R.J. Decker Star Bevin Bru Stopped Watching Grey's Anatomy Because of Scott Speedman

Bru stars opposite Speedman on the new ABC drama, which airs Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. EST

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Bevin Bru, star of the new ABC drama R.J. Decker, revealed that she stopped watching Grey's Anatomy after Scott Speedman joined the cast following Patrick Dempsey's departure. However, after meeting Speedman on the set of R.J. Decker, Bru decided to give the show another chance and has since started watching Grey's Anatomy again.

Why it matters

Bru's story highlights the personal connection actors can develop with their co-stars, which can influence their perception of the characters and shows they appear in. It also showcases the impact a high-profile casting decision can have on a long-running TV series like Grey's Anatomy.

The details

Bru, who plays the role of Mel Abreu, a Cuban American police detective, on R.J. Decker, was initially opposed to Speedman's character on Grey's Anatomy, as she was "obsessed" with Patrick Dempsey's Dr. McDreamy. However, after meeting Speedman and getting to know him, Bru decided to give his character a chance and has since resumed watching the show.

  • Speedman joined the cast of Grey's Anatomy in season 14, after the death of Patrick Dempsey's character.
  • Bru and Speedman are currently co-starring on the new ABC drama R.J. Decker, which premiered in 2026.

The players

Bevin Bru

The 34-year-old actress stars as Mel Abreu, a Cuban American police detective, on the new ABC drama R.J. Decker.

Scott Speedman

The 50-year-old actor joined the cast of Grey's Anatomy in season 14 and is now co-starring with Bru on R.J. Decker.

Patrick Dempsey

The actor who played the beloved character of Dr. McDreamy on Grey's Anatomy until his character's death.

Ellen Pompeo

The actress who plays the lead role of Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy.

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What they’re saying

“I was obsessed with Grey's Anatomy, and I was obsessed with Grey [Ellen Pompeo] and Dr. McDreamy [Patrick Dempsey], and I know that when he died — spoiler alert, like a 100 years ago — when he died and Scott came on, I was just like, 'No. No, I'm not about it, I'm done with this show. I'm done with you people.' And I just stopped watching.”

— Bevin Bru, Actress (PEOPLE)

“Then I met him, and I was like, 'I don't hate you, you're a very nice man. I'm going to watch Grey's Anatomy again,' ”

— Bevin Bru, Actress (PEOPLE)

What’s next

Bru and Speedman will continue to work together on the first season of R.J. Decker, which airs Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. EST on ABC. Viewers will have to tune in to see how the dynamic between their characters, Mel and R.J., evolves over the course of the season.

The takeaway

Bevin Bru's personal connection to Scott Speedman's character on Grey's Anatomy highlights the power of interpersonal relationships in the entertainment industry. Her willingness to give the show another chance after meeting Speedman demonstrates the ability of actors to influence each other's perceptions and fan loyalties.