Get ready for more Netflix shows from superproducer Shonda Rhimes. The “Grey’s Anatomy” creator has just extended her contract, which means more shows like “Bridgerton” and “The Residence.”
Rhimes has been with Netflix since 2017, and as her latest contract came to an end, all eyes were on what would happen next. Would she go back to ABC — now owned by Disney — where her major broadcast hit “Grey’s Anatomy” still airs, or would she move on to another streaming platform? She’s decided that Netflix and Shondaland need to stick together.
How Long Has Shonda Rhimes Renewed Her Netflix Contract For?
GettyVariety shares that Rhimes’ latest deal extends the contract for another five years, which will take the duo to 2031. This is an overall deal, and it means that Shondaland will exclusively produce shows for Netflix. However, anything she previously had in the works at other networks can still air, which is why “Grey’s Anatomy” continues. There is even a “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff in the works at ABC, as it falls under the same licensing terms.
This overall deal also includes gaming, live events, and merchandise. With this in mind, Rhimes had her own stipulations. She wanted to make sure that underrepresented groups in the industry are given support, and Netflix will continue to support the Ladder Program to ensure that.
The “Private Practice” creator renewing her deal is a huge win for the streaming giant, which recently lost some of its big hitters. The Duffer Brothers, who brought “Stranger Things,” have moved to Paramount+, while Ryan Murphy returned to Disney after his five-year deal with Netflix expired. While there have still been some projects from the two powerhouses, such as new “Monster” seasons and “The Boroughs,” it means tougher competition is going to be out there.
What Does This Mean for ‘Bridgerton’ and More?
GettyThis offers hope that there is more “Bridgerton” to come. While the series was renewed for Seasons 5 and 6 ahead of the Season 4 premiere, there are eight siblings and eight books in the series by Julia Quinn. With the contract renewed, it means that Netflix could be eyeing a way to finish up all eight Bridgerton sibling stories.
There are still calls for another season of “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” although that was always billed as a limited series. On top of that, there are other characters within the universe that fans would love to see get a story for, including Lady Violet Bridgerton and her love story with her late husband. Rhimes has teased more “Bridgerton” spinoffs, and this renewal makes them more likely to happen.
Then there are eyes on other shows. “Inventing Anna” became a popular limited series, but not all other shows have taken off in the way Netflix would have hoped. “The Residence” was canceled after just one season, and many others are still in development stages.
The news comes as “Grey’s Anatomy” fans get ready for another season to hit their TV screens. The medical drama returns for its 23rd season on Oct. 15, 2026, at 10/9c on ABC, bringing some changes to the cast as Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver exited the series at the end of last season.
