Shonda Rhimes, the well-known creator behind multiple successful television series, addressed the unexpected cancellation of her recent Netflix show, The Residence. The announcement came after just one season, prompting Rhimes to share her thoughts and support for the series on social media. Her reaction included praise for the show’s cast and crew while expressing disappointment over the lack of renewal.
On July 8, Rhimes took to Instagram to honor the series, describing it as “a brilliant, smart, funny show” and expressing regret that it would not receive a deserved second season. She accompanied her post with images featuring the talented ensemble, including Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Randall Park, and Julian McMahon, who appeared in one of his concluding roles in the series.
Reasons Behind Netflix’s Decision to Cancel The Residence
Netflix’s cancellation of The Residence was reported by Deadline on July 2. Despite strong audience numbers and spending multiple weeks in Netflix’s global top 10 charts, the series faced challenges that contributed to its early end. It premiered shortly after the popular show Adolescence, which overshadowed its launch and affected its visibility among viewers.
The show‘s production costs also played a significant role. Featuring a high-profile cast and a visually elaborate set, the production recreated the White House with remarkable detail. The set was spread across seven stages, containing about 10 miles of molding materials, 200 operational doors, and 144,000 pounds of flooring, making it one of the most ambitious and costly television sets.
Despite these hurdles, The Residence reached a peak position of number two on the English-language global charts with 8.8 million views. Rhimes’ anthology format meant the season concluded without cliffhangers, giving the story a complete arc for its single season.
Shonda Rhimes’s Other Projects Continue on Netflix
While fans express disappointment over the cancellation of The Residence, Shonda Rhimes remains active with other Netflix projects. Season 4 of her acclaimed series Bridgerton finished filming in June, with expectations for a 2026 release, though no official date has been confirmed yet.
In addition, Netflix recently added Rhimes’ hit series Scandal to its platform, a show that originally aired on ABC from 2012 to 2018 and maintains a dedicated fan base. Rhimes also has the mini-series Inventing Anna on Netflix, a dramatization of Anna Delvey’s life and criminal activities, which premiered in 2022.
The Impact of the Cancellation and What’s Next
The early end of The Residence highlights the competitive and high-cost nature of producing large-scale TV dramas, even when critical and viewer reception is strong. Shonda Rhimes’s response highlights her respect for the team behind the show and signals her ongoing commitment to creating compelling content despite setbacks.
With Rhimes’s established track record and upcoming series, Netflix subscribers can anticipate more original stories from her stable in the near future, while fans of The Residence may continue to appreciate the self-contained first season as a complete narrative experience.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shonda Rhimes a billionaire?
A. She is a member of the USC Film Council and the Writers Guild Inclusion Committee. Time magazine listed Rhimes among the world’s 100 most influential people in 2007, 2013, and 2021. By 2023, she has become one of America’s wealthiest female entertainers, with a net worth of $250 million.
Q. Are Shonda Rhimes’ kids adopted?
A. Rhimes has three daughters. She adopted Emerson in 2012; she is now 12 years old. Beckett, born through surrogacy in 2013, is 11. Harper, also adopted, joined the family in 2002.
Q. Why is Shonda Rhimes not married?
A. In her memoir “Year of Yes,” Rhimes shared her decision not to get married. She discussed her last serious relationship with a man who loved her deeply. However, she later realized that becoming someone’s wife was not something she wanted for herself.
Q. Why did Shonda Rhimes quit?
A. After fifteen years with ABC, where she made popular shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder, Rhimes felt limited by network television’s speed and restrictions.
