The Legacy of “How to Get Away with Murder”
After 6 seasons and 90 episodes, the ABC legal drama “How to Get Away with Murder” wrapped its run last night. Although it never quite rose to the top of the drama heap in terms of quality and consistency, it leaves behind a rich legacy of diverse casting, social justice themes, and a performance from Viola Davis that ranks among the best in the history of television.
Over the past six weeks, I have had to bid farewell to five series that I have stuck with for a combined total of 42 seasons and 762 episodes. I have already lamented the loss of Schitt’s Creek, Modern Family, Will & Grace, and Homeland. Today it’s time to bid farewell to How to Get Away with Murder.
A Brief History of How to Get Away with Murder
How To Get Away with Murder aired its pilot episode on September 24, 2014. The show’s production company Shondaland (named for its powerhouse leader, Shonda Rhimes) had two huge hits currently on the air — the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, which despite entering its 11th season was still ranking as one of the most viewed shows in the U.S., and the political thriller Scandal, which was entering its 4th season and at the peak of its buzz and popularity. Wisely, ABC decided to air all three shows back-to-back on Thursday night, creating an unprecedented lineup of female-led drama. The gambit paid off nicely, with…
