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cheek by jowl

How Similar Is Off the Map to Grey’s Anatomy?

Off the Map, ABC's latest soapy doctor show, premieres tonight. Executive producer Shonda Rhimes has sworn up and down that the new show is not Grey's Anatomy in the jungle, but have no fear! Off the Map is totally Grey's in the jungle (or, if you prefer, Doctors Without Shirts). Consider the similarities.












  Grey's Anatomy Off the Map
Basic Premise Young doctors who don't know anything start over in a rainy place. Young doctors who don't know anything start over in a place near the beach.
Main Character Brunette with a secret (mother with Alzheimer’s) and sexual chemistry with her nicely coiffed boss. Brunette with a secret (dead fiancé) and sexual chemistry with her nicely muscled boss.
Supporting Cast Prickly African-American doctor; African-American doctor with a drinking problem; Stern, all-knowing teacher-doctor; Prickly, perfectionist Asian junior doctor; Nice blond junior doctor; Sweet, boyish junior doctor; Jerky wannabe plastic surgeon. Prickly African-American doctor with a drinking problem; Less stern, all-knowing teacher-nurse; prickly, perfectionist blond junior doctor; Sweet boy; jerky wannabe plastic surgeon.
Love Triangle Main character, her boss, his secret ex-wife. Main character's boss, his secret dead wife, his ex-girlfriend, (and eventually, we predict, the main character).
Tragic Backstories Estranged parents, crazy parents, dead parents, teen pregnancy, adultery, alcoholism. Estranged parents, dead partners, dead patients, alcoholism.
Hard-to-Master Language Surgical speak. Spanish.
Quirky Mode of Transportation Ferry boats. Zip lines.
Selectivity of Program "Look around you. Say hello to your competition. Eight of you will switch to an easier specialty. Five will crack under the pressure. Two of you will be asked to leave. This is your starting line." "Out of hundreds of doctors, I chose you three."
Invaluable Resource First-class research hospital The "tropical rain forest, where medicine was born."

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