Shonda Rhimes' Netflix juggernaut Bridgerton is set in the United Kingdom as is its prequel Queen Charlotte. So it makes perfect sense that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts would honor the television pioneer for her work in television.
Rhimes "built the foundation and platform to launch global careers," said BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar.
She started her TV career out at ABC, eventually launching the long-running hit series Grey's Anatomy as well as Private Practice, Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder.
The latter two shows were groundbreaking as they were the first successful TV dramas to center around a Black female character. Rhimes was also the first woman to achieve the 100-episode mark with three different shows -- Scandal, Grey's and Private Practice.
Shondaland signed a deal with Netflix in 2017, reportedly worth $100M. It paid off with the very first series, Bridgerton, which set viewing records from its debut in December 2020. It has been renewed for a third and fourth season.A six-episode prequel, Queen Charlotte, begins on May 4.
Rhimes will participate in a fireside chat and a cocktail reception at the event which happens on May 3.
