Fans of Grey's Anatomy are puzzled by the Texas setting of the medical franchise's newly announced spin-off. ABC has greenlit an untitled one-hour offshoot centred on a team at a West Texas rural medical centre, described as 'the last chance for care before miles of nowhere'. The show is expected to premiere during the 2026–2027 broadcast season.
Original star Ellen Pompeo will executive produce alongside series creator Shonda Rhimes and current showrunner Meg Marinis. Marinis, a Texas native, expressed excitement about expanding the Grey's Anatomy universe, stating the spin-off will 'embody the same heart, emotion and connection' fans have loved for over two decades.
However, the Texas location has left many viewers confused, as the state has little connection to the main series. Major characters who have left Grey's Anatomy have ended up in Boston, Switzerland, or Paris. Fans have questioned whether any existing characters will appear in the new show.
Some viewers have noted potential links: Dr. Stephanie Edwards (Jerrika Hinton) went to a Texas burn unit after a hospital explosion in season 13, and Dr. Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) left for a paediatrics fellowship in San Antonio. It remains unclear if either character will return. Grey's Anatomy, which debuted in 2005, was renewed for a 23rd season in March.
