<P> On February 21, 2007, The Wall Street Journal reported that ABC was pursuing a spin - off medical drama television series for the series featuring Kate Walsh's character, Addison Montgomery . Subsequent reports confirmed the decision, stating that an expanded two - hour broadcast of Grey's Anatomy would serve as a backdoor pilot for the proposed spin - off . The cast was reportedly unhappy about the decision, as all hoped the spin - off would have been given to them . Pompeo commented that she felt, as the star, she should have been consulted, and Heigl, disclosed that she had hoped for a spin - off for Izzie . The backdoor pilot that aired on May 3, 2007, sees Addison take "a leave of absence" from Seattle Grace Hospital, to visit her best friend from Los Angeles, Naomi Bennett, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist, in order to get pregnant . While in Los Angeles, she meets Bennett's colleagues at the Oceanside Wellness Center and even becomes the clinic's obstetrician - gynecologist for the day . The two - hour broadcast served as the twenty - second and the twenty - third episodes of the third season, and was directed by Michael Grossman, according to Variety . The cast included Amy Brenneman, Paul Adelstein, Tim Daly, Taye Diggs, Chris Lowell and Merrin Dungey . ABC officially picked up Private Practice for its 2007 lineup on May 11, 2007 . KaDee Strickland's character, Charlotte King, who would be introduced in the spin - off's first - season premiere, did not appear in the backdoor pilot . Her addition to the main cast was announced on July 11, 2007, prior to the commencement of the first season . She did not have to audition for the role, but was cast after a meeting with Rhimes . Also not present in the backdoor pilot was Audra McDonald, due to her character, Bennett, being portrayed by a different actress, Merrin Dungey . However, on June 29, 2007, ABC announced that Dungey would be replaced, with no reason given for the change . The premiere episode followed the second part of the season debut of Dancing with the Stars, and provided a lead - in to fellow freshman series, Dirty Sexy Money . Pushing Daisies, a third new series for the evening, rounded out the lineup as a lead - in to Private Practice . The series aired a total of six seasons . </P> <P> The season received mixed to negative reviews, after two seasons that resulted in heavy critical acclaim . Following a positive outlook on the second season, Christopher Monfette of IGN Entertainment expressed disappointment during the third one, mainly due to the declining quality and lack of realism of the storylines . He noted a growing number of similarities between the season's arcs and the ones that are developed in soap operas, by stating that "the line which separates primetime television from soap opera is oftentimes razor thin" and admitting that, despite his considering the series "the best drama", he freely admits that it requires some inherent suspension of disbelief, after it "found itself mired in the annoying and absurd". Whereas Monfette acknowledged that the fans would consider the problem to have been a simple case of lazy writing, he noted that over-writing played a main role in the series becoming unexpectedly unrealistic . He also noted the senseless intrigues in the Derek / Meredith relationship, by stating that the season would not have achieved high ratings if a functional relationship had been introduced: "The season generally opts to stall out for its vast majority, providing Meredith with some bizarrely under - developed sub-plot about depression and giving Derek a season's worth of reconsidering to do". </P> <P> Monfette criticized the romantic development of the characters throughout the season, by describing Cristina and Burke's relationship as an excuse for the possibility of a wedding for Meredith, whereas Burke's unfair behavior towards Cristina is thought to be manipulative, exposing her to his overly romantic notion of an ideal ceremony . The way the doubts regarding the success of their relationship were resolved in the season finale was described as "most obvious and least compelling ." IGN Entertainment was also critical of Alex Karev's storyline, who is seen falling for a pregnant and badly injured Jane Doe, despite having always been "self - obsessed". Monfette once again noted the lack of realism in the improvement of Jane Doe's condition, as she gives birth to her baby and undergoes reconstructive surgery in a short amount of time . However, her incapability and continuous struggle to remember who she is was considered to be "the most affecting and honest plotline of the season", noting the nuanced and emotionally resonant scenes, which gave the show a "charmingly positive, feel - good foundation". Monfette considered Izzie's affair with George as the season's worst but most significant storyline, criticizing its being "force - red, emotionally incorrect, a mismatch from the beginning and a narrative long - shot", which does not express love, but lust . He agreed that the essential problem of the season was its reluctance to move, leading to frustration after seeing "the entertaining familiar characters so weighed down by their most annoying of traits". </P> <P> In response to the season premiere, Oscar Dahl of Buddytv.com noted the predictability of the series, but expressed hope in its further development, by stating that it has become "a medical chick flick, but a damn good one" with a big and attractive cast . He also praised the interaction between the characters, noting the "smart" dialogue that helps each character evolve . However, Dahl expressed disappointment in the over emotional scenes, describing them as "off - putting" and "not believable", while comparing them to real life interactions between people who emote in a more subtle manner than displayed on television . "Emotions ran high in the premiere and there was much crying", stated Dahl, but noted that the dialogue, who he had previously been worried would be "too cutesy", was not bothering, and rather realistic, noting how the show is "smartly written". He also described the acting of Ellen Pompeo and Katherine Heigl as "worthy of attention". </P>

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