Grey’s Anatomy season 14 to help launch firefighter spin-off

Is Grey’s Anatomy about to give way to Seattle Fire? That’s probably not the title, but a firefighter spin-off series is apparently coming.

According to a new report coming in from Variety, ABC has given already a straight-to-series order to a new spin-off headed by current showrunner Stacy McKee. (Of course, longtime Grey’s showrunner and Shondaland guru Shonda Rhimes will also be an executive producer.) The series will be planted within an episode of the upcoming 14th season of the show presumably, and feature a wide array of different characters within this world.

In a statement, ABC programming head Channing Dungey had the following to say:

“No one can interweave the jeopardy firefighters face in the line of duty with the drama in their personal lives quite like Shonda, and ‘Grey’s’ signature Seattle setting is the perfect backdrop for this exciting spinoff.”

The idea of this will almost immediately draw a reaction just because this is basically the reverse of what NBC did — starting with Chicago Fire before moving into Chicago Med. There’s more backlash about this spin-off already than there was with Chicago Med, and that’s probably just because there are so few firefighter shows that this one superficially feels like more of an unoriginal concept. Just remember this — if there are 100 different angles to do medical shows, there are also 100 different angles to do a firefighter show. It will likely be told through different voices and utilize the signature Shondaland tone. Chicago Fire is tremendous; having another firefighter show doesn’t take away from that.

There is already some success out there in the Grey’s Anatomy extended universe, given that Private Practice already was spawned and lasted for a good six seasons. Given that the flagship show somehow still remains ABC’s most-popular drama, it makes sense for them to try to milk this in some way.

There is no indication when this spin-off could premiere; it’s possible that it could be an ABC midseason entry, or be saved for the 2018-19 season.

What do you think about the idea of a firefighter spin-off show for Grey’s Anatomy? Share in the comments!

Meanwhile, be sure to head over here to read a preview for the big finale airing on the network Thursday night. (Photo: ABC.)