Shonda Rhimes Launches Bold Thursday Night Lineup
“Thank God it’s Thursday!” shouted one of the marketing executives at ABC, or so I’m assuming. When ABC announced their new Thursday night lineup would feature not one, not two, but THREE Shonda Rhimes shows, it’s safe to say fans were beyond thrilled.
Rhimes is a force that can’t be stopped, a hit-making machine that has officially taken over an entire primetime lineup. The three-time Emmy nominee started her work with ABC in 2005 with medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.” Fans instantly swooped in on this mid-season pickup and made it the powerhouse it is.
Now going into its 11th season, stakes are high for Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), as they set to work out their living situation and whether or not they will move to D.C. so Derek can work at the White House. (Possible Scandal crossover? We hope so!) Geena Davis has been confirmed as a guest star this season, and though there are no details on her character just yet, she apparently works with Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) a lot, and plays a pivotal role in their relationship.
Another bomb that was dropped in the season finale was the discovery of Meredith’s half-sister, Dr. Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary). It was revealed in the last few moments of the Season 10 finale and came as a shock to viewers. How Dr. Webber (James Pickens Jr.) and Meredith deal with the news that they are related to her will be riveting to watch this fall. Fingers crossed for another Ellis Grey (Kate Burton) flashback!
Jake (Scott Foley), where did you take Olivia (Kerry Washington)? Is Olivia even with you? If she’s not, can I go with you? These are the questions I and I’m sure about two million other people asked themselves as they watched the teaser for the new season of the smart and contagious political drama, “Scandal.”
We left off Season Three with President Fitz’s (Tony Goldwyn) son, Jerry (Dylan Minnette), being poisoned and passing away. We also left off with Harrison’s (Columbus Short) life being in danger. Rhimes and other members of the cast and crew have hinted that Harrison will not be making it out alive, and Short will no longer be appearing in episodes.
But the big question is, where is Olivia Pope? The teaser featured the fashionable fixer lying on a beach with a wine glass in hand. That question and so many more will be answered in the premiere.
Another question us Scandal fans are all hoping is answered: what is going on with Olivia’s parents? Is her father (Joe Morton) bad? Is her mother (Khandi Alexander) the one to blame for everything? I can’t keep track anymore. I need some answers!
Suspense, murder, law, and Viola Davis: just a few reasons you MUST watch Rhimes’ newest creation, “How to Get Away with Murder.” This most recent addition to the Thursday lineup focuses on Annalise Keating, a professor at a prestigious law school, teaching a class aptly titled, How to Get Away with Murder.
Professor Keating has this sense of mystery about her, almost as if you want to believe she lives a normal life, but at the same time you know that’s impossible. She is clever and quick, and could take you out like a gust of wind.
The pilot introduces her savagely-hungry and determined law students, and shows us how they will do just about anything to get what they want. However, the pilot doesn’t just introduce you to this world of lies and secrets – it catapults you into this intriguing and addictive place that you’ll never want to leave.
There’s no doubt that ABC’s Thursday ratings are going to dominate all other networks this season. With Rhimes behind these three shows, there is no telling what will be in store for us.
One thing is for sure: we need to prepare ourselves for one of the most diverse, brilliant, riveting, and entertaining seasons of television we’ve ever seen. All three shows premiere on September 25th, starting with “Grey’s Anatomy” at 8 pm, followed by “Scandal,” and then ending with “How to Get Away with Murder.”
PHOTO TAKEN from theberkeleygraduate.com
PHOTO TAKEN from adweek.com
