It's always a concern, though, for the much maligned spin-off - no matter who or what is being spun.

Fortunately, according to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello (considered a timely and accurate gauge of such matters), the answer is no. Audiences still have a lot of good will towards Grey's Anatomy, for one.

ABC has also surrounded Private Practice on Wednesday nights with two of its top pilots, Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money.

It has a solid night in Wednesdays, Ausiello writes, with Private Practice as a pre-sold tent pole (if you will) to hold it up.

But expect the veteran cast of Paul Adelstein (pictured), Kate Walsh and their Private Practice co-stars to attract, and secure, a slightly older audience than the Grey's Anatomy mother ship.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.