Grey's Anatomy's Texas Spin-Off Casts How To Get Away With Murder Vet Karla Souza

Karla Souza is returning to Shondaland. The actress, who famously portrayed Laurel Castillo on "How To Get Away With Murder," has been tapped to lead ABC's Texas-set "Grey's Anatomy" spin-off, TVLine has confirmed.

Souza's character, Dr. Carolina Hall (aka Lina), is officially described as "a haunted and cynical doctor who runs a medical center in a small town in West Texas." This marks the first casting for the yet-untitled spin-off, which ABC calls "an edgy drama about a team at a West Texas rural medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere."

Following her time on "How to Get Away With Murder," Souza went on to land starring roles on shows like ABC's "Home Economics" and Prime Video's "56 Days."

As previously reported, the spin-off — which received a straight-to-series order in May — is being held for the 2027–2028 TV season. The show is created by "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes and current showrunner Mag Marinis, both of whom will executive-produce alongside Betsy Beers and Ellen Pompeo. 

Little else is known about the "Grey's Anatomy" spin-off at this time. When TVLine asked Marinis if the new show would be introduced via characters on "Grey's," the showrunner replied, "You'll just have to wait and see!" And we shall.

"Grey's" has previously spawned two other spin-offs for ABC — "Private Practice," which aired for six seasons (2007–2012), and "Station 19," which aired for seven seasons (2018–2024). New episodes of the current 23rd season of "Grey's Anatomy" air Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC.

Are you excited for a new chapter in the "Grey's Anatomy" franchise, and what do you think of Souza in the lead role? (We're sure actress Lena Hall has some thoughts!) Whatever's on your mind, drop it in a comment below.