Casting
In the role of Naomi Bennett, who was Merrin Dungey replaced with?
Private Practice (TV series)
On , it was announced by ABC that Merrin Dungey, who played the role of Naomi Bennett, would be replaced by four time Tony winner Audra McDonald. ABC gave no reason for this change. On , it was announced that a new character, played by KaDee Strickland, had been added to the main cast. Tony Award Winner Idina Menzel appeared in two episodes during the second season. Menzel was married to "Private Practice" star Taye Diggs. David Sutcliffe, Jayne Brook, and Josh Hopkins also appeared in "Private Practice".