WARNING: Spoilers ahead
Shonda Rhimes is a genius when it comes to producing television shows that pull at the heart strings. Whether it's Olivia Pope "handling" any situation, or Derek Shepard standing at the operating table saying "It's a great day to save lives!" it is no secret that Shonda Rhimes has the perfect recipe of comedy, tragedy, and drama mixed in to one show. Although Rhimes has produced several other movies and TV shows, the ones listed below are the best by far!
Now, for the rankings!
3. Private Practice (2007-2013)- Private Practice allowed viewers to see into the life of Addison Forbes Montgomery after she left Seattle Grace Hospital. Throughout this series, you learn about love and loss, friendship, and differing political views. This show allows you to open your mind and form opinions based on cases you feel like you are a part of.
BEST CHARACTER: Charlotte King
Charlotte King, played by KaDee Strickland is by far the best character on this show, and develops a tremendous amount throughout the duration. She begins as a cold and heartless Chief at a neighboring hospital, but as her relationship with Cooper develops, viewers begin to see her emotions and reveal her past as an addict and the reason for her cold demeanor. By the end of the series, she has developed into a dynamic character who can be loved by all.
2. Scandal (2012-present)
- This riveting show is different from the usual Rhimes show in that it takes place in a very different setting; Washington D.C. The star, Olivia Pope is a "handler" meaning she fixes situations for many different people including senators, White House executives, as well as regular citizens. In doing this, she also maintains and on again off again affair with the President of the United States and deals with her father, a spy under the CIA, and her mother, a terrorist. This show ranks close to number one for the drama that it entails, and the way it explains the past of the main characters. It is a show guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat!
BEST CHARACTER:
Abby Whelan
Abby Whelan, played by Darby Stanchfield, is ahead of a closely following Olivia Pope. This show has a strong cast, and each character is pivotal to the plots that unravel in each episode. But thus far, Abby is the best character in Scandal. She starts as Olivia's sidekick at OPA(Olivia Pope and Associates) as she handles situations. However, through the first two seasons it is revealed that she is a survivor of domestic abuse, and has a strong enough personality to be in charge of her own situations. After Olivia returns from her stay on an island following the abandonment of OPA, it is discovered that Abby has went to work for the White House as Press Secretary. This is where she really begins to shine as she shows women are powerful and that she chooses her own destiny. Abby's powerful demeanor is not to be taken for granted, and her role in this series makes it a series worth remembering.
1. Grey's Anatomy (2005-present)
- It should come as no shock that Grey's Anatomy falls at number one on this list. A show doesn't get to eleven seasons by being average. Grey's follows intern, and eventually resident Meredith Grey at Seattle Grace Hospital (name changed a billion times) and it quickly turns into a main cast full of strong personalities and story lines. This show, being centered around a hospital, often has a lot of death in it, whether it be main characters or people only there for one show, Shonda Rhimes never hesitates to kill off those we love most. That, paired with the drama and comedy that come from the main characters, makes this show an easy pick for number one.
BEST CHARACTER:
Miranda Bailey
This was the hardest to choose the best character, as they each are so important to the development of this show and so many loved characters have come and gone. However, after careful consideration, Miranda Bailey, played by Chandra Wilson, is the clear choice for best character. Bailey starts off as the chief intern when Meredith's class comes in, and she is known as "The Nazi" for her rough demeanor and take no questions attitude. However, throughout the course of the show, her relationship with The Chief, George O'Malley (RIP), and Derek Shepard (RIP) among a few allow viewers to see how much she cares about the staff and patients at the hospital. Her love interests and her relationship with her son also show her personal life. It is abundantly clear that Seattle Grace/Mercy West/Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital could not survive without the infamous Miranda Bailey.
