Shonda Rhimes to finally get her Emmy, sort of

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced Monday that it will award its 2016 International Emmy Founders Award to Shonda Rhimes.

Executive producer, creator, writer and creative soul of ABC’s TGIT (Thank God It’s Thursday) lineup, often featuring a mix of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder” and “The Catch,” Rhimes will accept the award at the 44th International Emmy Awards Gala, on Nov. 21 in New York.

“I am continually amazed by the global reach of television and have been so fortunate to have fans of my shows around the world,” Rhimes said in a statement released by the Academy. “To be recognized for this by the International Television Academy is truly an honor.”

Rhimes’ previous work on her shows have earned her a Golden Globe for television drama; a Peabody Award; and recognition from the Producers Guild of America, Writers Guild of America, GLAAD, AFI and NAACP. Rhimes, via “Grey’s Anatomy,” has twice been nominated for a Primetime Emmy for drama series.

“Shonda Rhimes is in a league of her own — not only does she have an entire night of primetime on ABC in the United States, but her groundbreaking shows and iconic characters are avidly followed by over 300 million viewers worldwide, in 67 languages,” said Bruce L. Paisner, Academy president and chief executive.

Rhimes created her production company, Shondaland, in 2004, and “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” “Off the Map,” “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder” and “The Catch” have all been produced under its banner.

“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “The Catch” can next be seen Thursday starting at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Follow me @midwestspitfire