# How to Get Away with Murder > 2014-2020 American legal thriller television series **Wikidata**: [Q16862534](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16862534) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Get_Away_with_Murder) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/how-to-get-away-with-murder ## Summary *How to Get Away with Murder* is a 2014–2020 American legal thriller television series created by Peter Nowalk and developed by Shonda Rhimes. The show aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and was produced by ABC Signature and ShondaLand, becoming a defining entry in the legal drama genre. ## Key Facts - **Original Title**: *How to Get Away with Murder* - **Genre**: Legal thriller, drama - **Created by**: Peter Nowalk - **Developed by**: Shonda Rhimes - **Production Companies**: ABC Signature, ShondaLand - **Original Network**: American Broadcasting Company (ABC) - **Country of Origin**: United States - **Premiere Date**: September 25, 2014 - **Final Episode Aired**: May 14, 2020 - **Number of Seasons**: 6 - **Total Episodes**: 90 - **Episode Duration**: Approximately 42 minutes - **IMDb Identifier**: tt3205802 - **Wikidata Identifier**: Q18413844 - **Wikipedia Title**: How to Get Away with Murder - **Aliases**: HTGAWM - **Official Hashtags**: #HowToGetAwayWithMurder, #HTGAWM - **Social Media Handles**: - Twitter: @HowToGetAwayABC - Instagram: howtogetawaywithmurder - Facebook: HowToGetAwayWithMurder - **Official Website**: [http://abc.go.com/shows/how-to-get-away-with-murder](http://abc.go.com/shows/how-to-get-away-with-murder) - **Notable Cast**: Viola Davis, Billy Brown, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGorry, Karla Souza, Liza Weil - **Notable Guest Star**: Cicely Tyson (featured prominently in later seasons) - **Award Received**: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama Series ## FAQs **What is *How to Get Away with Murder* about?** The show follows criminal law professor Annalise Keating (played by Viola Davis) and her group of students who become entangled in a web of legal and personal intrigue, including murder, betrayal, and cover-ups. It explores the intersection of law, morality, and power. **Who created *How to Get Away with Murder*?** The series was created by Peter Nowalk and developed under the guidance of Shonda Rhimes, who is known for her influential work in television drama. **How many seasons and episodes does it have?** The show ran for six seasons and a total of 90 episodes, with the final episode airing on May 14, 2020. **On which network did it air?** It aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and was produced by ABC Signature and ShondaLand. **Who were the main cast members?** Key cast members include Viola Davis (Annalise Keating), Billy Brown (Nate Lahey), Jack Falahee (Connor Walsh), Aja Naomi King (Michaela Pratt), Matt McGorry (Asher Millstone), Karla Souza (Lila Stangard), and Liza Weil (Bonnie Winterbottom). **Was Cicely Tyson in the show?** Yes, Cicely Tyson played the recurring role of Ophelia Harkinson, Annalise Keating’s mother, appearing in multiple episodes across several seasons. **What awards did the show win?** It won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama Series and received critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and social commentary. **What genres does the show fall under?** It is classified as a legal thriller and drama, with elements of mystery and crime. **Where can I watch *How to Get Away with Murder*?** The show originally aired on ABC and is available for streaming on various platforms, including Netflix in some regions. **What is the significance of Shonda Rhimes in the show?** Shonda Rhimes, the developer of the series, is a major figure in modern television, known for her work in shaping diverse and compelling narratives through her production company, ShondaLand. ## Why It Matters *How to Get Away with Murder* redefined the legal thriller genre by combining intense courtroom drama with serialized storytelling that tackled issues of race, gender, and justice. It elevated the role of women and people of color in leading roles, particularly through Viola Davis’s Emmy-winning performance as Annalise Keating. The series also demonstrated the global influence of Shonda Rhimes’s storytelling, contributing to the success of ShondaLand as a powerhouse in television production. Its impact extends beyond entertainment, sparking conversations about representation, legal ethics, and moral ambiguity. ## Notable For - First legal drama series to prominently feature a Black woman as the lead character and protagonist - Viola Davis became the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2015) - Produced under Shonda Rhimes’s ShondaLand, known for diverse and socially conscious storytelling - Airing on ABC, it was part of the network’s Thursday night drama block - Featured a multi-ethnic ensemble cast that broke traditional casting norms in legal dramas - Tackled complex social issues including sexual assault, racial profiling, and LGBTQ+ rights - Received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including NAACP Image Awards - One of the first shows to feature a transgender character (Connor) undergoing a gender transition storyline - Final season concluded in 2020, marking the end of a culturally significant era in television - Featured a guest appearance by Cicely Tyson, a revered figure in American entertainment ## Body ### History and Development *How to Get Away with Murder* was created by Peter Nowalk and developed by Shonda Rhimes, who co-founded the production company ShondaLand. The series was conceived as part of ABC’s strategy to revitalize its prime-time drama lineup. It premiered on September 25, 2014, and concluded on May 14, 2020, after six seasons and 90 episodes. The show was produced by ABC Signature and ShondaLand, with ABC serving as the original network. It was part of ABC’s Thursday night drama block, which also included other ShondaLand productions like *Grey’s Anatomy* and *Scandal*. ### Genre and Themes The series is classified as a legal thriller and drama, with elements of mystery and crime. It explores themes of legal ethics, moral ambiguity, and social justice, often addressing issues such as sexual assault, racial profiling, and LGBTQ+ rights. The show’s narrative structure alternates between courtroom drama and personal intrigue, creating a layered and suspenseful viewing experience. ### Cast and Characters The central character, Annalise Keating, was portrayed by Viola Davis, who became the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in 2015. Other key characters include Nate Lahey (Billy Brown), Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee), Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King), Asher Millstone (Matt McGorry), and Lila Stangard (Karla Souza). Liza Weil played Bonnie Winterbottom, Keating’s loyal associate. Cicely Tyson, a legendary actress, appeared as Ophelia Harkinson, Keating’s mother, in recurring roles across multiple seasons, adding depth and gravitas to the narrative. ### Production and Creative Team The series was developed under the guidance of Shonda Rhimes, a prominent figure in modern television, known for her work in shaping diverse and compelling narratives. Peter Nowalk, the show’s creator, played a pivotal role in its writing and production. The production companies involved were ABC Signature and ShondaLand, both based in the United States. ### Awards and Recognition *How to Get Away with Murder* received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. It won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama Series and was recognized for its writing, performances, and social commentary. Viola Davis’s performance was particularly lauded, earning her historic recognition at the Emmy Awards. ### Cultural Impact and Legacy The series redefined the legal thriller genre by combining intense courtroom drama with serialized storytelling that tackled issues of race, gender, and justice. It elevated the role of women and people of color in leading roles, particularly through Viola Davis’s Emmy-winning performance as Annalise Keating. The show also demonstrated the global influence of Shonda Rhimes’s storytelling, contributing to the success of ShondaLand as a powerhouse in television production. ### Seasons and Episode Structure The show ran for six seasons, with each season contributing to the overarching narrative. The seasons are as follows: - **Season 1**: Premiered September 25, 2014 - **Season 2**: Premiered September 2, 2015 - **Season 3**: Aired in 2016 - **Season 4**: Aired in 2017 - **Season 5**: Aired in 2018 - **Season 6**: Aired in 2019–2020, concluding on May 14, 2020 Each season contained approximately 15 episodes, with an average runtime of 42 minutes per episode. ### Related Projects and Spin-offs While not a direct spin-off, the series is part of the broader ShondaLand universe, which includes *Grey’s Anatomy* and *Scandal*. These shows share thematic elements and production values, contributing to a cohesive brand of storytelling under Shonda Rhimes’s vision. ### Digital Presence and Social Media The show maintained a strong digital presence with official social media accounts: - **Twitter**: @HowToGetAwayABC - **Instagram**: howtogetawaywithmurder - **Facebook**: HowToGetAwayWithMurder These platforms were used for promotional content, fan engagement, and behind-the-scenes updates. ### Conclusion *How to Get Away with Murder* stands as a landmark series in modern television, known for its groundbreaking representation, compelling storytelling, and cultural impact. Its legacy continues to influence the landscape of legal dramas and prime-time television.