Have you ever wondered how major political events, like a presidential transition, can ripple through to unexpected areas of life, like your favorite TV shows? It might seem far-fetched, but the inauguration of a new president can cause scheduling shake-ups, leaving dedicated viewers like myself on the edge of our seats, and not always in a good way.
Take, for instance, the highly anticipated return of Shonda Rhimes’ “TGIT” lineup – “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and “How to Get Away with Murder.” Fans eagerly awaited the January 19th return, with billboards announcing the date plastered all over Los Angeles. But then, a curveball – a one-hour special, “The Trumps Go to Washington,” was scheduled in its place, pushing “TGIT” back by a week.
The frustration was palpable. The delay felt like an eternity, especially after patiently enduring previous hiatuses, like Kerry Washington’s maternity leave. It highlighted the immense power a presidential transition holds, even impacting the entertainment industry. Suddenly, Shonda Rhimes, the powerhouse behind these beloved shows, didn’t seem quite as invincible.
This incident underscores how seemingly unconnected events can intertwine in unexpected ways. A political event, in this case, a presidential transition, can trigger a domino effect, reaching the world of television programming and leaving devoted viewers grappling with rescheduled premieres and a touch of disappointment. It serves as a reminder that even in the realm of entertainment, the impact of politics can be felt, sometimes in the most surprising ways.