Shonda Rhimes sees Bridgerton as a "workplace drama"

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV festival, Shonda explained: "I didn't see it as a romance. It was more of a workplace drama.

"The women don't have power in other areas of their lives, the power is in how they marry, so it becomes a workplace. And that's where the drama is.

"More importantly, I could see myself in them. If a black woman in 21st century America can see herself in regency England, it's a good story."

The show is based on the book series of the same name by Julia Quinn, and Shonda recalled reading the books for the first time in a hotel room.

She said: "I was sick, and in bed and I don't even like romance novels.

"But I read it, and despite being ill, dragged myself out of bed and down to the nearest book shop to buy them all."

Bridgerton premiered in December 2020, and Shonda has been amazed by the show's popularity.

She shared: "It wasn't just a global show. It became a lifestyle brand. People got Bridgerton tea sets, there were Bridgerton proms and weddings."

Meanwhile, Shonda previously warned that the TV industry faces a "very uncertain" future.

The screenwriter expects the "landscape" of the TV industry to change markedly in the coming years.

Shonda told Variety: "It's a completely different landscape, a completely different landscape. And I feel like when I look forward, I have no idea. It's very clear to me that my children only want to watch things that are this long because of YouTube or whatever.

"Sitting down and watching a movie is very rare for them. It's not the same as it was for us. Everything's changing. I think there will always be storytelling; I just don't know what form it's going to take."

Shonda isn't excited about where the industry is going.

She explained: "It's very uncertain, you know? I feel like if I was a television writer coming out right now, I would be a little bit more afraid."