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Addison's Anatomy? 'Grey's' controversial spinoff

Posted: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:00 AM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under:

Spinoffs can be popular hits on their own ("The Simpsons" spun off from "The Tracy Ullman Show"), or just horrible ("Joanie Loves Chachi," "AfterMASH"). They can seek a completely different tone than the original show ("Melrose Place" was much more nighttime soapy than earnest "Beverly Hills, 90210"), or just reassemble some familiar faces and hope to coast ("Joey" should have stayed in New York with his "Friends"). What will happen with the new, as-yet-unnamed, Kate Walsh-starring "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff, which I'm dubbing "Addison's Anatomy"?

According to Scoop columnist Jeannette Walls, some of Walsh's fellow castmembers aren't too thrilled about the new show. And many "Grey's" fans I've talked to are leery about the spinoff. They generally hate the idea of losing Addison, who's been a rich addition to the show, and they wonder which characters, if any, will go with her. (Most rumors say the rest of the cast is staying put, at least for now.) What will happen to her budding relationship with Alex Karev, or her conflict-filled past with McSteamy, not to mention the new role she's taken in ex-husband Derek's life?

It's unclear, too, if Addison's spinoff will keep her in Seattle -- where Seattle Grace staffers could presumably drop in from time to time -- or if she'll return to New York, where the character comes from. A New York-based show would mean a whole new cast (unless McSteamy also returned home?), but would those characters click with viewers in the same way that George, Bailey, the Chief, and the others have done?

Although I've mentioned before that "Grey's Anatomy" is less about the patients than it is about the doctors' relationships, I wonder, too, if the show will only focus on Addison's medical specialty -- neonatal surgery. Is that varied enough for an entire show? Week after week of sad pregnant women and tiny little rubber babies, some surviving, some not? Yes, pregnancy shows like "A Baby Story" draw in the female viewing audience, but will this work for an hour-long drama?

We do know that the new show will begin with a two-hour "Grey's" in May that will set everything up for the spinoff. And we know that Hunky Taye Diggs (or "Taye Diggs, Show-Killer," as a co-worker calls the actor, who didn't last long with either "Kevin Hill" or "Day Break") and Hector Elizondo are signed for the new show. We know that"Grey's" creator Shonda Rhimes will run the show. She's done such an ace job with "Grey's," but I can't help think of an interview I once read with "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" showrunner Joss Whedon. When asked about a scene in which sun-shunning vampire Angel appeared in a top-down convertible, Whedon admitted that moment was when he realized "I can't do two shows." Can Rhimes?

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Comments

I agree with the majority of the above. Don't let her leave. I like Addison and McSteamy together, I like her w/ everyone on the show. I was thinking she'd become the next chief....

Tracy, Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:10 PM)

In my opinion, they should have killed Meredith off and allowed someone else to be the lead story for a while. Meredith has become tedious. In fact, they should bring in some new trainees and introduce some new interpersonal dynamics since the old ones are starting to wear thin. I like Addison but most likely wouldn't watch an entire show having to do with a neo-natal specialty.

Greensboro, NC (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:13 PM)

99% of the people on this forum that say they love Grey's Anatomy, loved it before Addison was even introduced to the show. Now they're scared that Addison leaving will be a negative to GA? Addison is a great character, but the way this show goes, they're going to have to constantly have new doctors coming and going. Let's face it, this is a show where every doctor is going to sleep with every doctor. (Izzie-Alex)(Georgie-Callie)(Callie-McSteamy)(McSteamy-Addison)(Addison-Sheppard)(Sheppard-Grey)(Grey-George)(Yang-Burke)(George-Nurse girl that gave him syphillis-who got it from Alex). We all can see the Addison-Alex and the George-Izzie relationship coming in the future, but where else can you really go? Alex and Bailey?? The Chief and Izzie?? McSteamy and Yang?? I hate to tell you people this, but there are going to be major characters in this show that will only be around 2-3 seasons. This was probably the case with Addison. She came onto the show as a BAD person. She was never supposed to turn into being loved by the audience, but she did and that says a lot for Kate Walsh. That she could turn this character around like she did. THAT is why she's getting the opportunity to star in a spin off and rightly so. If it bombs, it bombs, but I'm not going to pass judgement on it until I see it. Also, what's up with the Meredith bashing here (the character, not Ellen Pompeo). I think it's a great character. She's flawed, which we all are. She goes through relationship problems, jealousy issues and the occasional "think I'm better than everyone else" times just like everybody else does. I think people don't like the character because they can see too much of themselves in her.

Bo Diddley, Simpsonville, SC (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:13 PM)

Get off it, Brad! I don't necessarily think it would be a great idea. But they have excellent writers on Grey's so maybe it would work. I think Addison lacks the personality needed to have her own show.

May, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:21 PM)

Uh no... Shonda don't be greedy girl, stick with one show write it well and see if this goes past a few more seasons before you try a spin off. Does not make any sense to me why any of you or your staff think this is a good idea. I love Addison also but to take her way from the current show and have her own show, it makes NO SENSE! Please don't, you would hate for it to flop and have everyone say well told ya! Just don't let Grey's fall to the wayside as far as writting goes. I had heard Shonda was going to write a show for "Denny" but is letting that sit on the back burner for this show. I tell you I would be willing to watch a show w/Jeffery Dean Morgan in it, as I am sure alot of people would.. but just my opinion which I know doesn't make one bit of difference..

Melissa, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:24 PM)

I think it's a great idea!! I love Addison, and now that the whole tri-angle thing with McDreamy and Meredith is over she needs some more DRAMA to get into. I loved it when she was all confident and bitchy. Not all mopey and lonely like Meredith.

Angela, Saginaw, MI (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:28 PM)

This talk of spin-offs is not only premature, but it will also lead to the death of the show...it's one of the hallmarks of a show's demise (one of the others is when a female lead suggests that a man gets a vasectomy, but that's another discussion altogether.) If they want to kill the show, one of the hottest shows on television, then they can be my guest and spin off Addison to her own private drama--which will fail and take GA down with it. The producers know this, and are just floating the idea, I'm sure; and I doubt that anything will come of this concept.

Phil, Waterloo, IA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:31 PM)

Addison is only interesting in context with the other Grey's characters. On her own I just don't think she's likable enough a character to carry a show. Unless they plan on making her a female "House."

Molly Semanian (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:35 PM)

If you're going to get rid of someone, please God let it be Izzy. What an annoying, whiney, obnoxious little twit. I just about puked at her "I believe" speech on last week's episode. I BELIEVE this is the most annoying character in prime time.

BF, Atlanta, GA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:37 PM)

They are going to ruin everything with a spin off. Addison sucks. Who cares about her?? Shes old and boreing. I think It would be more interesting if they killed her off.

DL (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:38 PM)

This is a thought maker. Addison in a "spinoff show"! Could work if the show's concept is different then GA's. Fewer but strong characters, more in depth Addison. Could work. Thought she was a _itch when she first came on the show, but she's evolved into an intricate part of who/what the other characters were/have become. GA would miss her AND the bad part is, if the other show fails, she can't come back to Greys. Ah but they'll do it anyway.

Curlygirl in IA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:42 PM)

A spinoff with Addison might well become a good show, but I think it would seriously diminish GA to have her leave. The show this season has become rather tedious. Seems to me Shonda should be concentrating on recapturing the success of season 1, unless she's already given up on Grey's.

Lori, Glendora, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:51 PM)

Well, at least the show had a few good years.

Susan, Austin TX (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:53 PM)

NO NO NO!!!!!! It is way too early with Grey's to even think of a spinoff. Besides, has a spinoff ever done as well as the original. I'm a huge 'Friends' fan and ABOLUTELY HATED 'Joey'. Back when I was in high school same thing with '90210' and 'Melrose Place'. PLEASE DON'T DO IT, it is horrible idea. . .

AJ, Maple Grove, MN (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:01 PM)

Meredith is the one that really should go. The show would be much better without her. She looked so happy with her dog. Seriously, she should go.

Chris in VA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:05 PM)

at first I didn't like Addison but I do now. It is too early for a spin off for any of the characters. Plus, Greys wouldn't be the same. I personally feel ER went downhill when their main characters left to pursue other interests.

BW- Middletown, PA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:11 PM)

I love GA. This is how it should happen Addison and McSteamy leave Seattle Grace to go live happily ever after in New York (if the spin off doesnt work well with the new show for Addison) then as usual McSteamy cheats on Addison and breaks her heart all over again and she comes back to Seattle Grace to get over him and her and Alex start dating. Hows that sound?

Jennifer, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:19 PM)

Seriously people. Meredith should go. With her 70's makeup, and hairdo she would be a perfect candidate for "Grey's 70's show".

Shawyon, Reston, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:20 PM)

It's way too early to decide on a spinoff...half the characters are just getting deep seated and interesting...I think "Izzie" has made an enormous transformation and the character has deepened and become much more intersting...and I agree Meridith has become a bit less noble and a bit uninteresting in the present analysis of her character

Doris Dekalb Illinois (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:25 PM)

This is rediculous! Have these celebrities become so self absorbed & envious that they have forgotten that it took all the characters to make this show a success, not just one! This is why celebrities so annoy me..break out the violin's there are celebrities out there that are not getting what they so deserve! Give me a break!

Juli (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:28 PM)

I add my "bad idea" vote. First, to spin off one character from an ensemble show is a poor choice (though Grey's is quickly losing its ensemble charm in favor of the more "ER"-flavored crisis du jour). Also, of all the characters to spin off, Addison is the least interesting, with the possible exception of Izzy (which is too bad, because I like Katherine Heigl). I also agree that Taye Diggs is the new prime time Grim Reaper, taking over for Ted McGinley. Look in your rear view mirror, Shonda, to see that shark you just jumped.

Paul, Nashville (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:33 PM)

Grey's story lines get better and better, its unfortunate that Addison won't be part of them anymore at least on this show...

B. Martinez (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:37 PM)

Might be a good idea for a spinoff, as the show is going down the tubes. This show is getting very mediocre after a good start. I hate what has been done to the Residents. They seem to be getting less mature, which is the reverse of what needs to happen if they are going to make it through Residency. I also almost barfed when the Attendings were acting like downright fools when they were clambering to kiss up (when they thought they might be in line to be the head of the surgeons). Yeah, like acting like twits is going to impress someone with their lack of maturity. The shows with the ferry boat accident were so poorly done. This isn't supposed to be "Scrubs". We are supposed to see people with some growth and increased maturity, along with a great plot. Not happening!

Chris A, Fremont, NE (formerly from Seattle) (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:47 PM)

I think Izzie(Kathyrn) should get over herself about the salary. Prior to Grey's she had done next to nothing now all of the sudden she thinks she is the bomb! Sorry...she's not!

Deb Brogan Cedar Rapids, Ia (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:56 PM)

I don't think we are anywhere near ready for Addison to move off on to her own gig. She is not my favorite character by any means, but her remarks as she observes the deep connection between McDreamy and Meredith as well as her powerful MD presence help make the storyline more interesting. Although I would certainly not want to watch my ex-husband reveal the depth of his love for his new woman, I think that her observation of this just helps send a clear message about the complex dynamics and layers of relationship that can exist between different people. Keep her where she is for as long as possible, please!

Tanya, Teaneck, NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:58 PM)

I don't think we are anywhere near ready for Addison to move off on to her own gig. She is not my favorite character by any means, but her remarks as she observes the deep connection between McDreamy and Meredith as well as her powerful MD presence help make the storyline more interesting. Although I would certainly not want to watch my ex-husband reveal the depth of his love for his new woman, I think that her observation of this just helps send a clear message about the complex dynamics and layers of relationship that can exist between different people. Keep her where she is for as long as possible, please!

Tanya, Teaneck, NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:58 PM)

Katherine Heigl is not a very nice person when you met her off set. She acts like she is way above anyone that is not on Grey's or in a powerful position. Her personality off set turns people off from watching Grey's she needs to be put back down to size.

Jarvis Allison Cedar Rapids, Ia (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:59 PM)

I don't know about the spin off but if it upsets everyone and people like Katherine Heigel{Which is my favorite character} leaves the show It will go down hill If the character Izzie leaves they better keep Walsh right where she is. As far as I'm concerned Izzie is the star and should be paid as much if not more then the others

C Hen (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:05 PM)

Why do good shows with the right casting, good story lines, and that has millions of fans tuning in to watch the show, shoot themselves in the foot and ratings by changing, dropping or creating a spin-off with the actors/actresses? Katherine Heigl who plays Izzie is one of the best characters on the show. What's the problem with paying her what she's worth? She is a much better actress than Pompao who plays Meredith. If Heigl leaves the series, the series will have a short run. Taking Addison out of GA and into a spin-off isn't a very smart idea at this time. She's a good actress and adds an interesting and strong character to the ensamble. Look at the Law & Order shows. Acters and actresses from the original show were not used in spin-offs for the new shows. These shows made it with a new cast and are good shows. The same can be said about CSI. Please stop the madness and keep the characters that made the show where they are.

Cheryl Koch, Palm Bay, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:11 PM)

What is with the current trend for clones of shows? What's next, The CSI channel? 24 hours of Grey's on demand? Que the music: "Send in the clones, there ought to be clones. Don't bother, they're here."

Pam, Yakima WA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:23 PM)

NO NO NO. Not just becuase it's too soon, but because the reason Grey's Anatomy works so well and wins the award for ensemble cast is because of the entire cast - you can't pick and choose certain people to have their own show. It won't work anymore - Mark and Alex are good with Addison - to the people in charge - LEAVE GREY'S ANATOMY ALONE AND STICK WITH ONE GOOD SHOW instead of having two mediocre shows that will both be canceled.

Belinda Y., Bradenton, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:28 PM)

I hate this idea too...asking for too much too soon and it could ruin a great thing that's ALREADY going...none of the fans want to lose grey's so the fact that people are coming along ready to mess it up sucks. Sometimes people who reach such great success should stop and bask in it for a moment before becoming greedy for more. so...rhimes...not happy with you...nor am i with kate walsh for agreeing to it if that is the case. I hope the rest of the cast stays true...it would be awful to see such a great thing ruined.

peeved at greed, wi (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:28 PM)

Well, I hope the powers that be are reading these comments and taking them to heart, because, after reading them it sure looks like the majority of viewers feel that a spin-off sounds like a bad idea. I have to agree. Although, I'm pretty new to Grey's I really like the show (I just started to watch this season). I think if "Addison" leaves it would be a loss to G.A. and a spin-off could hurt both shows. Historically, spin-offs haven't always done well and I'd hate for history to repeat itself once again.

Bettina, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:37 PM)

I thought that the spinoff would more likely be about the free clinic - even a followup hour show after GA. That way, the cast would be expanded and be able to cross over at any time. That would be the best - just think of the story lines that could be followed through both shows. Now that would be great TV.

Rae Gowrie IA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:52 PM)

This is the only show that I religiously watch each week. I love that there are so many different characters and how they interact to one another is what makes this show the best. I could see a spinoff if the show was coming to an end of its journey but, it's too soon. I use to watch ER the way I watch this show until too many different characters were created each season. That show has had a long run and even though I have started watching it here and there it's just not the same as the earlier seasons. Kate Walsh is great on this show but, I don't think people are ready to invest more time watching on another time slot.

L. Kreutzer, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:05 PM)

I love Grey's Anatomy and the performances of all the actors. They make the characters very real. I think a spin-off could be successful if it becomes an independent program with a great cast and takes on a different and unique quality.

Karen Krisberg, Buffalo Grove, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:21 PM)

I find Meredith's character annoying. I like Addison's character so much more know than when she was first introduced. I would hate to see her go but if they choose to do this spinoff then Taye Diggs shouldn't be a leading character/love interest and if they do spin her off she should be the Chief at a different hospital. Meredith should have died and been replaced with someone not so annoying.

Lisa Fretz, tustin ca (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:34 PM)

What is Addison's real profession? Is she a OB-GYN or a neonatal surgeon? I can't tell. Unless I can figure that out, I don't think I will ne able to comment on a spin-off!

Kerri D, Newport News, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:37 PM)

Shonda Rhimes, are you listening girl? If so, and if you must insist on a spin-off, I have an idea for you. Kill off Izzy, bring her back with Denny, and write the 21st century "Topper" series. You could even include Meredith's dog. Of course, it would have to be a more modern, spiced up version, but with Denny's popularity it may possibly work. And then you would have a place to put any other character killed off on Grey's. Just a thought. And by the way, I thought the best part of the three part series was the return of Denny. Other than Denny, we could have done without the long, three week, drawn out mess.

Mrs. G, Ca (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:39 PM)

Instead of having a spin-off I think Shonda Rimes should concentrate more on new GA episodes. This is my favorite show of all times but it seems like there are reruns after every few episodes. Why so many reruns? Please give us more new shows.....

dora (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:40 PM)

Shonda Rhimes, are you listening girl? If so, and if you must insist on a spin-off, I have an idea for you. Kill off Izzy, bring her back with Denny, and write the 21st century "Topper" series. You could even include Meredith's dog. Of course, it would have to be a more modern, spiced up version, but with Denny's popularity it may possibly work. And then you would have a place to put any other character killed off on Grey's. Just a thought. And by the way, I thought the best part of the three part series was the return of Denny. Other than Denny, we could have done without the long, three week, drawn out mess.

Mrs. G, Ca (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:43 PM)

Three Cheers! I think it is great. I had been a true and loyal fan from the beginning until the episode concerning the near drowning. Only the writers know how long she was supposedly under water, but I don't believe anyone could survive and if so, they would never be able to practice medicine again. Plus all the Dr's gathered outside of the O.R. Who was caring for all the other seriously injured people? I don't think that would happen in the real world. So with regret, I've decided to quit viewing it.

Shirley Garcia, Sarasota, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:45 PM)

A spin off is a very bad idea. The cast will always have a void, no matter how many people you sign on to replace Addison. Someone better put some deep thought into this. You guys are going to blow it....

ME in PA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:14 PM)

I don't think it's a good idea to split up the Greys characters. They all seem to click and they always keep the show interesting. It will be like the show ER. The more the characters were changed, the worse the show got. If you have a good thing why mess it up.

Teresa Carter, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:31 PM)

I've been reading a lot of the forums, GA sites, etc....there are lots of Kate Walsh fans, but very few votes in favor of the spinoff. To me, one of the great things about GA is the ENSEMBLE CAST...gee, didn't they win an award for that? I think there are PLENTY of story lines left for Addison, with or without Mark Sloan or Derek Shepherd. Wouldn't it be great, since GA prides itself on DIVERSITY, to have a WOMAN in the running for Chief of Surgery? I think Ms. Rhimes is very creative - but based on the uneveness of GA this season, I'd like to see her be creative 'with the one who brung her' as they say. Focus on Grey's - the cast is excellent, the characters are rich - and the audience base is devoted, to say the least. And, btw -- there was another Rhimes project, now scrapped in lieu of 'Addison's Anatomy', that was to include Jeffrey Dean Morgan....While I still think that Ms. Rhimes should stick to GA for right now, I could certainly support a show that cast JDM and didn't kill him off after a few episodes!

DixieGirl, Triune, Tennesse (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:43 PM)

This is a very bad idea. ABC is just trying to make even more money off of a successful franchise. But you know what they say..."If it's not broke, don't fix it". Addison leaving at this point in the series would just be pointless after going through all the trouble of integrating her with the rest of the cast. This spin-off has the fate of Matt LeBlanc's "Joey" written all over it.

Callie O'Malley, Seattle Washington (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:47 PM)

Oh, please don't do that. Just when you have a great story line of diversity and challenge..watch some executive screw it up .

VMarlo (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:27 PM)

Ok an example of a show with too many characters is Lost. So don't go there. Greys does a great job of giving all of the actors great storylines and ample screen time. Greys has the perfect recipe for a successful show? Why not try to recreate it --and with an actress as strong as Kate Walsh. I would at least for it.. wouldn't you? Oh and instead of Taye Diggs they should go Broadway again and hire his wife.

Kristen, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:32 PM)

Grey's Anatomy is a great show. Why mess with something that is wonderful? Is the show tired of making money and being on top? Addison is kinda boring to me, so her getting her own show is probably not a good idea. No one will watch, not for long anyway. Flaky Christina would do better with a spinoff.

Tracy, Dickinson, Texas (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:40 PM)

I absolutely hate this idea! What are the trying to do, kill the show? How can we fans make this stop? This can't happen...horrible, horrible idea...she's far too important to the story lines of most characters. Awful idea.

Erin, Des Moines, IA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:57 PM)



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