ABC Picks Up Crisis Management Pilot From Grey's Creator Shonda Rhimes

Dec 18, 2010 07:38 PM ET
by Kate Stanhope
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Shonda Rhimes

ABC has picked up its first pilot of the season from Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice creator Shonda Rhimes, the network announced Saturday.

The untitled project will follow the life and work of a professional fixer and her dysfunctional staff. The main character is based on famous crisis management consultant Judy Smith. Over the last two decades, Smith has guided many public figures, including Monica Lewinsky and Michael Vick, through their individual scandals. Smith  will co-executive produce the project.

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Rhimes wrote the script, which marks the first pilot she's written since Private Practice's backdoor pilot on Grey's Anatomy in 2007. She will executive produce along with fellow Grey's Anatomy executive producer Betsy Beers.

ABC is already home to three of Rhimes' series. Besides Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, Rhimes is the executive producer of Off the Map, a medical drama set in the jungle which premieres on ABC on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 10/9c.