As one of the biggest shows in television history, no one can question the legacy that Grey’s Anatomy will leave behind once it eventually comes to an end. The show was a success from the jump, and since then, it has earned its stars millions and has featured talented performers.
Private Practice was a spin-off series that took Addison Montgomery out of Seattle and put her into Los Angeles for a new life. The show was a hit, but eventually, it came to an end while its predecessor continued to dominate the small screen for another 8 years and counting.
Let’s take a look back and see why Private Practice wound up being cancelled.
‘Private Practice’ Was A Huge Hit
Thanks to the success of Grey’s Anatomy, people were interested in taking a deeper dive on some of the show’s most popular character. Turns out, it would be none other than Addison Montgomery who would get her own show, and people made sure to tune in and see what her life was like away from the drama in Seattle.
Debuting back in 2007, Private Practice was able to haul in a sizable audience in no time. Having Kate Walsh reprise the role of Addison Montgomery was an easy choice to make, but the series did an exceptional job in finding other talented performers to carry its biggest roles. Much like Grey’s, these performers weren’t household or A-list names, but they could not have done a better job on the show.
After its successful debut, Private Practice was chugging long full steam ahead. The crossover episodes with Grey’s Anatomy were always fun for the fans to watch, and there was enough going on with the lead characters to keep them developing and to keep great stories unfolding. However, just because a show finds a ton of success and can keep going doesn’t always mean that it will.
Once rumors began to surface about the fate of Private Practice, it would not take long for the show to hit the bricks.
Rumors Circulate About Kate Walsh’s Departure
Prior to the start of sixth season, it was rumored that Kate Walsh was leaving the show. On top of that, the series was starting to dwindle in its viewership. Initially, the sixth season had the potential to get more episodes, but Walsh’s decision to leave and the viewership contributed to its end.
Shonda Rhimes eventually announced the show’s conclusion, saying, “I'm sad to say that Private Practice's run will end after episode 613 this season. There was a lot of discussion and debate but, in the end, the guys at the network and the studio and I all decided that Private Practice was reaching its finish line. Creatively, we are all extremely proud of the show and especially proud of this season -- which you will all soon discover is a creative renaissance. I can't wait for you to see it.”
And just like that, fans knew that the end was coming for characters that they had spent several years watching. Fans wanted more, but they were still going to tune in and support the show’s final season.
The Show Ends
After making its debut back in 2007, Private Practice ultimately came to an end back in 2013. The series had a total of 6 seasons and over 100 episodes, making it a huge success in its own right. Sure, it was not on the same level of success as its predecessor, but no one will complain about getting over 100 episodes.
When talking about the finale, Walsh said, “It was hugely emotional, and there were a lot of tears. It felt very dreamy and symbolic: Addison is being sent off into this new life, and all the characters are being sent into their world to do what’s next. It was great having Audra back; she and Taye are two of my favorite actors. I love seeing them play together, and it was reminiscent of old times. Between takes was my favorite part. I love it because it’s got a little Much Ado About Nothing kind of vibe and a bit of Jane Austen in there; it’s a fairytale and fantastic and a really great ending.”
And just like that, the series was done. Grey’s Anatomy, meanwhile, it still one of the most popular shows on television. It has maintained a rare staying power at this point, though there is speculation that the show could be coming to and end sooner rather than later.
Private Practice was a hit in its own right, but Kate Walsh gearing up to leave the show sped up its ending.