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Shonda Rhimes has earned her reputation by creating some of the most memorable Shondaland characters and some of the best TV shows. The talented producer has used her production company, Shondaland, to churn out some of the most complex and strong female roles in recent times and is a trailblazer when it comes to giving women an authentic voice on TV. From the morally-conflicted to the head-strong, here are 10 most iconic Shondaland characters, ranked.
Lady Danbury, Cristina Yang, and others most iconic Shondaland characters, ranked
10. Addison Montgomery – Grey’s Anatomy/Private Practice
Played by Kate Walsh, Addison Montgomery is a character who started off as the woman who ruined Meredith’s relationship with Derek in Grey’s Anatomy. While she is one of those Shondaland characters who did not have the best start, she definitely has a positive character arc over the two shows as she soon became a fan favorite. Addison Montgomery is a strong and resilient woman in her own silent way. She is talented as an OBGYN and is even funny. Even though she had a divorce and some failed relationships, she does not wallow in self-pity. When she reaches Los Angeles to visit a friend, she finds out a new meaning for her life and decides to stay there. In Private Practice therefore, fans get to see the next chapter in Addison Montgomery’s life. Even when she makes mistakes, she owns up to them and is an authentic character as she is both vulnerable and afraid at times, but also confident in herself. Hardworking, compassionate, and complex, Addison Montgomery is one of the iconic Shondaland characters.
9. Lady Danbury – Bridgerton
Bridgerton is a show that became a hugely viral hit and is known for its fiery love stories and the many scandals that take place with London’s high society. The show has powerful female characters and Lady Danbury is one of them. Played by Adjoa Andoh, Lady Danbury might not be present on screen for a long time, but whenever she comes up, she steals the scene with her enigma. She stands tall among others and is one of the best Shondaland characters because she has her own agency and does not conform to the societal standards for women. Lady Danbury is known for her wits and she is a force to reckon with. Even her quips are humorous and she is a character that demands attention. Lady Danbury knows how to use scheming and is therefore an intimidating presence as well. Even though she does not have a husband or children, she is protective of her late friend’s son, Simon Basset. She is therefore, one of the most iconic Shondaland characters.
8. David Rosen – Scandal
Played by Joshua Malina, David Rosen was one of those Shondaland characters that got better with time. And if a character gets better as the show progresses, it is a sign of a well-developed character, who has a significant character arc. That was the case with David. While the political thriller is a show that focuses on Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope and her adventures as the head of a crisis management firm, David Rosen also plays an important role. He was always trusted and respected by others for his integrity and even when he faced challenges, he kept his ground and honored his morals. David Rosen is therefore a stable and honorable character. Even Olivia looks to David Rosen for help in testing times. Even though he became the US District Attorney, he did not flaunt his power or abuse it. Sadly, David Rosen, one of the best Shondaland characters, had a tragic death. Yet, his character’s values live on.
7. Amelia Shepherd - Private Practice/Grey’s Anatomy
Shonda Rhimes is known for creating strong female characters. But the producer also knows to showcase the strength of women when they are broken from inside. Amelia Shepherd is one such character. Played terrifically by Caterina Scorsone, Amelia Shepherd is a complex character and has been through a lot of harrowing challenges. Before becoming a regular on Grey’s Anatomy, viewers got to see her tumultuous life on Private Practice. Even though her older brother had already described her on Grey’s Anatomy, viewers saw how rough Amelia Shepherd’s childhood and adulthood was on Private Practice. She saw her father being killed in front of her as a child and had to grow up among her genius siblings. Amelia Shepherd therefore began abusing substances as she got older. She is one of the strongest Shondaland characters and has had the biggest character arcs in both shows. Even though she battled self-hate and ridicule, she overcame it all and is therefore one of the most iconic Shondaland characters.
6. Callie Torres – Grey’s Anatomy
A trailblazer when it comes to representing the LGBTQ+ community, Callie Torres is one of the most iconic Shondaland characters. Played by Sara Ramirez, Callie Torres has had one of the longest tenures on a TV show as an LGBTQ+ character. She is one of the most confident and fierce women characters and not only is she hilarious, but she is also loyal to her friends and unapologetic. She is someone who is loud and bold and does not contain herself within the social mores prescribed for a woman. Her character is memorable because she is relatable and authentic to viewers. Even when she makes mistakes, she does not falter and is as genuine as they come. Callie Torres is proud of herself and that is rarely seen in female characters. However, Shonda Rhimes knows how to create well-developed characters and even Callie Torres’ weaknesses and vulnerabilities are shown. The character is therefore one of the best Shondaland characters of all time.
5. Miranda Bailey – Grey’s Anatomy
One of the most important Shondaland characters on Grey’s Anatomy, Miranda Bailey, is someone whom the viewers will always remember. Played brilliantly by Chandra Wilson, Miranda Bailey meets the viewers in the first season of the show as the strict “The Nazi”, who is tough on her interns. She has no time for drama in her life and as a woman of color and as someone who is short, she does not let any insecurities come her way. Miranda Bailey is fierce and she never backs down from a challenge. She is both tough and funny and has a heart of gold buried underneath her strong persona. She also has one of the most incredible character arcs on the show as she faces various challenges like her divorce, to falling in love, and climbing her way to the top of the ladder. When Miranda Bailey becomes the Chief of Surgery, fans cheer for her. She is therefore one of the most integral Shondaland characters.
4. Cristina Yang – Grey’s Anatomy
One of the most loved characters on Grey’s Anatomy and played by Sandra Oh, Cristina Yang, is one of the most iconic Shondaland characters. She is strong-headed, a great friend, unapologetic, and a genius doctor. Even though she is unpredictable at times, she is vulnerable underneath it all and is the perfect example of how beautifully Shonda Rhimes creates well-rounded and strong female characters. Cristina Yang might close herself off at times, but she also knows how to admit when she is struggling. She is real and genuine and is one of the best examples of an on-screen friend. Cristina Yang has given viewers some of the most incredible moments on the medical drama and her absence from the show is truly felt by fans, still. The character is known for her strong outward persona and vulnerable inward personality and has given the viewers some of the most memorable quotes over the years. She is therefore, one of the most iconic Shondaland characters.
3. Olivia Pope – Scandal
Olivia Pope is one of the most morally conflicted and complex Shondaland characters that the producer is known for creating. Played brilliantly by Kerry Washington, Olivia Pope is the epitome of an ambitious and head-strong woman who does not stop at anything. She is the one who runs the show in Scandal. Even though the show throws a lot of curveballs at her, she remains constant and unfaltering. Olivia Pope is one of the most authentic Shondaland characters as she showcases the best and worst that a person can have. Even though she makes morally complex choices and has an affair with the President of the US himself, she does not stop at nothing to gain her goals. While she has her own set of flaws, Olivia Pope is iconic because she is charming and enigmatic. She is one of the most exciting Shondaland characters of all time.
2. Meredith Grey – Grey’s Anatomy
As the first protagonist created by Shonda Rhimes, Meredith Grey, holds a special place in the hearts of the producer and the viewers. Played by Ellen Pompeo, who literally embodied the role, Meredith Grey begins her journey as an unassuming intern at the hospital in Grey’s Anatomy and soon showcases her genius and talent to everyone. She is the perfect balance of talent, falters, strength, and vulnerability. As the lead character of one of the longest-running shows in the US, Meredith Grey has come a long way but her journey never feels inauthentic. She is one of the most iconic Shondaland characters. From an intern who is emotionally invested in her boss, to an award-winning surgeon and a fantastic mother, Meredith Grey has grown in leaps and bounds and her trajectory in life mirrors that of a real-life person. As a doctor, she is always there for her patients and listens to their concerns. She is therefore one of the best Shondaland characters.
1. Annalise Keating – How to Get Away with Murder
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Shonda Rhimes knows how to create exciting female characters and Annalise Keating sits at the top. Played terrifically by Viola Davis, who also won an Emmy for the role, Annalise Keating is extremely talented and genius, ruthless, and cunning. She is a complex woman and lives two lives. On the outside, she is confident and sophisticated, but on the inside, she is sentimental and dearly loves the people she is close to. Even though she has made some questionable decisions throughout How to Get Away with Murder, she has also made some brilliant decisions like saving Christopher’s life. As a criminal lawyer, Annalise Keating knows how to defend her client and is always sure of herself. She is above anyone else in the courtroom and can turn the tables swiftly. Even in adversity, Annalise Keating found her strength and it is in her flaws, that viewers can’t get enough of her. She is therefore one of the most iconic Shondaland characters of all time.
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