12 Things You Didn't Know About Shonda Rhimes' Shows

Miss Rhimes has made a huge impact with her popular TV shows in the last few years, but do you know what goes on behind the scenes? From show creation, to production, to the stars who make the roles come alive, take a look at these little-known facts. 

1. Scandal's foreign title is The Fixer.

Olivia Pope's nickname in the American version of Scandal is actually the show's title in its South African counterpart: The Fixer. We can dig it. 

2. The "Keating Five" met a week early to bond.

The actors were all flown to Philadelphia a week before production so they could get to know each other before filming.

3. Wes practices his American accent while in the US.

Even when he's not in character, HTGAWMactor Alfred Enoch uses his American accent for extra practice. While on set, he drops his original English accent.

4. Mellie Grant was originally a small character.

Now a mainstay in Scandal, Mellie was originally only supposed to be in three episodes. To-date, she's credited in over 90! Talk about a comeback! 

5. Grey's almost wasn't in Seattle! 

Rhimes and others played with setting the show in Philadelphia, Boston, and more, but ultimately landed on Seattle for a new take on a medical show's setting.

6. Olivia Pope is based on a real person.

She's channeling the real life, Judy Smith, who was called in to help with the President Clinton/Monica Lewinski case in the '90s.

7. Rhimes has a goal of diverse casts.

She makes a point to remove stereotypes and put diverse women in high-profile jobs. She started this setup with Grey's.

8. Rhimes has helped create eight shows.

Aside from her long-running titles, shows for Shondaland include Off the Map (2011), The Catch (2016–2017), Still Star-Crossed (2017), and For the People (2017).

9. Viola Davis helped create HTGAWM's Anneliese. 

When they began, creators admitted they were still figuring out who Anneliese was. Davis began reading lines and helped answer questions and create a backstory. 

10. Charlotte's accent is real! 

Actress Katherine Dee Strickland’s, who plays Charlotte King on Private Practice, is a real Georgian! In the show, her character hails from Alabama; both have an authentic Southern twang! 

11. No sappy moments allowed in Grey's.

In fact, Rhimes wrote this in the show's original script. "I don't believe in melodrama and I don't believe in EARNEST SAPPY MOMENTS."

12. Pete was the voice of Superman.

Tim Daly AKA Pete provided the voice of Superman in the character's 1996 cartoon. No wonder he sounds so familiar! He makes a good Superman, right?!

What's your favorite fun fact about Shondaland shows?!