"Grey's Anatomy" Spinning Off to Los Angeles

If you are a fan of Grey's Anatomy actress Kate Walsh you will want to keep your eyes on ABC for her new spin-off series.

A two-hour pilot, woven into an episode of "Grey's", aired on May 3^rd and had Walsh's character Dr. Addison Montgomery taking a leave from the drama addled Seattle Grace Hospital and visiting her college friends Naomi and Sam at their private practice in Los Angeles. If all goes well with this episode, written by Shonda Rimes, ABC will consider it for its fall lineup.

Rumor has it the season finale of "Grey's Anatomy" will have Addison, fed up with her ex-husband and ex-lover, considering an out of town job offer. If the spin-off is picked up Addison will head for the sunnier climes of Los Angeles, if not, she will remain at Seattle Grace.

It is being called the best un-kept secret in Hollywood. "Grey's Anatomy" publicists refuse to comment on the possible new series, as does ABC, but they have let it be known that Marti Noxon ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") will be the executive producer and casting information was also released prior to the May 3^rd airing.

Do not think Addison has left behind all the drama back in Seattle with McDreamy and McSteamy. The Oceanside Wellness Group in LA has its very own soap operas going on in its offices. Lead characters Naomi and Sam (played by the always handsome Taye Diggs) are divorced, though they do not (or at least Naomi doesn't) seem to know why. Also in this pilot episode, an agonized Addison learns that she can't get pregnant. Luckily for her Naomi is an infertility specialist.

A strong ensemble cast includes Tim Daly ("Wings") as a commitment phobic alternative medicine doctor and widowed bed-hopper who gets the romantically challenged Addie in a lip lock after a particularly rough day at work. Amy Brenneman ("NYPD Blue" and "Judging Amy") is a psychotherapist working through a boatload of self-doubts. The new show also features a male OB/GYN with no clue about women. At present it does not appear that any of the other "Grey's" stars will be traveling to Los Angeles with Dr. Montgomery if she goes.

The popularity of "Grey's" seems to make it a natural choice for a spin-off. Some of the most successful shows in television history have been spin-offs. Think "Mork and Mindy", spun off from "Happy Days", and "The Jeffersons" from "All in the Family". "The Simpsons", which came from "The Tracey Ullman Show", is in its 18^th season. However, a successful show does not necessarily guarantee a successful spin-off. "Friends" was a mega hit for NBC, but its spin-off "Joey" barely lasted two seasons.

When Walsh debuted on "Grey's" she wasn't a fan favorite because she came between Derek (Patrick Dempsey) and Meredith (Ellen Pompeo). Originally slated to appear for only a few episodes, the character of Dr. Addison Montgomery-Sheppard grew into a leading role. Walsh was able to mold her character into a well-liked and believably vulnerable woman. If the new series is picked up, her dramatic as well as comic abilities should help her carry her part with ease.

The show has yet to receive an official title, although sources say it may be called "Private Practice". It certainly remains to be seen whether Addison will really give up the drenching rains and sexy men of Seattle, but all signs point in that direction.