Netflix renews Shonda Rhimes period drama Bridgerton for a 3rd and 4th season as production of the second season is underway.

by Thinus Ferreira

Netflix has renewed Shonda Rhimes' Regency-era London-set period drama Bridgerton for two further season - a third and a fourth - shortly after it announced the renewal for a second season in January.

Production on the second season of Bridgerton is currently underway, with the new season that will focus on Lord Anthony Bridgerton's search for true love, with actor Rege-Jean Page who has now exited the series and his character of the Duke of Hastings.

Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels and takes place within the Regency-era world of London's so-called upper-crust "ton".

It's here where a group of siblings try to navigate the social interaction rules obsessed community of 19th century London as they try to find love and romance.

"From the first time I read Julia Quinn’s delicious Bridgerton series, I knew these were stories that would captivate a viewing audience," says Shonda Rhimes in a statement.

"But the evolution of this adaptation would not be a success without the many significant contributions of the entire Shondaland team."

"This two-season pickup is a strong vote of confidence in our work and I feel incredibly grateful to have partners as collaborative and creative as Netflix. Betsy and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue bringing the world of Bridgerton to a worldwide audience."

Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s vice president of global TV, says in the statement that "Bridgerton swept us off our feet".

"The creative team, led by Shonda, knew the material and delivered a beautiful, emotional, romantic drama for our members."

"They have some exciting plans for the future, and we think audiences will continue to swoon for this show. We're planning to be in the Bridgerton business for a long time to come."

ALSO READ: Lady Whistledown's Society Papers reveals that Bridgerton on Netflix has been renewed for a second season with production starting in March 2021.

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers reveals that Bridgerton on Netflix has been renewed for a second season with production starting in March 2021.

by Lord Thinus Featherington

Breathless news that will surely set the TV ton abuzz, is that Netflix has officially renewed its romance period drama Bridgerton for a second season, with production that will start in March.

The drama series, currently second most-popular on Netflix SA, was watched globally by 63 million people within 28 days; the global video streaming service's 5th biggest original series launch.

Bridgerton was created and produced by Shonda Rhimes' Shondaland and is based on the series of novels by Julia Quinn set in Londen's high-society Regency era, with Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton and Rege-Jean Page as Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings.

Earlier this week in its 2020 fourth quarter investor letter, Netflix set hearts aflutter across the television promenade when it noted that Bridgerton "has proven immensely popular and we’ll have some exciting news about Bridgerton later this week".

On Thursday Netflix released a written message from Lady Whistledown, the anonymous, resident gossipmonger keeping tabs on high-society scandals and romantic entanglements and dishing up scintillating secrets through her despised, yet well-read Lady Whistledown's Society Papers.

Netflix didn't announce when the second season will be released, but did note that production will start during the American spring, meaning March 2021, and that Bridgerton's second season will largely revolve around the romantic intrigue of Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the eldest Bridgerton sibling.

Here is Lady Whistledown's message:

"The ton are abuzz with the latest gossip, and so it is my honour to impart to you: Bridgerton shall officially return for a second season. I do hope you have stored a bottle of ratafia for this most delightful occasion.

 

The incomparable cast of Bridgerton will return to production in the Spring of 2021. This author has been reliably informed that Lord Anthony Bridgerton intends to dominate the social season. I will have my pen ready to report on any and all of his romantic activities.

 

However, gentle reader, before you set the comments section alight with requests for more sordid details, know that I am disinclined to report on the particulars at this time. Patience, after all, is a virtue.

 

Yours Truly,

Lady Whistledown"

ALSO READ: Netflix passes the 200 million subscriber mark globally with 203 million subs, teases renewal for its Bridgerton period drama from Shondaland.

Channing Dungey joins Netflix as vice-president of original content, will work with Shonda Rhimes and the Obamas.

Channing Dungey, the former ABC Entertainment president who left the American broadcast TV network is joining the global video streamer Netflix as vice-president of original content from February 2019 where she will be working with Rhonda Rhimes and former American president Barack Obama on his documentary series.

Channing Dungey will report to Cindy Holland, also Netflix vice-president of original content.

In the newly-created role for Channing Dungey, she and Cindy Holland will create and implement the strategy for Netflix's original series and will oversee a large part of the programming slate, including Netflix's overall production deals with writer-producers ranging from Shonda Rhimes, Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions, as well as Jenji Kohan, Kenya Barris, Steven DeKnight and Marti Noxon.

"Channing is a creative force whose taste and talent have earned her the admiration of her peers across the industry. She's a risk taker and ground-breaker and talent love working with her. I couldn't be happier to welcome her to Netflix," says Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer in a statement.

Cindy Holland says "We're delighted to be adding Channing's expertise, leadership and deep experience to Netflix, and I look forward to partnering with her as we continue to grow and evolve our global network. I have been a fan of her character and approach from our early days as executives".

Channing Dungey says "I'm drawn to the forward-thinking, risk-taking and creative culture at Netflix, and the deeply talented people there, especially Ted and Cindy, with whom I'm excited to partner on setting the strategy for original content".

"Given that ABC, the place I've called home for nearly 15 years, represents the gold standard of traditional broadcast, it feels like the perfect next step for me to join Netflix, the unparalleled leader in streaming."

"I'm invigorated by the challenges ahead and the opportunity to forge new relationships, and excited for the very welcome reunion with incredible talent."

Grey's Anatomy drops both Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew, both actresses will exit at the end of the current 14th season.

In a Grey's Anatomy shocker the Shondaland produced show seen on M-Net (DStv 101) in South Africa and Africa announced that both Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew are both exiting the show at the end of the current 14th season.

The longtime cast members are both being written out for creative reasons, according to the drama series.

Jessica Capshaw's character Arizona is notably a lesbian, while April's character is a devout Christian in a largely faithless medical environment focused on science to save lives.

"The characters of Arizona and April are permanently woven into the fabric of Grey’s Anatomy thanks to the extraordinary work of Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew," says Krista Vernoff, executive producer in a statement.

"As writers, our job is to follow the stories where they want to go and sometimes that means saying goodbye to characters we love. It has been a joy and a privilege to work with these phenomenally talented actresses."

She said dropping Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew had nothing to do with Ellen Pompeo signing a new $20 million deal to remain with the show.

"The suggestion that our cast changes are in any way related to Ellen Pompeo's salary renegotiation is wrong and hurtful and misguided. It smacks of an old, broken, patriarchal notion that women must be pitted against each other and that one woman’s success will be costly to others."

"Ellen Pompeo has not only advocated passionately for her fellow cast members, she has taken the time to educate women worldwide as to how to advocate for themselves and that must not now be twisted."

"The decision to make changes to our cast was a creative one," says Krista Vernoff. "The only thing as constant on Grey's Anatomy as Ellen Pompeo is our penchant for reinvention. It is a part of our success and what keeps the show exciting. We love these actresses and we love these characters and it felt true and right creatively to wrap up their stories. And that is the whole story."

Shonda Rhimes in the statement says "it's always hard for me to say goodbye to any of my characters. Both Arizona Robbins and April Kepner are not only beloved but iconic - both the LBGTQ and devout Christian communities are underrepresented on TV".

"I will be forever grateful to both Jessica and Sarah for bringing these characters to life with such vibrant performance and for inspiring women around the globe. They will always be a part of our Shondaland family."

Jessica Capshaw started as a recurring character on Grey's Anatomy during the 5th season, while Sarah Drew made her appearance as a recurring character during the 6th season after which both eventually became series regulars.

Dr Arizona Robbins is the head of fetal surgery, an attending pediatric surgeon and a board member at the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Dr April Kepner is an attending trauma surgeon at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital and she shares a daughter with her ex, Dr Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams).

On social media Jessica Capshaw responded about the news about her departure from the show, saying on Twitter that "For the past 10 years I have had the rare privilege of not only playing Arizona Robbins but also being madly in love with playing her".

"Arizona Robbins is kind, intelligent, funny, insightful, bold, playful, fierce and really good at her job. She was one of the first members of the LGBTQ community to be represented as a series regular role on network television. Her impact on the world is permanent and forever. Forever."

"I am grateful that I have gotten to bring her to life and for the life that she has brought to me. I am sad to see her go but I am consoled by the idea that she will continue to live on and on in all of our consciences and our imaginations. Shonda, thank you for the ride on this incredible rollercoaster."

On social media Sarah Drew responded about the news about her departure, saying on Twitter, "Thank you for all of the love. I know you're sad. I'm sad too."

"I haven't really had the time to process this information. I've been with it for less than 48 hours, so I'm not ready to say my thank you's and give an all encompassing statement about my 9 years here. That will come later. For now, I'd like to say: I love you, and I love April, and her story isn't over yet."

"And the really good news (for me at least) is that I'm here on set shadowing one of my favorite people, Kevin McKidd, with my beloved Grey's family all this week and next, so I get to process all of my feelings surrounded by the community that has nourished and nurtured me for almost a decade. For that, I am so grateful."

Today's interesting TV stories to read from TV with Thinus - 17 September 2015

The new 7th season of The Wendy Williams Show just started.
Daily American talk show can be seen on BET on DStv and StarSat in South Africa again (and its also loaded daily on the show's YouTube channel).

Criticism of MultiChoice's ad breaks on DStv.
Why is there not more variety in the in-house ads on DStv?
Meanwhile ad expert Chris Moerdyk has the exact same complain about boring in-house ads, like those on CNN International (DStv 410).


News anchor David Muir's make-up sessions.
TV news executives at ABC News are concerned that his make-up is hurting ratings. David Muir apparently likes to apply his foundation himself, but he comes across as too orange. "His colour is off".


StarTimes in Africa also increasing pay-TV prices again.
After MultiChoice hikes prices for DStv in Africa for a 2nd time this year, China's StarTimes follows DStv's lead, also with a 2nd price hike in monthly subscriptions, also from 1 October.
StarTimes explains the 2nd increase in 6 months, saying it's prompted by buying new content - specifically all that exclusive sport: the Bundesliga and Italian football Serie A - for which South African StarSat subscribers have to pay R99 extra as an additional add-on package.

Another SABC journalist, Tumelo Zulu, attacked.
After last month's assault of a SABC cameraman, now Tumelo Zulu was verbally abused in a racist attack, breaking car windows.

Why in American TV, Shonda Rhimes is still Hollywood's exception.
When it comes to women in television, getting work in primetime television in the United States is still an uphill battle.

The BBC should give up on EastEnders, says TV executive.
BBC licence fees (like SABC TV licence fee) slammed as "most regressive system".

Zimbabwe's dilapidated state broadcaster refused to broadcast Robert Mugabe's speech live.
Feared that viewers will see how the aging dictator is being heckled.
The 91 year old idiot who doesn't want to relinquish power ended up reading out the wrong speech anyway at the opening of Zimbabwe's parliament without even realising it. Nobody stopped him - as he read out his old August speech of how China must come to Zimbabwe's rescue.


Cough, cough. First TV commercial for e-cigarette on South African television in primetime.
e.tv on Monday disgustingly broadcast the first TV advert for toxic e-cigarettes that's bad for your health. e.tv doesn't seem to care for the health of its viewers, showing the first commercial in primetime for an e-cigarette since the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act of 1999 that banned cigarette advertising in South Africa.


Dereliction of duty by parliament to appoint new SABC board members
Why is parliament's portfolio committee on communications not filling the numerous vacancies on the unstable SABC board?
Meanwhile parliament says it notes the concern regarding SABC board vacancies and that "a way forward will be discussed".
A "battle is looming" over the lack of appointments at the SABC board, reports The Star.


Pay-TV market in Africa set for a massive surge.
Huge subscriber growth in pay-TV in Africa coming, according to new report. MultiChoice's GOtv DTT service alone will gain 5.84 million subscribers between 2014-20 to reach 7.5 million. StarTimes will grow by 4.39 million. DStv will remain the wealthiest operator.

StarTimes will unveil a film and dubbing studio in 2016.
Studio in Nairobi, Kenya will translate Chinese movies and shows into Swahili for East and Central Africa.

How having less TV channels as part of your pay-TV subscription
ironically leads to less content being produced in the first place, meaning less television.

Reality TV rules are helping Donald Trump advance
in the race for the upcoming American election

ANATOMY OF A SHOW'S DESTRUCTION: Grey's Anatomy on M-Net kills off Patrick Dempsey's McDreamy as the show jumps the shark.

Showrunner Shonda Rhimes shockingly (and cruelly) killed off and wrote out the character of dr Derek Shepard (Patrick Dempsey) on Grey's Anatomy in the show's 11th season, raising questions about Grey's Anatomy's future and longevity.


Patrick Dempsey gave his short statement to TV Line, saying "It's been a remarkable ride" and that "I will forever be grateful and humbled by the experience".

Shonda Rhimes gives a cryptic statement saying "I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our McDreamy".

TV network ABC also releases the usually lame and pandering statement saying Patrick Dempsey "is moving on to pursue other interests" and wishing him "the very best in his future endeavours".

There was definitely bad blood behind the scenes between Shonda Rhimes and Patrick Dempsey who actually had a signed contract to remain on the show for not just the entire 11th season but also a 12th season.

Page Six reported how Patrick Dempsey had become a diva on the Grey's Anatomy set clashed with Shonda Rhimes and how she now wanted him gone.

Daily Mail has how there's very little patience for troublesome talent on the Grey's Anatomy set. The New York Daily News has how Shonda Rhimes is not afraid to pull the plug on problematic actors.

Last year Patrick Dempsey started to signal he is tired, done and over Grey's Anatomy and that he is "not the creator, I'm not the writer". On Twitter on Friday he wrote "I want to thank all the fans, what an incredible 11 yrs, I love you all".

MUST READ: E!'s TV critic Kristin Dos Santos pens a must-read opinion-piece on why the killing off of Patrick Dempsey's character on Grey's Anatomy is NOT OK.

Can the now depressing and broken Grey's Anatomy survive without Derek Shepard?

We're finally done with Meredith's sadness and Grey's Anatomy's fixation on death and done watching Meredith's having to keep experience the same lesson over and over.


Stunned Grey's Anatomy viewers are angry and furious over the senseless killing, saying "Shonda you created a death sentence for your own show,", "Without knowing it, you let your ego get the best of you and you just destroyed the best show you have on TV" and "Years and years we've given to watching this story unfold and you just rip it out from under us? No way! This was horrible".


Watching Grey's Anatomy after Derek's death is now pointless, says the New York Post. CNN calls the Grey's Anatomy death a nightmare. Slate calls it "crushing" and says Shonda Rhimes ripped millions of viewers' hearts out.

E! Entertainment says the show will never be the same. Vulture says McDreamy deserved more. Hollywood Life says Shonda Rhimes and Grey's Anatomy ruined the show. Is Grey's Anatomy dead to you? asks TV Guy.

This is how a McDream dies says USA Today in its review.

The Express Tribute has why I will never fogive Shonda Rhimes for killing Derek Shepherd. TV Insider calls it the end of an incredible era.

Something big happened, says Vox, which explains how it says something about how we think about TV shows that once had big buzz but ultimately faded from the spotlight.

America's People magazine runs an actual obituary for Dr. Derek Shepherd.

Too many bad things kept happening on Grey's Anatomy; where will the show go from here?

MUST READ: Derek and Meredith were one of the most complex and interesting couples on TV. Now it's over.

America's People magazine has a moment-by-moment rundown/recap of what happened in the shocking episode.

How the Grey's Anatomy cast found out that McDreamy is killed off: Shonda Rhimes gathered them together and gave them the shocking news while they "couldn't imagine killing off a character like Derek" - refuses to say whether Patrick Dempsey was present (very likely not).

The news leaked early because the issue of Entertainment Weekly in which Patrick Dempsey gave an exit interview arrived too early in mailboxes before Thursday's episode was going to be shown. It was then leaked on Instagram through a photo.

Read Patrick Dempsey's interview with Entertainment Weekly right here, headlined on the cover of the magazine as "The doctor ... is out" in which he says he is "still processing it".

Entertainment Weekly apologised, saying "We would like to apologise to fans of the show that learnt the news ahead of time". The magazine also debates a Derek-less Grey's Anatomy.

ABC has suddenly announced that next week's episode of Grey's Anatomy is being expanded to 2 hours "to allow creator Shonda Rhimes more time to show the reactions of the other characters".
No word on how M-Net (DStv 101) is going to respond to this which is just a few episodes behind in South Africa.

ABC is clearly in crisis mode and trying to do damage control and want to help Shonda Rhimes "rectify" or minimise the huge damage by re-editing and trying to "improve" and expand on what happens next.

Ratings are predicted to plummet as viewers are now turned off from watching Grey's Anatomy further, and the unimaginable moment which changed Grey's Anatomy forever.

TIME magazine says the unbelievable just happened. Then a grief counsellor tells TIME it's okay to mourn a fictional TV character's death.

And if you missed the quick clue: Meredith Grey was quickly shown throwing up in the episode, so she is now clearly pregnant with what is going to be the child of a dead father.