Rhimes Times Four for Pilot Season
Rhimes with Beers and Bans
I think Shonda Rhimes slept once back in 2001. That was probably her last full-night’s sleep. After breaking into prime time with the instant-hit Grey’s Anatomy and its sibling Private Practice, she has steadily pushed forward. Never has that been more evident than in the past few months, in which she has sold four – yes, four – pilots for the 2012-2013 season. News had barely died down over ABC’s Gilded Lillys, the period drama about the country’s first luxury hotel (with Gossip Girl writer K.J. Steinberg attached) when ABC also picked up a new drama from Rhimes and her protégé, Jenna Bans (Off the Map). This one is about a young, idealistic and recently fired defense lawyer who struggles to start his own firm. As of right now, it’s untitled. Additionally, Fox has purchased the rights to Wildwood, the story of a wise-beyond-her-years teenager who poses as an adult in order to land a job at a bar on the Jersey Shore in Wildwood, N.J. And then, just last week, she sold another drama to ABC. The Circle revolves around ten friends, adopted as children by a billionaire philanthropist, who begin to question their past when one of their own is murdered. Richard Robbins will write and executive produce. Rhimes and Betsy Beers (Grey’s, Private Practice) will also be executive producers.
While watching the pilot for Grey’s Anatomy, I remember – quite distinctly – wanting to work with “whoever is writing this show” when I “grow up.” I still feel that way. One of the hardest working women in show business is at it again. I’ll tune in.
