Bridgerton is a workplace drama, says Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes sees Bridgerton as a "workplace drama".

The 55-year-old screenwriter - who serves as an executive producer on Bridgerton - has pushed back against the idea that the hit Netflix show is a conventional "romance" story.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV festival, Shonda explained: "I didn't see it as a romance. It was more of a workplace drama.

"The women don't have power in other areas of their lives, the power is in h ow they marry, so it becomes a workplace. And that's where the drama is.

"More importantly, I could see myself in them. If a black woman in 21st century America can see herself in regency England, it's a good story."

The show is based on the book series of the same name by Julia Quinn, and Shonda recalled reading the books for the first time in a hotel room.

She said: "I was sick, and in bed and I don't even like romance novels.

"But I read it, and despite being ill, dragged myself out of bed and down to the nearest book shop to buy them all."

Bridgerton premiere d in December 2020, and Shonda has been amazed by the show's popularity.

She shared: "It wasn't just a global show. It became a lifestyle brand. People got Bridgerton tea sets, there were Bridgerton proms and weddings."

Meanwhile, Shonda previously warned that the TV industry faces a "very uncertain" future.

The screenwriter expects the "landscape" of the TV industry to change markedly in the coming years.

Shonda told Variety: "It’s a completely different landscape, a completely different landscape. And I feel like when I look forward, I have no idea. It’s very clear to me that my children only want to watch things that are this long because of YouTube or whatever.

"Sitting down and watching a movie is very rare for them. It’s not the same as it was for us. Everything’s changing. I think there will always be storytelling; I just don’t know what form it’s going to take."

Shonda isn't excited about where the industry is going.

She explained: "It’s very uncertain, you know? I feel like if I was a television writer coming out right now, I would be a little bit more afraid."