ABC sets drama from Shonda Rhimes

RhimesABC is back in business with Shonda Rhimes, who has set up a new drama project set in 19th century New York with scribe K.J. Steinberg.Rhimes, who already has three series on the Alphabet's schedule, will executive produce "Gilded Lillys," which is set in the first luxury hotel ever built in New York City circa 1895. Narrative will follow the family who owns it, the staff who work it, and the people who pass through.ABC Studios script will be penned by by "Gossip Girl" writer/producer Steinberg. Betsy Beers of Rhimes' shingle Shondaland is also on board as exec producer.Once verboten in primetime, period dramas have begun to seem worthy of experimentation in the wake of the AMC hit "Mad Men." Two such series are on the fall schedule, ABC's "Pan Am" and NBC's "The Playboy Club."Rhimes is executive producer of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice" and new midseason entry "Scandal."Steinberg's past credits include the short-lived ABC drama "The Nine." Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com