‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Patrick Dempsey Plans Big TV Return in ‘Ways & Means’ On CBS

Patrick_Dempsey_at_80th_Academy_Awards

Patrick Dempsey is planning to return to television five years after his exit on “Grey’s Anatomy.” The actor, who became a household name for his role as McDreamy in the medical drama series with Ellen Pompeo, is set to star in a political drama series this time. The show “Ways & Means” will be coming to CBS.

“Ways & Means,” formerly titled “The Whip,” is from Executive Producer and “SEAL Team” showrunner Ed Redlich and has been ordered to pilot by CBS. Dempsey will play the role of a powerful Congressman who loses faith in politics. He meets a new and idealistic Congresswoman from the other party who is trying to “subvert the hopelessly gridlocked system he helped create.” Together, the two politicians attempt to change the political landscape to help those who actually need them — the people who elected them to serve the public.

Republican political consultant Mike Murphy will also write the pilot episode with Redlich. Dempsey is also serving as an executive producer.

This is the actor’s first regular role on a broadcast TV series after departing “Grey’s Anatomy” during the show’s 11th season.

“It was time for me to move on with other things and other interests. I probably should have moved on a couple of years earlier. I stayed a bit longer than I should have,” the actor said upon his departure on the fan favorite show.

Dempsey went on to star the drama “The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair,” a miniseries on Epix in 2018. He was also in the film “Bridget Jones’ Baby” with Renee Zellwegger.

CBS has slated “Ways & Means” for the 2020 to 2021 TV season. The network has also ordered the rework of “The Equalizer” with Queen Latifah, a re-adaptation of “The Lincoln Lawyer” and a “Silence of the Lambs” inspired drama series centering on Clarice Sterling’s early career.