Season
Episode
Player server
Private Practice

Private Practice

20078
Drama
Released
Sep 26, 2007
Country
United States
Productions
shondalandThe Mark Gordon CompanyABC Studios
Having left behind Seattle Grace Hospital, renowned surgeon Addison Forbes Montgomery moves to Los Angeles for sunnier weather and happier possibilities. She reunites with her friends from medical school, joining them at their chic, co-op, Oceanside Wellness Center in Santa Monica.

About

Quick guide

A medical drama following Dr. Addison Montgomery as she moves from Seattle to Los Angeles to join a private practice.

Private Practice centers on the life of Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) after she leaves Seattle Grace Hospital to open a private practice in Santa Monica. The series follows her relationships with former medical school friends, who run the Oceanside Wellness Center, as they handle complex medical cases and personal drama. The show balances professional challenges with family and romantic storylines while exploring deeper issues such as addiction, mental health and workplace politics.

What to know

  • Spin‑off of Grey’s Anatomy, created by Shonda Rhimes.
  • Stars Kate Walsh as Addison Montgomery, with Tim Daly and others.
  • Set in Santa Monica’s Oceanside Wellness Center, a private practice.
  • A total of six seasons, 111 episodes (2007–2013).
  • Features crossover episodes with Grey’s Anatomy.
  • Shows a mix of medical cases, romance, and workplace drama.
  • Aired on ABC, now available on Hulu and Disney+.
  • Explores mature themes such as addiction, mental health, and family conflict.

Watch if

If you enjoy character‑driven medical dramas that mix romance, personal growth and challenging medical cases—especially if you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy—Private Practice offers a fresh setting with familiar faces and complex storylines.

Skip if

If you prefer lighter, purely procedural medical shows or dislike storylines involving addiction, mental health struggles, or evolving romantic relationships, this series may feel too heavy or slow‑paced for you.

dialogue heavypsychological elementsromance elementsmature themesdark tonesuspensefulslow burnlanguage some
Series Premise
Private Practice follows Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) after she leaves Seattle Grace Hospital to start a private practice in Santa Monica. The show focuses on her interactions with former medical school friends who run the Oceanside Wellness Center, blending medical cases with personal and romantic drama. The narrative explores professional challenges, workplace politics, and complex patient stories.
Main Characters
Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) is the lead, accompanied by a diverse group: Sam Bennett (Taye Diggs), Naomi Bennett (Audra McDonald), Cooper Freedman (Paul Adelstein), Charlotte King (KaDee Strickland), Violet Turner (Amy Brenneman), and Pete Wilder (Tim Daly). These characters form a tight-knit medical team, each bringing distinct expertise and personal drama.
Season Structure
The series ran six seasons (111 episodes) from 2007 to 2013. Each season introduced new medical cases, personal arcs, and evolving relationships, often culminating in emotionally charged season finales. The show maintained a consistent 43‑minute episode format, typical of ABC’s drama lineup.
Themes & Tone
Private Practice tackles mature subjects such as addiction, mental health, and workplace dynamics. The tone is often introspective and slow‑burn, with a focus on character development and dialogue rather than rapid plot twists. Romance, professional conflict, and ethical dilemmas are central themes throughout the series.
Critical Reception
Reviews were mixed at launch, with some critics praising character depth while others found the drama slow. The series received several award nominations, including Emmys for its lead actress. Over time, it cultivated a loyal fan base and remains a respected entry in the medical drama genre.
Legacy & Availability
After its 2013 finale, the show is available on streaming platforms such as Hulu and Disney+ and on DVD. It continues to influence modern medical dramas and retains a dedicated online fan community. The series’ crossover episodes with Grey’s Anatomy helped solidify its place within the Shondaland universe.

FAQ

41 Q&A
Did Derek Shepherd appear in Private Practice?
Yes, Derek Shepherd made guest appearances in Private Practice.
What was the final scene of Private Practice?
The final scene showed the main characters celebrating a baby shower for Charlotte and Cooper.
What happened to Addison Montgomery at the end of Private Practice?
Addison decided to stay in Los Angeles with Jake and Maya.
How did Private Practice end for Amelia?
Amelia became the new head of the practice and got engaged to James.
Who is Violet Turner married to?
Violet Turner was married to Pete Wilder.
Who is Lucas Riley?
Lucas Riley is Addison Montgomery's nephew.
What are some memorable storylines from Private Practice?
Memorable storylines include Addison's struggles with motherhood, Amelia's brain tumor, and complex patient cases.
Is Private Practice a spin-off of Grey's Anatomy?
Yes, Private Practice is a spin-off of Grey's Anatomy.
What happened to Sam Bennett and Naomi Bennett?
Sam and Naomi divorced but remained friends and colleagues.
How many seasons of Private Practice are there?
There are six seasons of Private Practice.
What medical conditions were featured in Private Practice?
The show featured various conditions like infertility, addiction, neurological disorders, and difficult pregnancies.
What happened to Dell Parker?
Dell Parker died in a car accident.
Did Mark Sloan appear in Private Practice?
Yes, Mark Sloan made guest appearances in Private Practice.
What was the relationship between Addison and Sam?
Addison and Sam were colleagues and friends. They had a brief romantic relationship.
When did Private Practice first air?
Private Practice first aired on September 26, 2007.
What happened to Pete Wilder?
Pete Wilder died from a heart attack.
What is the meaning of the Private Practice finale?
The finale focused on the characters' personal growth, new beginnings, and the strength of their chosen family.
Who are the main characters in Private Practice?
Main characters include Addison Montgomery, Sam Bennett, Naomi Bennett, Violet Turner, Cooper Freedman, Charlotte King, and Amelia Shepherd.
Did Cooper and Charlotte end up together?
Yes, Cooper and Charlotte ended up together and got married.
What was the inspiration for Private Practice?
The show was inspired by a guest appearance by Addison Montgomery on Grey's Anatomy.
Who created Private Practice?
Private Practice was created by Shonda Rhimes.
Where was Private Practice filmed?
Private Practice was filmed in Los Angeles, California.
What is the backstory of Dr. Addison Montgomery?
Addison is a renowned neonatal surgeon who left Seattle Grace to start a new practice in Los Angeles.
What happened to Erica Warner?
Erica Warner was a patient who struggled with a rare autoimmune disease.
Who did Addison end up with?
Addison ended up with Jake Reilly.
Did Private Practice have any crossover episodes with Grey's Anatomy?
Yes, Private Practice had several crossover episodes with Grey's Anatomy, as both shows were created by Shonda Rhimes and shared a universe.
What are some common criticisms of Private Practice?
Some common criticisms included overly dramatic storylines, perceived unrealistic medical scenarios, and a focus on personal relationships over medical cases.
What was the impact of Private Practice on television?
Private Practice was part of the wave of successful medical dramas that followed Grey's Anatomy, exploring different facets of medical practice and character relationships.
How did the show address infertility and adoption?
The show frequently addressed infertility and adoption through various patient storylines and also explored these themes through the personal journeys of some of its main characters.
What were the major character arcs throughout the series?
Major character arcs involved personal growth, relationship challenges, career developments, and overcoming significant life events for characters like Addison Montgomery, Derek Shepherd, and Amelia Shepherd.
What happened to the children of the main characters?
The children of main characters faced various challenges and developments, including health issues, growing up, and relationships, as depicted throughout the series.
What is the role of the practice in later seasons?
In later seasons, the practice evolved, facing financial challenges, mergers, and changes in its staff, while continuing to serve its patients.
Who were some notable guest stars on Private Practice?
Notable guest stars included actors who reprised their roles from Grey's Anatomy, as well as other well-known television personalities.
How did the show handle complex medical ethics?
The show often presented complex medical ethical dilemmas, requiring characters to make difficult decisions that tested their moral compasses and professional standards.
How did the show's setting influence the storylines?
The setting in sunny Los Angeles, with its focus on a private practice, allowed for a different style of storytelling compared to a bustling city hospital, often featuring more personal and relationship-driven plots.
How did the private practice setting differ from a hospital?
The private practice setting allowed for more intimate patient care, a focus on holistic approaches, and storylines centered on the doctors' personal lives and professional choices outside a large, bureaucratic hospital system.
What are the key themes explored in Private Practice?
Key themes included the complexities of modern medicine, personal relationships, family, fertility, adoption, and the ethical challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
What is the legacy of Private Practice?
The legacy of Private Practice lies in its contribution to the medical drama genre, its exploration of women's health issues, and its expansion of the Grey's Anatomy universe.
What is the role of Oceanside Wellness Group?
Oceanside Wellness Group was the initial name and setting of the practice where the series began, serving as the central location for the characters and their medical endeavors.
What was the significance of the name 'Private Practice'?
The name 'Private Practice' highlighted the show's focus on a medical practice outside of a traditional hospital, emphasizing the personal and professional lives of its doctors.
What are some fan-favorite episodes of Private Practice?
Fan-favorite episodes often involved significant character development, major plot twists, emotional patient stories, and impactful moments within the show's relationships.

Actors

Kate Walsh
Kate Walsh
Addison Montgomery
Paul Adelstein
Paul Adelstein
Cooper Freedman
KaDee Strickland
KaDee Strickland
Charlotte King
Caterina Scorsone
Caterina Scorsone
Amelia Shepherd
Taye Diggs
Taye Diggs
Sam Bennett
Amy Brenneman
Amy Brenneman
Violet Turner
Benjamin Bratt
Benjamin Bratt
Jake Reilly
Brian Benben
Brian Benben
Sheldon Wallace
Griffin Gluck
Griffin Gluck
Mason Warner