Shonda Rhimes is hands down one of the most creative forces in television. She has either created or been behind some of the most influential and addictive TV dramas of our time, and people are constantly wondering what new project she's cooking up next with her Shondaland production company. So far, the only upcoming shows confirmed are the highly anticipated Bridgerton season 4 and Grey's Anatomy season 22.
Both series have built massive fan bases thanks to their unforgettable characters, many of whom have become iconic in their own right. These characters not only drive the drama and keep viewers hooked, but also represent a diverse range of voices and stories that resonate deeply with audiences across the globe. While Rhimes had a hand in creating some of them, others were brought to life by other talented writers. The same goes for other Shondaland shows, such as How to Get Away with Murder, Scandal, Private Practice and more.
In this article, we dive into the five best Shondaland characters of all time. These characters are loved by many and have left an indelible mark on TV history.
Daphne Basset (née Bridgerton)
As the central figure in the first season of Bridgerton, Daphne Bridgerton quickly established herself as a standout character. She starts off as the ideal debutante, poised, polished, and determined to secure a suitable match during the social season. But as the story progresses, Daphne proves she’s much more than just a pretty face in a ballroom.
Beneath her composed exterior lies a woman willing to challenge societal norms and fight for a love that’s built on honesty and mutual respect. She and Simon were simply a match made in heaven. Two strong-willed individuals, who despite their differences and challenges, found a deep connection that blossomed into a passionate love story.
Simon Basset
The success of Bridgerton season 1 wasn’t solely due to Daphne but also to Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings and Daphne's love interest. From appearance alone, Simon immediately draws attention with his striking looks and noble demeanor, but it’s his layered personality that truly hooks viewers. Beneath his confident and occasionally brooding exterior is a man shaped by a troubled past and haunted by a deep fear of abandonment and unresolved family trauma.
Through his beautiful relationship with Daphne, we see a vulnerable side of Simon emerge. We see a man learning to trust, heal, and open his heart despite the pain he’s carried for years. His journey from guarded loner to devoted partner is both compelling and deeply moving, making him one of the most memorable and beloved characters in the Shondaland universe.
Annalise Keating
When you're talking about strong female characters, Annalise Keating from How to Get Away with Murder should be one of the characters that instantly comes to mind. She’s fiercely intelligent, unapologetically flawed, and hellbent on protecting those she cares about even when it means bending the rules and facing tremendous personal risk.
Annalise’s complexity goes beyond her sharp legal mind as a high-profile criminal defense attorney and law professor. She grapples with deep personal demons, including past trauma and addiction, yet she always tries to rise above her struggles.
She’s a character who challenges the traditional idea of what a “strong woman” should be. She’s messy, vulnerable, incredibly real, and doesn’t fit neatly into any box. It’s this authenticity that cements her place as one of the best and most iconic characters to ever come out of Shondaland.
Meredith Grey
Before there were any other Shondaland shows, there was Grey's Anatomy and its unforgettable protagonist, Meredith Grey. As the central figure in one of television’s longest-running dramas, Meredith has become a beloved character who continually evolves, balancing the demands of a high-pressure surgical career with the complexities of her personal life.
Even in the most trying times, whether facing heartbreak, loss, or professional challenges, Meredith’s strength and vulnerability shine through, making her a relatable and inspiring figure for audiences around the world. There wouldn't be Grey's Anatomy without her, and she remains an enduring icon in the Shondaland universe.
Olivia Pope
Olivia Pope from Scandal is a powerhouse who commands every room she enters. As a crisis manager and fixer, she thrives under pressure, tackling political scandals with unmatched skill and determination. However, Olivia isn't perfect. She makes mistakes, wrestles with her past, and struggles with her desires, especially her romantic affair with the President of the United States, Fitzgerald Grant III.
But what makes her such an iconic character is her relatability. Despite her extraordinary career and high-stakes life, Olivia’s flaws, vulnerabilities, and emotional struggles make her feel real and accessible. She shows us that even those who seem unstoppable carry their own battles, navigating pain, doubt, and tough choices just like anyone else.