Shonda Rhimes is a highly acclaimed American television producer and screenwriter, renowned for her work on popular television dramas. As the founder of Shondaland, she has created numerous successful shows, including Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, and Scandal. Rhimes's exceptional contributions to television have earned her prestigious accolades such as induction into the Television Hall of Fame and NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first woman to create three television dramas that have reached the 100-episode milestone, solidifying her legacy as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
January 13, 1970: Shonda Rhimes is born
Shonda Lynn Rhimes was born on January 13, 1970.
1991: Rhimes Graduates from Dartmouth
Shonda Rhimes graduated with her bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 1991.
1991: Rhimes's Mother Earns PhD
Shonda Rhimes's mother earned her PhD in educational administration in 1991.
1995: Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream Wins Peabody Award
In 1995, the documentary "Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream," for which Shonda Rhimes was the research director, won a Peabody Award.
1998: Blossoms and Veils is Released
Shonda Rhimes wrote and directed the short film "Blossoms and Veils," starring Jada Pinkett-Smith and Jeffrey Wright, in 1998.
1999: Introducing Dorothy Dandridge is Released
In 1999, the HBO movie "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," which Shonda Rhimes co-wrote, was released.
2001: The Princess Diaries is Released
Disney released "The Princess Diaries" in 2001.
2001: Crossroads is Released
Shonda Rhimes wrote the screenplay for "Crossroads," a movie starring Britney Spears, in 2001.
June 2002: Shonda Rhimes Adopts Her First Daughter
In June 2002, Shonda Rhimes embraced motherhood by adopting her first daughter. This life event marked a new chapter in her personal life.
2003: ABC Turns Down Rhimes's Pilot
ABC turned down a pilot written by Shonda Rhimes about young female war correspondents in 2003.
2004: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement is Released
"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement," for which Shonda Rhimes wrote the screenplay, was released in 2004.
March 27, 2005: Grey's Anatomy Premieres
"Grey's Anatomy" premiered as a mid-season replacement on March 27, 2005.
2005: Grey's Anatomy Premieres
In 2005, Shonda Rhimes's medical drama, "Grey's Anatomy," premiered.
2006: "Grey's Anatomy" Wins Golden Globe and Shonda Rhimes Receives Numerous Accolades
2006 marked a high point in Shonda Rhimes' career as her creation "Grey's Anatomy" clinched the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama. This win solidified the show's cultural impact and her own status as a leading figure in television. In addition to the Golden Globe, Rhimes received a string of prestigious awards and recognitions, including the International Emmy Founders Award and the Special Award at the British Academy Television Awards. Her work also earned her special honors from organizations such as the Costume Designers Guild Awards, Directors Guild of America Award, ICG Publicists Awards, Writers Guild of America Award, and Producers Guild of America Awards.
September 26, 2007: Private Practice Premieres
The first episode of "Private Practice" aired on September 26, 2007.
2007: Private Practice Premieres
Shonda Rhimes premiered her second television series, "Private Practice," a spin-off of "Grey's Anatomy," in 2007.
2007: First Time Named to Time 100
In 2007, Shonda Rhimes was named to the Time 100 list for the first time.
2010: ABC Passes on Inside the Box
Shonda Rhimes created a new pilot for ABC called "Inside the Box." It was not picked up by the network.
May 13, 2011: Off the Map Cancelled
On May 13, 2011, ABC cancelled "Off the Map," a medical drama for which Shonda Rhimes served as executive producer.
May 2011: Scandal Picked Up to Series
In May 2011, ABC ordered Shonda Rhimes's "Scandal" to series.
February 2012: Shonda Rhimes Adopts Her Second Daughter
Shonda Rhimes' family grew once more in February 2012 when she adopted her second daughter. This addition brought further joy and fulfillment to her life.
April 5, 2012: Scandal Premieres
"Scandal" premiered on April 5, 2012.
May 2012: Private Practice Renewed for Final Season
In May 2012, "Private Practice" was picked up for a final, shortened, 13-episode season.
2012: Scandal Premieres
On April 5, 2012, Shonda Rhimes premiered "Scandal," a political thriller starring Kerry Washington.
2012: ABC Passes on Gilded Lilys
Shonda Rhimes developed a pilot for a period drama, "Gilded Lilys," but it was not picked up to series.
January 22, 2013: Private Practice Series Finale
The series finale of "Private Practice" aired on January 22, 2013.
September 2013: Shonda Rhimes Welcomes Her Third Daughter via Surrogacy
In September 2013, Shonda Rhimes welcomed her third daughter into the world through gestational surrogacy, expanding her family and embracing different paths to parenthood.
December 2013: How to Get Away with Murder Ordered to Pilot
ABC ordered a pilot for "How to Get Away with Murder" in December 2013.
2013: Rhimes's Father Retires
Shonda Rhimes's father retired from his role as chief information officer at the University of Southern California in 2013.
2013: Private Practice Finale
On January 22, 2013, the series finale of "Private Practice" aired.
2013: Second Time Named to Time 100
Shonda Rhimes was named to the Time 100 list for the second time in 2013.
February 2014: Viola Davis Joins How to Get Away with Murder
Viola Davis joined the cast of "How to Get Away with Murder" in February 2014.
May 8, 2014: How to Get Away with Murder Picked Up to Series
"How to Get Away with Murder" was officially picked up to series on May 8, 2014.
2014: Shonda Rhimes Receives Honorary Doctorate and Delivers Commencement Address at Dartmouth College
In 2014, Shonda Rhimes returned to her alma mater, Dartmouth College, to deliver a powerful commencement address. This occasion also saw her receive an honorary doctorate, recognizing her immense contributions to the entertainment industry and her inspiring journey.
2014: How to Get Away with Murder Premieres
Shonda Rhimes premiered a new series, "How to Get Away with Murder," in 2014.
September 2015: Shonda Rhimes Embarks on a Wellness Journey
September 2015 marked a significant personal milestone for Shonda Rhimes as she revealed her impressive weight loss journey. Through a combination of exercise and dietary changes, she had lost a remarkable 117 pounds, highlighting her dedication to health and well-being.
2015: Year of Yes is Published
Shonda Rhimes published her first book, a memoir titled "Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person," in 2015.
March 2016: The Catch Premieres
"The Catch," a Shonda Rhimes-led comedy-drama based on a treatment by Kate Atkinson, premiered in March 2016.
2016: The Rhimes Family Foundation is Founded
In 2016, Shonda Rhimes formed The Rhimes Family Foundation.
April 2017: Shonda Rhimes Joins Planned Parenthood's National Board and Co-founds Time's Up
In April 2017, Shonda Rhimes demonstrated her commitment to social justice and women's rights by joining the national board of Planned Parenthood. This same year, she took further action by co-founding Time's Up alongside Katie McGrath. Their initiative aimed to combat sexual harassment and promote gender equality in the workplace. Rhimes and McGrath's dedication was evident in their financial support, as they funded the hiring of Time's Up's first seven employees.
August 14, 2017: Netflix and Shonda Rhimes Strike a Deal
On August 14, 2017, Netflix announced an exclusive multi-year development deal with Shonda Rhimes, marking a significant shift in the television landscape. The deal brought Rhimes' future productions to Netflix, including past episodes of her hit shows.
2017: Inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Executive Committee
Shonda Rhimes was inducted as a Chair's Appointee of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' executive committee in 2017.
2018: End of Scandal
In 2018, Shonda Rhimes's political thriller, "Scandal," concluded.
2019: Shonda Rhimes Champions Voter Participation as Co-chair of When We All Vote
In 2019, Shonda Rhimes continued to use her platform to advocate for important causes. She took on the role of co-chair for When We All Vote, an organization dedicated to increasing voter participation. Her involvement highlighted the significance of civic engagement, particularly in the lead-up to the 2020 general election.
October 2020: Shonda Rhimes Extends Netflix Deal and Releases "Bridgerton"
By October 2020, Rhimes was actively involved in over a dozen projects for Netflix, solidifying her partnership with the streaming giant. This period marked the release of "Bridgerton," a historical romance series that quickly rose to become the most-watched series on the platform. Its immense success led to the greenlighting of three more seasons by 2024, cementing Rhimes' influence in the streaming world.
2020: When We All Vote Mobilizes Voters for the 2020 General Election
In 2020, When We All Vote, with Shonda Rhimes as co-chair, actively worked to mobilize voters and encourage participation in the general election, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes.
2020: Bridgerton Premieres
Shonda Rhimes premiered the period series "Bridgerton" on Netflix in 2020.
2021: "Inventing Anna" Premieres on Netflix
In 2021, Rhimes added another feather to her cap with the release of "Inventing Anna," a drama miniseries that captivated audiences. The show further showcased her range and ability to tell compelling stories across different genres.
2021: Third Time Named to Time 100
Shonda Rhimes was named to the Time 100 list for the third time in 2021.
April 2022: "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" Announced
In April 2022, Netflix announced the production of "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," a spin-off from the highly successful "Bridgerton" series. Conceived by Rhimes, this move further expanded the "Bridgerton" universe and underscored Rhimes' ability to capitalize on successful franchises.
2022: Inventing Anna Premieres
In 2022, Shonda Rhimes debuted a new drama series on Netflix called "Inventing Anna."
2023: Rhimes Named One of America's Richest Female Entertainers
As of 2023, Shonda Rhimes is one of the richest women entertainers in America.
2023: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Premieres
Shonda Rhimes premiered the period drama "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" in 2023.
2024: "Bridgerton" Continues its Reign with Three Seasons Confirmed
By 2024, "Bridgerton" had secured its place as a cultural phenomenon, with three seasons confirmed, highlighting the enduring appeal of Rhimes' creative vision.