Scott Speedman, who plays Dr. Nick Marsh on “Grey’s Anatomy,” spoke about his experience with the TV show’s fandom.
While appearing on the Oct. 21 episode of TODAY, Speedman talked about how the series’ “intense” fan base is unlike anything he’s faced in his nearly three-decade career.
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years almost now and I’d never really done a show with this type of fandom,” he said on TODAY.
Speedman first appeared on Grey’s Anatomy in a guest role in 2018 and joined the cast as a series regular in 2021. Previously, the actor had starred in the TV show “Felicity,” amongst other projects.
When Speedman first stepped foot on the set of Grey’s Anatomy, he thought the transition would be easy.
“So, when I got to Grey’s Anatomy, I thought it was going to be a breeze. But, you know, I was doing the first couple episodes, and they have opinions,” he said of the fans.
In the series, Speedman’s character Nick had an on-again, off-again relationship with Dr. Meredith Grey, the show’s titular character. Beginning as a patient of Meredith’s, Nick morphed into her colleague and love interest.
When Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) left the show in Season 11, Meredith tried dating again, finding chemistry with a few other doctors. But when Meredith moved to Boston in Season 19, Nick appeared to be the one she ultimately chose.
Speedman said that it was “really fun” to be in the series with such a strong following, noting that the fans “care very much about” Meredith.
Many fans have shown support for Nick and Meredith’s relationship, with one writing on X, “Nick being thoughtful is one of his many great qualities. him asking mer if they should just stay home for zolas well-being instead of having their alone time. this is my guy!”
Another penned, “When Meredith got that offer …. Nick listened to her, offered his opinion and assured her he supports whatever decision she makes. He never made it about him or their relationship. YESSSS WE LOVE NICK.”
On the flip side, others aren’t a fan of Nick seeming to be Meredith’s endgame relationship, with one fan writing, “sorry i simply don’t care about nick in greys anatomy.”
Another wrote, “nick marsh walking away when meredith grey cries vs derek shepherd being her shoulder to cry on … need i say anymore.”
Speedman said navigating the “Grey’s Anatomy” fanbase has been challenging but rewarding.
“It was trial by fire, but it’s been a fun time for sure,” he said.
Speedman’s character has returned for Season 21 of “Grey’s Anatomy,” but that’s not the only project the actor has been involved in as of recent.
While on TODAY, Speedman spoke about the new Peacock horror series he stars in called “Teacup,” which premiered on Oct. 10. (Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, TODAY’s parent company.) The show explores dangerous threats and paranoia in rural Georgia, and also dives into marital challenges.
“It wasn’t really horror that drew me in, it was really these scripts,” he said. “But, yeah, I thought the character itself was super challenging.”
Speedman’s character, James, seems to be unlike his “Grey’s Anatomy” persona, who often acted as a calming force amid drama.
“I spent a lot of years playing ‘likable characters,’” he said. “You’re doing a pilot, the onus is on creating a character you can connect with the audience, but this one, I knew right away, no one was going to be with them.
“They were all going to hate him, which I kind of loved,” he continued. “I thought that was an interesting challenge.”
