Shonda Rhimes and Serena Williams Inspire Philly at “Year of Yes” Book Event
PHILADELPHIA, PA — On October 13, 2025, Philadelphia played host to a special cultural moment as acclaimed television producer and author Shonda Rhimes appeared at the Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts for the kickoff of her “Year of Yes: 10th Anniversary Edition” book tour. Longtime friend and tennis icon Serena Williams joined Rhimes on stage as moderator for the evening, offering a unique blend of storytelling, inspiration and candid conversation for a packed Philadelphia crowd.
Rhimes — the creator behind hit series like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton — chose Philadelphia as the first stop on her six‑city tour celebrating the 10th anniversary of her bestselling memoir Year of Yes, which encourages readers to embrace life more fully by saying “yes” to opportunities that push them beyond their comfort zones.
Williams, the legendary 23‑time Grand Slam champion, brought her own star power and perspective to the evening, leading the conversation with Rhimes and helping explore the personal challenges, transformational moments and accomplishments chronicled in the new edition of the memoir. The two women — longtime friends with mutual admiration — shared reflections that resonated with the audience, combining insights on creativity, resilience and personal growth.
Attendees praised the electric atmosphere at the Perelman Theater, noting the dynamic interplay between Rhimes’s thoughtful reflections and Williams’s engaging presence. For many, the event was more than a book talk — it was a motivational experience highlighting the power of openness, ambition and forging one’s own path.
Philadelphia has emerged as a vibrant stop on the cultural calendar, and this event further underscored the city’s appeal as a place where arts, storytelling and community intersect. As Rhimes continues her tour — with each ticket including a copy of the new edition of Year of Yes — the conversation sparked in Philly is likely to ripple outward, inspiring readers across the country to live more boldly.
