Shonda Rhimes has carved a significant niche in the entertainment industry through her production company, Shondaland, which is known for producing numerous successful television series. Since embarking on her journey in 1995, Rhimes has ascended to the status of one of the most influential figures in television. Among her impressive achievements, she made history as the first woman to create three shows that each surpassed the 100-episode mark, highlighting her contributions to the industry.
With a total of five Primetime Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe win, Rhimes has set a high bar for quality in all projects under her belt. Her productions, characterized by strong storytelling and complex characters, captivate audiences, though some shows stand out more than others in terms of memorability and depth.
9 For The People
2018-2019
For The People enhances the Shondaland narrative by exploring the lives of prosecutors and federal public defenders in the Southern District of New York’s Federal Court. While it follows a legal drama format, it employs a storytelling style reminiscent of Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19, delving into the intricacies of various characters’ professional and personal lives. Although it may lack the gripping intensity of Grey’s Anatomy, it effectively blends courtroom excitement with significant human stories.
8 Private Practice
2007-2013
Private Practice, a successful spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, ran for six seasons and crossed the notable 100-episode milestone. This show centers on Dr. Addison Montgomery as she transitions from Seattle Grace Hospital to Seaside Health & Wellness Center, focusing on both her professional challenges as a surgeon and her personal dilemmas.
Although often seen as a weaker iteration within the medical drama genre compared to its predecessor, Private Practice still maintains an engaging narrative with its array of intriguing cases and complex relationships, appealing to fans of Grey’s Anatomy.
7 The Residence
2025-Present
The Residence, adapted from Kate Andersen Brower’s book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, presents a murder mystery set against the backdrop of the White House. The plot unfolds following the enigmatic death of chief usher AB Wynter, leading Detective Cordelia Cupp to solve the case. Cupp’s unique skills and quirky traits, which include her interest in bird-watching, help establish her as a distinct detective character in a crowded genre.
Even though the show utilizes familiar tropes, it captivates viewers with its strong acting and unexpected humor, leaving audiences intrigued until the final revelations of the plot.
6 Station 19
2018-2024
Building on the success of Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19 dives into the lives of firefighters at Seattle Fire Station 19. Despite occasional criticisms regarding its inconsistency, the series has proven its ability to engage viewers through strong character dynamics and heightened emotional stakes, even if it sometimes embraces predictable storylines.
With over 100 episodes, Station 19 has managed to sustain viewer interest with its fast-paced action, drama, and character-driven narratives, allowing Shondaland aficionados to enjoy a familiar yet dynamic format.
5 Grey’s Anatomy
2005-Present
As the flagship series that launched Shonda Rhimes’ career, Grey’s Anatomy follows the surgical team at Seattle Grace Hospital. Inspired by Rhimes’ fascination with the medical field, this iconic drama intricately weaves together the professional lives of healthcare workers with their personal journeys. Over two decades since its debut, the show remains culturally significant, with a loyal fanbase and no end in sight.
4 Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
2023
As the first spin-off from the popular Bridgerton series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story offers a fresh perspective on the 18th-century queen’s journey to power and her struggles with mental health. Spanning six episodes, the series captivates with its historical references and rich storytelling, even as it hints at potential future installments.
Though it may not garner the same acclaim as its parent series, it stands out for its charm and inclusion of significant LGBTQ+ representation, broadening the franchise’s appeal.
3 How to Get Away with Murder
2014-2020
Created by Peter Nowalk and produced by Rhimes, How to Get Away With Murder is a gripping legal thriller featuring Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, a defense attorney entangled in perilous murder conspiracies alongside her law students. The series stands apart due to Davis’s compelling portrayal, which carries the narrative through its complexities.
|
Season Number |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
|
1 |
84% |
|
2 |
93% |
|
3 |
90% |
|
4 |
100% |
|
5 |
86% |
|
6 |
80% |
Despite employing familiar tropes of the genre, the narrative retains excitement through fast pacing, intricate character development, and unpredictable twists, making it an unforgettable experience for viewers.
2 Scandal
2012-2018
Over its impressive seven-season run, Scandal stands as a captivating political thriller inspired by the real-life experiences of Judy Smith, a former press aide. Following crisis manager Olivia Pope, the series delves into the machinations behind safeguarding high-profile clients from public scrutiny. Balancing professional dilemmas with personal conflicts, the show consistently shines thanks to strong storytelling.
With a Rotten Tomatoes score averaging 93%, Scandal exemplifies quality television with a compelling narrative that never dips below 90% in any season.
1 Bridgerton
2020-Present
Bridgerton has emerged as one of Shondaland’s most significant successes, captivating audiences with its blend of period romance and sharp social commentary. The series initially centers on Daphne Bridgerton and intricately explores the challenges of Regency-era London society, while each new season introduces fresh characters, allowing for an ongoing exploration of romantic entanglements.
Despite facing minor criticism with its second season, Bridgerton rebounded with its third season, showcasing the show’s versatility and ability to engage audiences with diverse and compelling love stories set against a richly crafted historical backdrop.