It worked for “Cheers,” “Different Strokes,” and “All in the Family,” but could it work for “Grey’s Anatomy?” ABC’s hit medical drama is toying with the idea of creating a spin-off series. According to news reports, a special two-hour episode, featuring cast members Kate Walsh and Taye Diggs, is being shot as a test run for a possible new series. Network executives say the episode will air sometime this season.
By spinning off Walsh’s character, neonatal surgeon Addison Shepherd, the show’s creators would be disassembling the romantic triangle involving Dr. Derek Shepherd (played by Patrick Dempsey) and intern Meredith Grey (played by Ellen Pompeo).
It’s a tricky proposition, especially since spin-offs are rare among dramas. One of the only successful drama spin-offs in television history was CBS’ “Knots Landing,” which pulled a character from the hit show “Dallas” and went on to air for 14 years.
It may not be a spin-off, but it’s taking a cue from other shows on TV. A new reality television series from famed moviemaker, Steven Spielberg and reality mogul Mark Burnett featuring aspiring filmmakers is set to air this spring.
The winner of “On the Lot” will receive a $1 million studio contract with DreamWorks, the studio that was co-founded by Spielberg and acquired last year by Paramount Pictures.
“All through my career I’ve done what I can to discover new talent and give them a start,” Spielberg told reporters during the show’s announcement.
Speaking of reality TV shows, Donald Trump is making headlines again… and this time it has nothing to do with his ongoing feud with Rosie O’Donnell. Rather, it comes on the heels of the dispute over where former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith will be buried.
Trump told reporters he plans to make putting him to rest (after death) a done deal. According to a New Jersey newspaper, the real-estate mogul has filed paperwork to build a wedding chapel on his golf course in Bedminster, which he plans to later convert into a mausoleum for himself and his family.
Trump told the paper that the 525-acre Trump National Golf Club property in picturesque Somerset County hill country is a “beautiful place” to spend eternity.