Scott Speedman is currently living what some actors might consider a dream—and a logistical nightmare. He is the lead star of a brand-new ABC crime drama, R.J. Decker, while simultaneously keeping his recurring role as Dr. Nick Marsh, the love interest of Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey, on the network’s long-running hit, Grey’s Anatomy. However, balancing two major television shows filming in different states is no easy task, and Speedman is being completely honest about the struggle.
In a recent exclusive interview on the set of R.J. Decker in Wilmington, North Carolina, the 50-year-old actor opened up about the hectic schedule that lies ahead. He admitted that he and the production teams are still “trying to figure that out,” referring to the complex travel and timing required to shoot both series simultaneously . With Grey’s Anatomy based in Los Angeles and his new series firmly planted on the East Coast, Speedman is about to become a frequent flyer, dealing with everything from tight schedules to unpredictable weather.
Here is a look at how Scott Speedman is handling his double duty on ABC, what it means for his character Nick Marsh on Grey’s Anatomy, and the latest updates on his new leading role.
The Logistical Juggling Act Between Wilmington and Los Angeles
Scott Speedman didn’t mince words when describing the challenge of working on two major network productions at the same time. During a press visit to the R.J. Decker set in February, he explained that while the creative side of switching between roles is comfortable for him, the geography is the real problem .
“We’re about to do something where I have to go back and do Grey’s Anatomy,” Speedman told People. “So, we’re just trying to figure that out now. Wilmington, for all its great qualities, is not the easiest place to get in and out of” .
He pointed out that simply getting back to Los Angeles during the current weather conditions is going to be “interesting,” but he remains determined to make it work . The plan, as it stands, is intense: he will shoot on the Grey’s Anatomy set for a couple of days, then immediately jump on a plane to return to North Carolina to continue filming R.J. Decker .
While he is confident in his ability to perform, he jokingly asked reporters to check back with him later. “Ask me later because I haven’t done it yet, but I’m sure it’ll go well,” he added with a cautious optimism .
The Creative Switch: Slipping Back Into Nick Marsh’s Shoes
While the travel is tough, the actual acting part is the least of his worries. Speedman reassured fans that stepping back into the role of the beloved transplant surgeon will feel natural. He has been playing Dr. Nick Marsh on and off since Season 14, and the character is now firmly under his skin .
“In terms of creatively, I’ve been doing Grey’s now for a number of years, so I’ll just slip into that,” he explained . This ease with the character is a relief, as it allows him to focus his energy on the physical demands of the schedule rather than relearning who Nick is every time he returns to the set.
This isn’t the first time Speedman has had to navigate the pressures of a demanding shooting schedule. His return to Grey’s Anatomy as a series regular in Season 18 came after years of fans begging for more of his character. At the time, showrunner Krista Vernoff revealed that they had been trying to get him back for a while, but his film schedule and other projects kept him away . Now, the tables have turned, and he is balancing a lead role with his commitment to the medical drama.
What This Means for Dr. Nick Marsh on Grey’s Anatomy
For fans of Grey’s Anatomy, the news that Speedman is juggling both shows is a positive sign. It indicates that he is not planning to leave the medical drama behind just because he has landed his own series. This confirms earlier reports from last year, which suggested that ABC intended for the actor to do double duty rather than exit the show .
Nick Marsh has been a significant part of Meredith Grey’s life in recent seasons. The character, who originally appeared as a guest star in Season 14, was brought back full-time in Season 18 after his undeniable chemistry with Ellen Pompeo’s character . Krista Vernoff previously described their connection as reminiscent of the romantic comedy genre, a lighter and charming dynamic that fans have embraced .
Recently, Scott Speedman appeared in Season 22, Episode 9, titled “Fortunate Son,” which aired in January 2026. In that episode, his character dealt with a personal family matter when his estranged sister from Boston came to visit him and Meredith, bringing a baby and a lot of tension . This storyline proved that Nick remains an active part of the Grey’s Anatomy universe, and Speedman’s current comments suggest viewers will continue to see these family and relationship dynamics play out whenever he can fly back from Wilmington.
Bringing Florida to Life in North Carolina for R.J. Decker
While he spends his days off flying back to LA for Grey’s, his primary focus is currently on building his new series, R.J. Decker. The show, which is inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s 1987 novel Double Whammy, follows a former newspaper photographer and ex-con who becomes a private investigator in the quirky, crime-filled world of South Florida .
However, there is a twist: despite the show being set in sunny Fort Lauderdale, they film primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina. This creates its own set of challenges. Speedman described the difficulty of pretending to be a “cool customer in Fort Lauderdale” while standing on a street in Wilmington wearing a short-sleeved Hawaiian shirt in freezing 30-degree weather .
“Florida is a total character itself,” Speedman noted. He explained that during the summer, filming the pilot was easy because the weather matched the vibe. But during the winter months, selling those Florida vibes becomes a bit trickier . To get the authentic look, the production travels to Ft. Lauderdale a few times a season to shoot exteriors and immerse themselves in the local culture.
“As soon as you go down there, you’re like, ‘Oh, this is R.J. Decker. This is the show.’ You can put your camera up anywhere and it really feels like the show,” he said .
A Complicated Hero in a Colorful World
In R.J. Decker, Speedman plays the title character, a man trying to leave his past behind. “He comes out, he wants to leave all that behind and go on to this new world, this new life as a private investigator,” Speedman shared. “So, he tries to start that life. And the show’s about his adventures trying to solve these weekly crimes” .
The series premiere, which aired on March 3, 2026, introduced a deeply layered character. R.J. is a man with a short fuse—the reason he ended up in prison was for beating up a kid who stole his camera equipment. That kid’s sister, Emi (played by Jaina Lee Ortiz), then lied on the stand to send him away .
Speedman finds this complexity interesting. He explained that his character feels betrayed by Emi, yet there is an undeniable pull between them. “I don’t think in any normal setting they’d find each other interesting or attractive, but whatever reason, this world has brought them together,” he told TV Insider . He added that R.J. is ruled by his interest in people. “This woman did a bad thing, but he can’t help that he likes her and wants to be around her” .
The actor also praised his co-stars, particularly Bevin Bru, who plays Detective Mel, his ex-wife’s new wife. He described Bru as a “spitfire” and a huge asset to the show, promising that the dynamic between their characters will be a key part of the series.
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How to Watch Both Shows
For viewers trying to keep up with Scott Speedman, the schedule is straightforward. R.J. Decker is the new priority, airing on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC . The show premiered on March 3, 2026, and is part of ABC’s Tuesday night lineup.
Meanwhile, Grey’s Anatomy continues its historic run. The show was renewed for Season 22 and airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC . For those who miss an episode, streaming options are available the next day on Hulu for US viewers, and on Disney+ for audiences in the UK, Canada, Australia, and India .
With new episodes of R.J. Decker dropping weekly and Grey’s Anatomy still unfolding its Season 22 stories, fans are getting a double dose of Scott Speedman. And if the actor has his way—and the flights stay on time—he plans to keep it that way for the foreseeable future.
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