Shonda Rhimes, the creative force behind some of television’s most iconic dramas, recently opened up about the spinoff ideas for Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal that never made it to the screen. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, shared by Deadline on March 27, 2025, Rhimes revealed the concepts that once sparked her imagination, offering fans a glimpse into the expansive worlds she envisioned for her beloved characters.
In a new interview, Rhimes explained what she looks for in creating a spinoff and revealed some ideas that never materialized.
“On ‘Grey’s, there were a bunch,” Rhimes told Entertainment Weekly. “I felt like we could have done Chicago Anatomy, Boston. We could have done that. It… pic.twitter.com/4LD2YJ5RrI
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 27, 2025
Grey’s Anatomy, which premiered in 2005, has already birthed two successful spinoffs: Private Practice (2007-2013), centered on Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh), and Station 19 (2018-2024), which followed the firefighters of Seattle. However, Rhimes disclosed that other ideas were explored, including a potential series titled Chicago Anatomy or a Boston-based show. “I felt like we could have done that,” she said, but ultimately, the idea of rebuilding the same medical drama world in a new city didn’t captivate her enough to pursue.
One concept that particularly intrigued Rhimes was a spinoff featuring Caterina Scorsone’s character, Amelia Shepherd, from Grey’s Anatomy. Amelia, the sister of the late Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), could have anchored a show about the Shepherd sisters, all of whom are doctors. The Shepherd family has been a recurring presence on Grey’s, with appearances by Nancy (Embeth Davidtz), Kathleen (Amy Acker), and Liz (Neve Campbell), alongside their mother, Carolyn (Tyne Daly). “It could have been a Shepherd sisters show, which would’ve been very interesting,” Rhimes noted, hinting at the potential for a fresh yet familiar narrative within the Grey’s universe.
Turning to Scandal, Rhimes shared that a spinoff centered on Joe Morton’s character, Rowan Pope, was also considered. Rowan, the formidable father of Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and head of the shadowy B613 organization, could have led a standalone series exploring the darker corners of Washington, D.C.’s political underbelly. However, Rhimes emphasized her approach to spinoffs: they must stand on their own. “If you spin off a character, what people want is more of the same,” she explained. “To build a new world is incredibly difficult.”
Rhimes’ reflections highlight her thoughtful process for expanding her television universes. While Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal have left indelible marks on pop culture—the former now in its 21st season and the latter concluding in 2018 after seven seasons—Rhimes’ focus has always been on creating distinct, self-sustaining stories. Her comments also underscore the challenges of meeting fan expectations while pushing creative boundaries, a balance she has navigated with hits like Bridgerton on Netflix.
Though these spinoffs never materialized, Rhimes’ revelations have sparked excitement among fans, who are now imagining what a Shepherd sisters drama or a Rowan Pope thriller might have looked like. For now, Rhimes continues to shape television history, leaving the door open for future Shondaland stories to captivate audiences worldwide.
