I really enjoyed the ‘Private Practice’ pilot back in May.  The show seems to be much more relaxed and much more fun, and I’m interested to see what lengths they go to in effort to separate themselves from parent show ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.

The news came in over the weekend that there has been a bit of a shakeup in the ‘Practice’ cast.  The role of Addison’s supposed best friend, Dr. Naomi Bennet, which was previously occupied by Merrin Dungey of ‘Alias’ fame, will be taken over by Audra McDonald, a four-time Tony winner for her time on Broadway. 

I’m not too concerned about losing Dungey.  She’s a fine actress, but her chemistry with Kate Walsh didn’t really pop as well as it could have, I guess.  What does concern me, though, is this little comment:

“Grey’s Anatomy was cast off whoever seemed to fit the parts best and have good chemistry,” says a well-placed source. “The spin-off was cast with actors the network and studio already had under contract.”

I’m sorry…what?  I understand the whole using what you’ve got to save money thing, but come on.  You’ve got an established formula with ‘Grey’s’ that you know works…why are you going to change that to go with a “let’s use Tim Daly, he’s not doing anything right now” method?  (Don’t get me wrong…love Tim Daly, especially in this role.)

Regardless, I’m excited to see how the show looks after the shine’s worn off and everyone starts to settle into their roles next season.

(Source: Ausiello @ TVGuide)