07/06/2025
SHONDA RHIMES: The Story. Why SHE left ABC.
By John Kraski
Shonda Rhimes is worth $250M.
But here’s the crazy part.
She left ABC because they wouldn't pay for her sister's Disneyland tickets.
Yes, you read that correctly!
Then Netflix gave her $300M.
Sometimes the smallest disrespect reveals everything about a partnership.
For 15 years, Shonda built ABC's Thursday night empire.
-Scandal
-Grey's Anatomy
-How to Get Away with Murder
350 episodes.
Millions of viewers.
$2 billion in revenue.
Then she asked for an extra Disneyland pass.
For her sister.
ABC said no.
That's it.
That's the moment.
A $154 ticket.
She walked.
Netflix didn't just say yes to the tickets.
They said yes to everything.
$300M deal.
Creative freedom.
No notes. No interference.
And what did Shonda create?
Bridgerton: Netflix's biggest series ever.
Queen Charlotte: 158M hours watched.
Inventing Anna: #1 in 60 countries.
All because ABC wouldn't spring for tickets to hang with Mickey Mouse.
Sound familiar?
You're building someone's empire.
Making them millions.
Asking for crumbs.
And they're saying no to your Disneyland tickets.
Maybe it's:
-A small raise
-Basic respect
-Remote flexibility
-Credit for your work
The disrespect isn't about the money.
It's about the message:
"You don't matter enough."
Shonda heard it loud and clear.
So she left.
Built bigger.
Won harder.
Now ABC watches Bridgerton like the rest of us.
From their couch. Without their biggest creator.
Here's what Shonda knew:
When they nickel and dime your worth...
They've already told you everything.
The ticket wasn't the issue.
The disrespect was.
So next time someone denies your free Disneyland tickets?
Remember: Someone else may have $300M waiting for you.
You just have to be brave enough to walk.
Trust me and Shonda Rhimes on this one.
