Grey's Anatomy

Everyone wants a piece of Patrick Dempsey, and not just interns at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital. The American Broadcasting Company (ABC), owner of Grey's Anatomy and beneficiary of its soaring popularity, continues its promotional efforts tonight by airing Sweet Home Alabama, co-starring Dempsey, one night after he was featured on the network's Barbara Walters Special.

The 2002 film starring Reese Witherspoon as an Alabama girl who runs away from home and reinvents her self as a New York socialite (where she is wooed by Dempsey's character) drew mixed critical reviews but was a box office hit, grossing more than $127 million domestically. So I guess it's not entirely unfounded that ABC would air it tonight. Just conveniently timed, don't you think?

Dempsey plays the dreamy Derek Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy and was practically as charming -- albeit humble and even a little insecure -- during Walters' interview last night. He candidly discussed his lifelong battle with dyslexia, his struggle for quality acting work for a prolonged period of time, and his failed first marriage to his former manager (a woman 27 years older than he).

Walters also interviewed Matthew McConaughey, Mariah Carey and Oscar contender George Clooney in her 25th TV special. Speaking of the Academy Awards (which ABC also owns the rights to), they will be on TV Sunday night. Sadly, that means no new escapades for Meredith, George, and McDreamy et al., until March 12. Boo!