Spin-offs don't always work, and the May 3 debut wasn't perfect. But in this case, ABC liked what it saw enough to take a shot.

The network is hoping that Kate Walsh will serve as its secret weapon next fall, and officially chose to pick up the Walsh-led Grey's Anatomy spin-off, currently entitled Private Practice, for next season.

In addition to Walsh's character, Addison Montgomery, the new show stars Taye Diggs, Tim Daly, Paul Adelstein, Chris Lowell, Merrin Dungey and Amy Brenneman.

While this certainly simplifies the race for a chief at Seattle Grace (not to mention a number of love lives), many Grey's fans would rather see Addison continue her ongoing Anatomy lesson with Dr. Alex Karev.

Then again, according to our exclusive poll, at least 50 percent of respondents either liked or loved what they saw of the spin-off as it debuted as part of "The Other Side of This Life."

Congratulations to Kate. We'll miss you on Grey's Anatomy, but we'll be watching your new venture and wishing you the best!

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