Martha Stewart interviews Shonda Rhimes, the creator of popular TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and Bridgerton. They discuss the secrets of making addictive television, the impact of diverse storytelling, imposter syndrome, and the importance of fostering creativity in a writer's room.
Creating authentic and relatable characters is essential for building a successful franchise from a TV show.
Challenging and expanding audience perspectives through storytelling is crucial for pushing boundaries and creating engaging content.
Balancing personal life and career, while saying 'yes' to new opportunities, can lead to fulfilling experiences and personal growth.
Deep dives
Creating Memorable Characters and Building a Franchise
Shonda Rhimes reflects on her success and shares her process of creating memorable characters that resonate with audiences. She discusses the importance of authenticity and relatability in building a franchise from a show, ensuring that spin-offs and sequels naturally extend from the original world. Rhimes also mentions the thrill of investing in new talent and helping them tell their stories through podcasts and other shows.
Blurring the Line Between History and Fiction in 'Bridgerton'
Rhimes talks about 'Bridgerton' and the decision to create an alternate history where Queen Charlotte is a person of color. She explains the inspiration behind this choice and how it allowed them to depict mental health issues and bring a new perspective to a historical character. Rhimes emphasizes the importance of storytelling that challenges and expands what audiences know and enjoy.
The Power of Saying 'Yes' and Balancing Work and Family
Rhimes shares her experience of saying 'yes' to new opportunities and facing her fears, both in her career and personal life. She highlights the importance of spending time with her children and the impact of saying 'yes' to playing with them whenever they ask. Rhimes also discusses finding balance between work and family, along with the challenges and rewards of being a mother while pursuing a successful career.
Writing for Different Networks and Platforms
Rhimes compares writing for network television and streaming platforms, noting the freedom and lack of constraints in creating shows for Netflix. She discusses the responsibility that comes with that freedom, ensuring quality control and maintaining the authenticity of the story. Rhimes also explains the importance of a diverse writers' room, encouraging dissenting opinions and welcoming different perspectives to strengthen the creative process.
Longevity of 'Grey's Anatomy' and Connecting with the Audience
Rhimes reflects on the enduring popularity of 'Grey's Anatomy' and attributes its longevity to the relatability of the characters and the way it explores the struggles and complexities of their work as doctors. She also shares anecdotes of viewers who were inspired to pursue careers in medicine after watching the show. Rhimes emphasizes the importance of empathy and making science exciting in storytelling.
Shonda Rhimes is the prolific and disruptive force behind Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, Scandal, Private Practice, and Bridgerton - some billions of hours of television viewed. She broke records at ABC as a writer, producer and showrunner before becoming one of Netflix’s most successful creators. She talks to Martha about the secrets of making addictive television, the characters she still misses, and the tough choices that come with an ambitious life. You won’t want to miss these powerhouse women in conversation.