How Shonda Rhimes became a billion-dollar asset for streamers

Few in the TV business can claim so many hits across different genres. Twenty years ago, on March 27th, "Grey's Anatomy", which follows clueless and competitive surgical interns, made its debut on ABC, a broadcast network. It has since become the longest-running primetime medical drama in America. Last year it was the second-most-watched programme on streaming services there, racking up 48bn minutes of viewing. Meanwhile "Bridgerton", a Regency-era romp, reigned as Netflix's most popular original series in America. In 2020-24 Shondaland shows brought in $2.4bn in subscription and advertising revenue for streamers globally, according to Parrot Analytics, a data firm. Ms Rhimes is probably the most valuable person in TV that you have never seen on screen.

Her 20-year career in TV embodies the upheavals of the industry. She has adapted to the displacement of linear weekly dramas by bingeable, high-budget streaming shows. In 2017 Netflix paid an estimated $100m-150m to lure her from ABC in an exclusive deal (reportedly renewed in 2021 for $300m-400m).

Peter Nowalk, the creator of "How to Get Away with Murder", reckons she is "the Michael Jordan of TV", a once-in-a-generation star. The comparison is apt: screenwriting and sport share a lot. Raw talent is a key determinant of success in both fields, but not the only one. For anyone who dreams of making big hits on the small screen, her career is instructive.