Shonda Rhimes, the powerhouse behind hit shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Bridgerton,” has cultivated a real estate portfolio as impressive as her television empire. As her current hit “Bridgerton” starts its third season on Netflix, let’s look at her million-dollar homes.
Early Acquisitions on the West Coast
She has a duplex near the Hancock Park district of Los Angeles, purchased in 2007 for $1.66 million. The 1920s property has two three-bedroom units and a pool, Realtor.com reports. She reportedly still owns this home. Another 1920s estate was purchased from musician Beck in 2010 for $5.6 million. It boasted a pool, cabana, and sprawling backyard.
In 2017, she purchased another Hancock Park home. This 8,400-square-foot home built by architect Elmer Grey — who also designed the Beverly Hills hotel — for $8.8 million. She made a slew of renovations and put it on the market for $25 million 2021. She dropped the price to $23 million a few months later, ultimately selling it for $21 million in January of 2022, AD reported.
In 2017, she made another Hancock Park purchase, an English Manor–style home for $4.6 million. Built in 1924, the 4,895-square-foot brick five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath home . Sat on a nearly half-acre lot and featured a fountain, pool, gardens, and guest house. After updating the home, she listed it for sale in for $6.5 million. She wound up selling it for $5.957 in 2022.
Going East in Style
Rhimes’ expansion plans extended beyond the West Coast. In 2018, she became bicoastal with a stunning penthouse $11.75 million purchase in New York City. Located on Park Avenue, the Rosario Candela-designed apartment boasts a wraparound terrace and breathtaking light – a writer’s dream. Designed by her go-to interior designer Michael S. Smith, the space incorporates elements reminiscent of Bridgerton, such as elegant chinoiserie wallpaper and gilt-wood mirrors. Rhimes still owns the penthouse.
A Connecticut Fairytale
Rhimes’s most recent acquisition is a sprawling estate in Connecticut, for $15.1 million. This 38,000 square feet New England Colonial masterpiece features a whopping 11 bedrooms, a movie theater, bowling alleys, and even an ice cream parlor – perfect for entertaining her three daughters. The property’s expansive grounds, spanning about 7.5 acres, offer amenities like a pool, tennis court, and guest quarters, making it a luxurious retreat.
Shondaland’s Success, Shonda’s Splendor
Rhimes’s real estate portfolio reflects not only her taste but also her remarkable career trajectory. From network television to streaming giants, her production company, Shondaland, continues to churn out hit shows.
Rhimes’s journey in Hollywood began in the late ’90s, writing films such as “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” and “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.” Her breakout moment came in 2005 with the launch of “Grey’s Anatomy,” which went on to become ABC’s longest-running prime time series.
Following the success of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Rhimes created “Private Practice,” a spinoff set in Los Angeles. It debuted 2007. The came her successes with “Scandal” (2012) and “How to Get Away With Murder” (2014).
Raking in the Money
In 2022, Rhimes ranked 18th on Forbes’ Highest-Paid Entertainers list, earning an estimated $81 million from her Netflix deal and residuals from ABC for “Grey’s Anatomy.” Forbes estimates that by June 2021, Rhimes had earned over $350 million pre-tax during her career as a showrunner.
In 2018, Forbes reported that Rhimes’ net worth was primarily derived from her 15-year relationship with ABC, where she earned $10 million annually in her final years with the network. She also received 10 percent of the profits when her shows were syndicated or sold to streaming services, estimated at $1 million per episode.
Rhimes’ earnings skyrocketed from about $30,000 per episode for writing and producing “Grey’s Anatomy” in its early seasons to $250,000 per episode. She generated more than $2 billion in revenue for ABC’s parent company, Disney. Her show “Scandal” brought in $100 million per season in ad revenue, Investopedia reported.
In 2021, Rhimes earned an estimated $8 million in producing fees for “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Station 19,” and an additional $17 million in profits from “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and “How to Get Away With Murder,” the outlet reported.
In 2017, Rhimes left ABC for an exclusive deal with Netflix, estimated between $100 million and $150 million. Following the success of her creation “Bridgerton” in 2021, Netflix extended her contract for another five years, with bonuses. In 2021 alone, Rhimes reportedly earned about $40 million in bonuses from Netflix due to Bridgerton’s success. Her Netflix hits include “Bridgerton,” “Inventing Anna,” and “Queen Charlotte.”
