Top 10 Shonda Rhimes TV Characters
These are the resident icons of ShondaLand. In this video, MsMojo counts down our picks for the Top 10 Shonda Rhimes TV Characters.
For this list, we're focusing on the most defining TV characters of Shondaland, created by the writer and producer behind “Grey's Anatomy,” “Scandal,” “Private Practice,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” and new crime thriller “The Catch.” Oh, and “Off the Map,” too. Also, as we do mention the fate of some of these beloved characters, a spoiler alert is probably in order.
Special thanks to Ada Kamara for submitting this idea on our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.MsMojo.tv
Top 10 Shonda Rhimes TV Characters
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These are the resident icons of ShondaLand. Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for Top 10 Shonda Rhimes TV Characters. For this list, we’re focusing on the most defining TV characters of Shondaland, created by the writer and producer behind “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” “Private Practice,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” and new crime thriller “The Catch.” Oh, and “Off the Map,” too. Also, as we do mention the fate of some of these beloved characters, a spoiler alert is probably in order.
#10: Huck Finn “Scandal” (2012-)
While Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope decidedly understands the importance of looking “the part,” one of her fellow gladiators doesn’t have to worry about such things. As someone fiercely loyal to his boss, and with somewhat of a troubling background, Huck plays by his own set of rules and logic, busting bones and taking out anyone brave enough to step in his way. Of course, his biggest enemy is himself, and luckily for the gang, it’s not hard to recognize when Huck needs a little “alone time,” which is essentially all the time. We mean, just look at that face.
#9: Derek ‘McDreamy’ Shepherd “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)
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If you’re not familiar with this strapping doc, well, then you best schedule in a serious binge watch. Sure, Dr. McDreamy isn’t perfect, as he’s been known to perform home checkups from time to time, but over the course of the series, Derek has shown us that love can take a heavy toll on a man’s heart, meaning he can sometimes forget about the people he’s paid to protect, all in the name of sexual healing. It’s not easy to recover from losing someone like Dr. Addison, we get it, but when you got Mer to obsess over, you pick up and move on.
#8: Melody ‘Mellie’ Grant “Scandal” (2012-)
She’s the former First Lady of the United States, but she’s not afraid to cut a bitch down, so to speak. That might seem harsh, and some of Mellie’s personal flaws will certainly draw attention – you know, given her job and all – but when your husband is seeing Olivia Pope on the side, and high-functioning psychos like Cyrus Beene are walkin’ around, well, let’s just say you’re allowed to have a little drinky here and there. And let’s not forget that Mellie graduated from the top of her class at both Yale and Harvard Law… the girl’s got smarts.
#7: Lexie Grey “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)
First appearing at the conclusion of Season 3, this intern - or “Lexipedia” - was once described by a TV critic as “an idiot and should be shot or drown or exploded,” which is a clear indication that many viewers have a strong opinion about Dr. Meredith’s half-sister. At first, she was into fellow intern George, and later began hooking up with Alex Karev; but as both the character and actress Chyler Leigh progressed in life, only one of them could endure. And by season nine, her fate was sealed along with her prince charming, Mark Sloan.
#6: Mark Sloan “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)
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In the early days, this soul-patch enthusiast found inspiration under the sheets with Dr. Shepherd’s wife, and perhaps it’s no accident that ABC actually described Mark Sloan as being “great with his hands.” Undoubtedly a man’s man, he’s the kind of guy that can spark up a good conversation, and while he may have his own interests to attend to, he’s not quite as devious as he may seem. Mark loved Lexie. And Lexie loved Mark. But as we’ve already seen, this “forbidden” romance was not meant to be.
#5: Addison Montgomery “Private Practice” (2007-13)
And now we give props to the Dr. Montgomery of “Private Practice.” In case you missed it, the late Mark Sloan cheated with this well-to-do neonatal surgeon, which prompted divorce from Dr. Shepherd and a move to sunny Santa Monica. While undoubtedly deserving of love, Addison’s a bit of a wildcard, and upon taking her talents to a private practice, she finally found someone to play doctor with in Jake Reilly. She’s the prototypical unassuming bad girl with loads of talent; an undeniably masterful creation from Ms. Shonda.
#4: Meredith Grey “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)
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Previously known as “Nicole” from “Old School,” Ellen Pompeo landed the role of a lifetime as the titular character of “Grey’s Anatomy.” What can we say about Meredith? Well, she is the embodiment of humanity on a seriously dramatic show. She gives it her all in both her professional and personal life, but as we all know, sometimes that’s not enough as fate can jump in and knock you on your butt. However, Meredith’s a survivor, and while each of her closest pals get picked off from season to season, she carries the torch for all that is good, even if she hits the pavement from time to time.
#3: Annalise Keating “How to Get Away with Murder” (2014-)
It’s a well-known fact that this brilliant criminal defense attorney will mess with your head– it’s her job. And as they say all too often in TV, she’s very good at what she does. If you haven’t checked out “How to Get Away with Murder” yet, just where in the hell have you been? For her portrayal of Annalise, Viola Davis became the first black actress to earn an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, which viewers can attest was totally well earned. In all honesty, we’re still discovering all that is Professor Keating, and good lord is it a lot of fun to watch it unfold.
#2: Olivia Pope “Scandal” (2012-)
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She’s the Beyoncé of network television, yet she’s not immune to the allure of good wine and good sex. As the preeminent “fixer” of Washington D.C., Olivia Pope is the leader of the Gladiators, and yes, she DOES have a few problems, and that’s because everyone outside of her core group essentially wants to screw her in every possible way. Therein lies the problem of being the Queen Bee of D.C. Olivia knows how to play the game, and okay, there may be a few daddy issues, but we mean, c’mon – there's only so much you can handle. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. • Alex Karev “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-) • Connor Walsh “How to Get Away with Murder” (2014-) • Sam Bennett “Private Practice” (2007-13) • Preston Burke “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)
#1: Cristina Yang “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)
Over the years, Shonda has given us a variety of memorable characters, but through it all, nobody has quite touched viewers like Dr. Cristina Yang of “Grey’s Anatomy.” She’s the ideal role model for any young girl that seeks life advice from contrived TV characters, and given the inherent likeability of actress Sandra Oh, it’s not hard to forgive this doc for some of her aggressive misgivings. She’s ambitious, empowering, and one of the two “twisted sisters,” making her a loyal companion to our beloved Dr. Meredith. Despite Oh's departure after its tenth season, Dr. Cristina Yang's legacy continues to be a shining example of the ultimate iconic Shonda Rhimes character. Do you agree with our list? Who is your favorite Shonda Rhimes TV character? For more entertaining top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.
