Grey's Anatomy fans urged to watch 'underrated' spin-off that's way more 'emotionally damaging'

Since first landing on our screens 19 years ago, medical drama Grey's Anatomy has gone on to become one of the most successful - and undeniably binge-worthy - television hits of the 21st century.

So much so, that after just two instalments, producers were broached with the subject of a possible spin-off series, starring one of the show's much-loved characters - and thankfully, they grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

In fact, ever since the debut series landed in 2005, ABC went on to release a further three instalments, all of which have highly intriguing links to the original star-studded favourite.

And whilst they mightn't get as much mainstream attention as the OG, the follow-up series' have come highly recommended from fans of the show, particular to those on the look out for some brand new boxsets to rattle through.

Grey's Anatomy was first introduced to viewers as a dramatic telling of the most stomach-churning, heartbreaking and head-spinning incidents that manage to find their way into the emergency room.

As well as focussing on the surgeries, the pregnancies and the downright insane injuries sustained by the weekly guest stars, the series lets viewers in on how those working at Seattle Grace Hospital manage to balance their often-turbulent personal lives with their professional duties.

Amongst those who've led the show since the debut series are Ellen Pompeo (who plays Meredith Grey), Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey M.D.) and James Pickens Jr (Richard Webber M.D.).

The series also featured countless huge-name Hollywood actors who've sadly since departed the cast - the majority having been killed off in jaw-dropping, plot-twist littered storylines - including Patrick Dempsey and Katherine Heigl.

Grey's Anatomy producers launched three spin-offs. (ABC)

Following the success of the first two instalments, which bagged several Emmy nominations and even a Golden Globe won by Sandra Oh, producers were understandably keen to launch a spin-off series - or three.

Their first and most successful attempt was Private Practice, which centred on the life of Dr. Addison Montgomery (played by Kate Walsh) after she left to join a private practice in Los Angeles.

It saw several much-appreciated crossovers from the original series, and some of Grey's Anatomy's widely-adored stars even stopped by to say hello.

Without giving too much away, we'll just tell you that the series boasted a very successful run - having spanned for more than 100 episodes.

Don't just take our word for it though, because countless fans of the original series are quite literally imploring others to sink their teeth into it.

"Grey’s anatomy fans, if you’ve never watched private practice, you’re missing out on the full story of amelia shepherd," one recommended on social media in recent weeks.

Private Practice stars Grey's Anatomy star Kate Walsh. (ABC)

Another went on to urge fans: "ALSO! If you love Grey’s Anatomy like me & haven’t seen Private Practice, PLEASE DO! It’s so underrated! Not as good as Grey’s obviously, pero you guys need to watch it!"

"Private practice is actually more emotionally damaging than greys i swear every time i thought addison would get to be happy something else happened to her like i was fighting for my life watching it," a third continued.

As we say, however, Private Practice wasn't the only spin-off to tickle fans' fancies.

Another hit titled Station 19 was released in 2017, which centres on the lives of the women and men working at Seattle Fire Station 19, stars Jaina Lee Ortiz, Jason George and Grey Damon, and was first introduced in the 14th series of Grey’s Anatomy’s season 14, when firefighters were brought to the hospital after a fire.

And last but not least, Grey’s Anatomy: B-Team was released as a six-episode-long web series in 2018, focusing on a group of interns working at the hospital.