Grey's Anatomy Spinning Off Tonight

When Grey's Anatomy first started, we were instantly drawn in. The Seattle-based show had an indie soundtrack, a female creator, a multiracial cast, our pre-teen crush Patrick Dempsey and the excellent Sandra Oh. The show seemed so fresh and new. Since then, Meredith's whiny tone has become an annoying recurrence, Sandra Oh's depiction of Cristina isn't as enthralling as it once was, the George/Izzie coupling is just disturbing, and the drama outside of the show has made the once golden drama lose some of its lustre. Some say it has jumped the shark. Still, we keep tuning in for Addison (Kate Walsh), Callie (Sara Ramirez, who sadly hasn't been signed on for next season . . . yet), and Bailey (scene-stealer Chandra Wilson).

While the news of a spin-off focusing on Addison (Kate Walsh) has irked a few people, we were excited by it - especially when it was announced that Merrin Dungey (that's Francie from Alias), Taye Diggs and even Tim Daly were joining the cast. Could this LA-based spin-off be better than the current original? One can only hope. You'll get your chance to decide tonight when the show has its pilot during a two hour Grey's Anatomy special. It is a bit strange that the pilot is airing as part of the original series, but ABC is obviously hoping that viewers will fall in love with the spin-off (currently titled Private Practice) and stick with it during the upcoming fall season.

Grey's Anatomy 2 hour special
KVUE/ABC, ch. 24 (cable ch. 3)
Tonight, starting at 8pm