How Shonda Rhimes Found the Bridgerton Book Series Is So Funny

Shonda Rhimes is one of the executive producers behind Bridgerton, which has become a massive hit for Netflix. (Sixty-three million households watched it within five days! And the numbers have just kept rising.)

But how, exactly, did Rhimes come across the popular Bridgerton novels by Julia Quinn? It’s a pretty funny story.

“The way I understand it, Shonda ran out of books to read on vacation and somehow stumbled on one of mine,” Quinn said during a recent appearance on Tamron Hall.

She continued, “It’s crazy to think that my life is forever changed because Shonda didn’t bring enough reading material on vacation, but that’s honestly what happened.”

Julia Quinn said she first heard Shonda Rhimes was interested in her show while sitting in a Starbucks, as all writers do. “I practically fell off the stool ’cause nobody was adapting romance novels,” she told Hall.

Netflix announced after the inauguration that Bridgerton will have a second season. The streaming platform sent viewers a cheeky letter from Lady Whistledown to confirm the news.

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

Whistledown continues, “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.”

For more info season season two, click here.

Originally Appeared on Glamour