Patrick Dempsey Returning to TV, New Series Announced Two Years After 'Grey's Anatomy' Departure

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Patrick Dempsey is diving back into TV.

Two years after we (tragically) lost our beloved Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy, MGM Television has announced that a new series is in production starring the 51-year-old actor, along with Damon Wayans Jr., Virginia Madsen and Ben Schetzer.

MORE: 'Grey's Anatomy' Boss Explains Why Derek Shepherd Had to Die: 'What Were the Options?'

The show, which will premiere on the EPIX premium cable network, is based on Joël Dicker's best-selling novel, The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, about an author facing a murder indictment after a young girl's buried body is discovered on his property. Dempsey has signed on as the titular character in the Jean-Jacques Annaud (Enemy at the Gates)-directed project, for which production is underway in Montreal, Canada.

Sounds promising, though, after all this time, we're still a little upset over Dempsey's Grey's exit! Last year, the actor opened up why it was the right time to go.

MORE: Patrick Dempsey on Leaving 'Grey's Anatomy': 'I Stayed a Bit Longer than I Should Have'

"It had been long enough," he explained to People. "It was time for me to move on with other things and other interests. I probably should have moved on a couple of years earlier. I stayed a bit longer than I should have."

Watch the video for Shonda Rhimes' explanation for why McDreamy had to die.

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