Jesse Williams raved about the Grey’s Anatomy reference in Only Murders in the Building, showing his appreciation for the homage to his previous show. The playful connection between Only the Murders in the Building and Grey’s Anatomy points to the latter’s enduring popularity and how actors associate with their roles even after they leave the hit show. The possibility of a Grey’s Anatomy spin-off hinted at in “Only the Murders in the Building” coincides with the origin story of the show’s spin-offs, while ironically poking fun at the trend of procedural series being extended to other departments and cities.
A subtle reference to Grey’s Anatomy in the third season of Only Murders in the Building drew an enthusiastic response from former Seattle Grace doctor Jesse Williams. The popular Hulu detective series returned this month and plunged viewers into a twisted investigation into the death of famed actor Ben Glenroy (played by Paul Rudd). The third season of “Only Murders in the Building” introduced a number of new characters, including Tobert (played by Williams), a documentary filmmaker. This is the actor’s biggest role on television since leaving Grey’s Anatomy, where he played plastic surgeon Jackson Avery for 14 seasons.
In the final episode of Season 3 of Only Murders in the Building, aspiring actress Loretta Durkin (played by Meryl Streep) auditions for a new Grey’s Anatomy spin-off, humorously titled Passion New Orleans: Bernard’s Family. . In an interview with TVLine, executive producer John Hoffman spoke about Williams’ reaction to the unexpected reference to his previous show, indicating he was smitten. Hoffman says:
“Jesse was very sweet about it. He really liked (while reading the script on Zoom) the reference. And this is a real tribute. I mean, has there been a more successful show than Grey’s Anatomy? How lucky an actress (like Loretta) is to have this opportunity… It’s amazing to see Meryl Streep excited about this opportunity.”
Williams’ character Tobert is absent when Grey’s Anatomy is mentioned; he spends most of 3rd episode 3rd season of Only Murders in the Building exploring Ben’s penthouse with Mabel (played by Selena Gomez). Nevertheless, the game connection is obvious. Currently on hiatus due to a writers’ and actors’ strike ahead of its 20th season, Grey’s Anatomy remains one of the most watched programs on television, and the actors who appear on it are often associated with their roles even after they leave. show. .
Even suggesting another Grey’s Anatomy spin-off in Only Murders in the Building isn’t that far off the mark. The ABC series has already spawned two real-life spin-offs, Private Practice and Plot 19, and its large ensemble is always up for new storytelling opportunities. Whether a future spin-off will have the same obvious title as Grey’s New Orleans: The Burns Family is less certain, but it appears to be a playful joke about procedural series’ tendency to spawn spin-offs in other departments and cities.
The potential character of Loretta Gray, who has a complex history and may be limping, seems to be a perfect fit for the drama’s universe. “Grey’s Anatomy”, despite serious medical plots, for 19 seasons often bordered on melodrama. Unfortunately, although Loretta does get the part, at the end of Season 3 Episode 3 “Only Murders in the Building” she decides to turn it down in order to stay in Oliver’s (played by Martin Short) musical, meaning the series is not will get the role. , an opportunity to satirize another familiar genre. However, the reference to Williams’ previous television work won his approval, and likely the approval of many viewers.
Source: TVLine