TGIT lives to reign for another season. Though there is no guarantee that Shonda Rhime’s trifecta will be dominating ABC on Thursday nights next season, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder (HTGAWM) will all definitely be returning to the air says Variety. Because these three shows are so popular, they may be spread out through the week or premiere at different points during the season to give fans a constant stream of new and exciting romances, crises, surgeries, and mysteries.
This will be the 14th season for Grey’s Anatomy, 7th for Scandal, and 4th for How to Get Away With Murder. Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s and Scandal and executive producer of HTGAWM, founded the company “ShondaLand” which produces or co-produces much of her work. Currently on ABC, Grey’s Anatomy airs at 8 p.m, Scandal airs at 9, and How to Get Away with Murder rounds off Thursday night at 10 p.m.
The political setting of Scandal is no doubt increasingly intriguing with a new and controversial president. As long as politics are on everyone’s mind, Scandal will likely delight the imagination of viewers. In 2017 Scandal has ranked consistently in or near the top ten broadcast shows, per TV by the Numbers.
How to Get Away with Murder is the newest of the Thursday night trio. The dramatic legal thriller has been the platform for Viola Davis’s acclaimed performance. She has received numerous awards already, and is the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The first season was the most popular so far, but season 4 will be an opportunity for more murder and mystery.
As for Grey’s Anatomy, the show has thrived even without early regulars like Patrick Dempsey (McDreamy), Sandra Oh (Cristina Yang), and Sara Ramirez (Callie Torres). Though the long running medical drama is not necessarily at the height of its viewership, it is still extremely popular and remains firmly in the top ten broadcast shows in 2017 for adults according to TV by the Numbers. ABC president Channing Dungey is quoted by Entertainment Weekly saying that “the show is going to continue as long as Shonda and the gang have a creative passion for telling those stories.” Looks like Meredith will have plenty more chances to drink tequila, figure out her love life, and repair gallbladders.
