Only Murders in the Building season 3’s sly Grey’s Anatomy reference earned a delighted reaction from former Seattle Grace doctor Jesse Williams. Hulu’s hit murder mystery series returned earlier this month and plunged viewers into the twisty investigation surrounding the death of famous actor Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd).
Only Murders in the Building season 3 has introduced a slew of newcomers, including Williams’ documentarian Tobert. This marks his biggest television role since he departed Grey’s Anatomy, where he played plastic surgeon Jackson Avery across 14 seasons.
On the latest episode of Only Murders in the Building season 3, aspiring actor Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep) strikes gold when she gets an audition for the newest Grey’s Anatomy offshoot, humorously dubbed Grey’s New Orleans: Family Burn Unit. In an interview with TVLine, executive producer John Hoffman reveals Williams’ reaction to the surprise reference to his previous show, which indicated he was rather touched by it. Hoffman says:
“Jesse was very sweet about that. He was howling [during our Zoom table read] about the reference. And it’s a real homage. I mean, has there been a more successful show than Grey’s Anatomy? What a windfall for an actress [like Loretta] to have that opportunity…. Watching Meryl Streep get excited about that for herself is just a dream.”
Only Murders’ Grey’s Anatomy Joke Explained
Williams’ character Tobert isn’t present when the Grey’s Anatomy reference is uttered; he spends much of Only Murders in the Building season 3 episode 3 investigating Ben’s penthouse apartment with Mabel (Selena Gomez). Nevertheless, the playful connection is clear. Currently on pause due to the writers and actors strikes ahead of its season 20, Grey’s Anatomy remains one of the most popular shows on broadcast television, and the actors who appear on it are frequently associated with their roles even after they leave.