Shonda Rhimes: ‘You Are the Only Person Who Can Change Your Life’

Shonda Rhimes makes a stop at The Jennifer Hudson Show on Tuesday, January 6, where she opens up about the surprising moment that quietly set her life on a new path. She shares how getting sick led her to discover the books that would ultimately ignite her creative vision and change the course of her career. From there, the powerhouse storyteller dives into why each season of Bridgerton carries its own distinct tone, teasing the emotional depth of Season 4 and explaining what makes the romance, chemistry, and passion so irresistible to fans.

During the conversation, Shonda also can’t help but gush over People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey, while reflecting on the honor of working alongside the legendary Julie Andrews. She further reveals how motherhood deeply influenced the evolution of Grey’s Anatomy, shaping the way she tells stories about love, loss, and resilience.

In addition, Rhimes celebrates the 10th anniversary of her bestselling book Year of Yes, looking back on how one courageous decision to embrace the unknown completely transformed her life. A decade later, she reflects on the lasting impact of saying “yes,” while also acknowledging the importance of knowing when “no” is a full and powerful sentence. She opens up about the boldest and scariest leap she ever took for the sake of her family and how it ultimately led to greater balance and fulfillment.

The conversation also turns personal as Shonda shares her candid thoughts on PTA meetings and reminisces about her early days as a struggling writer, long before the success of Shondaland. With honesty, humor, and wisdom, Rhimes offers a glimpse into the experiences that shaped her journey proving once again why her voice continues to resonate so deeply with audiences around the world.