities of American politics, secrecy, and intrigue. The plot revolves around a pivotal incident that takes place within the presidential residence.
While The Residence has been praised for its atmosphere and historical accuracy, it has yet to achieve the massive cultural impact that Rhimes’ other shows have garnered. Nonetheless, it is a strong start for her collaboration with Netflix, showcasing her signature flair for drama and storytelling.
The Residence benefits from a stellar ensemble cast, intricate plotting, and the political tension that has been Rhimes’ forte in many of her previous works. It also allows for the exploration of the kinds of power dynamics and interpersonal relationships that make her other shows so compelling, but it has not reached the level of mainstream recognition that her other series have.
Why It’s Ranked Here: The Residence is still in its infancy, and while it shows promise, it hasn’t yet cemented itself as a must-watch series in the same way as Rhimes’ earlier works.
4. How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)
Created by Peter Nowalk and produced by Shonda Rhimes, How to Get Away with Murder is one of Rhimes’ most daring projects. The show follows the brilliant and enigmatic law professor Annalise Keating (played by Viola Davis), who teaches her students how to navigate the moral and ethical pitfalls of criminal law—while also being involved in her own web of lies and deception.
How to Get Away with Murder broke new ground with its intricate narrative structure, character development, and focus on social justice issues. The show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a powerful Black woman as the lead and for Viola Davis’s award-winning performance, which earned her an Emmy, making her the first Black woman to win the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
The show’s first few seasons garnered critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and compelling characters. However, as it progressed, the plot became a bit convoluted, and some fans felt that the narrative lost its focus. Despite this, the series remained a fan favorite, largely due to Davis’s magnetic performance and the show’s audacious twists.
Why It’s Ranked Here: How to Get Away with Murder was incredibly impactful in terms of representation and storytelling. However, it struggled with maintaining consistency across all its seasons, which is why it lands here in the rankings.
3. Bridgerton (2020-Present)
When Bridgerton premiered on Netflix in December 2020, it quickly became a global phenomenon. Based on the book series by Julia Quinn, the period drama follows the wealthy Bridgerton family as they navigate London’s high society during the Regency era. The show blends Regency romance with modern sensibilities, creating a visually stunning and emotionally rich narrative.
Created by Rhimes and produced under her Shondaland production company, Bridgerton was an immediate hit. It became Netflix’s most-watched series at the time, quickly earning fans for its diverse cast, lush production design, and steamy love stories. The show also explored themes of social class, family, and scandal, all of which Rhimes has mastered in her previous shows.
One of the highlights of Bridgerton is its exploration of intimacy, which broke new ground in how historical romance is portrayed on-screen. Rhimes’s influence as a producer and writer is apparent, as she added her signature twists to a classic genre.
Despite some mixed reception for the second season and the uncertainty surrounding future seasons with the departure of lead actor Regé-Jean Page, Bridgerton remains a major success for Rhimes and Netflix. The show was renewed for multiple seasons, and the upcoming prequel series, Queen Charlotte, is also set to build on the Bridgerton universe.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Bridgerton is a cultural juggernaut that continues to captivate audiences around the world. While the show’s charm is undeniable, it is still in its early years, and only time will tell if it can achieve the same level of lasting impact as some of Rhimes’ older works.
2. Scandal (2012-2018)
Scandal remains one of Shonda Rhimes’ most thrilling and explosive series. The show follows Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington), a crisis management expert who is tasked with handling the personal and political scandals of Washington D.C.’s elite. The series is known for its fast-paced plots, high-stakes drama, and its portrayal of power dynamics within the political sphere.
Scandal introduced a new era of television, marked by its strong, complex female lead, its sharp writing, and its exploration of morality in the realm of politics. Olivia Pope became a pop culture icon, and Kerry Washington’s performance was widely praised. The series ran for seven seasons, consistently maintaining high ratings and intense fan engagement.
One of the reasons Scandal stands out is its boldness in addressing taboo topics, such as extramarital affairs, political corruption, and the complexities of race and gender in American politics. The show has been hailed for its portrayal of an intelligent and multifaceted Black woman in a leadership role, and it garnered a passionate fan base.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Scandal holds a special place in television history for its daring storytelling and unforgettable performances. The show set new standards for political drama, making it one of Rhimes’ finest works.
1. Grey’s Anatomy (2005-Present)
No ranking of Shonda Rhimes’ shows would be complete without Grey’s Anatomy, which is undoubtedly her magnum opus. The medical drama, which premiered in 2005, follows the personal and professional lives of doctors at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Led by the indomitable Meredith Grey (played by Ellen Pompeo), the show blends medical cases with emotionally charged personal drama.
Grey’s Anatomy is not only the longest-running drama in television history (currently in its 19th season), but it has also become a cultural institution. The show has introduced a diverse range of characters, many of whom have become iconic, including Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), and Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson).
Rhimes revolutionized television by giving voice to strong, complex women in positions of power. The series is renowned for its diverse cast, progressive storylines, and heart-wrenching character arcs. Grey’s Anatomy is a series that resonates deeply with its audience, tackling topics such as grief, love, loss, and medical ethics.
The show has won numerous awards, spawned multiple spinoffs (including Private Practice and Station 19), and continues to draw in millions of viewers.
Why It’s Ranked Here: With its immense cultural significance, Grey’s Anatomy is not only Shonda Rhimes’ most successful show but also one of the most important television series of the 21st century. It has redefined what a television drama can be, making it the undisputed leader in this ranking.
Conclusion
Shonda Rhimes’ shows have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on television, each one showcasing her unparalleled ability to craft compelling narratives and complex characters. From the political intrigue of Scandal to the epic romance of Bridgerton, Rhimes continues to push the boundaries of what television can achieve. Her most iconic work, Grey’s Anatomy, remains a cultural touchstone, and her recent venture into Netflix with The Residence signals an exciting new chapter in her already legendary career.
