Patrick Dempsey breaks into political thriller genre with new series Devils

We’re used to swooning over Patrick Dempsey in his many charming roles, but ‘McDreamy’ has taken on a whole new role with his latest TV series.

Patrick Dempsey forever lives in our hearts as Dr Derek Shepherd, and we’ll create a little more room ahead of his confirmed return to Enchanted for a sequel.

But while we love to swoon over ‘McDreamy’ in his various charming roles, his latest TV series is equally appealing – albeit worlds apart.

The 55-year-old actor’s political thriller Devils just hit streaming in Australia on Binge, which sees him take on the calculated role of the ruthless Dominic Morgan, CEO of the fictional NYL bank in London.

It’s Dempsey as we’ve never seen him before, and he tells news.com.au that’s exactly why he jumped on-board.

“I was looking for something darker,” he said. “More of a thriller and a whodunit.

“I had a good conversation with the director about it – I’d only read the first episode – then they described the layout and the structure and I thought, ‘This would be fun.’”

RELATED: Patrick Dempsey’s hilarious Aussie TV interview

Patrick Dempsey stars in the new political thriller, Devils, now streaming on Binge. Picture: Supplied/NBCUniversal

As part of his preparation for Devils, which co-stars Italian actor Alessandro Borghi as Dominic’s mentee Massimo Ruggero, Dempsey spent time on the floor of several offices in London’s financial hub. The series was also shot in parts of Rome two years ago.

“We ended up getting a great tour of the financial world and the industry within England, and that was very helpful to get on the floor and see what people were doing, and how they interact,” he said.

“They’re very organised and in control. I think everybody was calm amid the chaos. All the management are calm and calculating.

“So I was just listening, watching and observing the personas at work.”

Stream Patrick Dempsey’s new show Devils on Binge. New customers get a 14-day free trial. Sign up at binge.com.au

Devils hits streaming in Australia today. Picture: Supplied/NBCUniversal

Set in 2011, Devils, which has 10 episodes, cleverly weaves real life events into its fabricated plot, including the Strauss-Kahn scandal and the Libyan civil war.

Dempsey said he hoped this would allow viewers to take more from the show than just entertainment value.

“I think you have to have a look at the connectives of our countries, definitely with trade and what’s happening at the moment in Australia with China … How our trade and manufacturing and global economies are all interrelated, and you really see that with this show.”

While he left Grey’s Anatomy five years ago, Dempsey returned last year to reprise his legendary role for season 17, much to the delight of millions of fans around the world.

Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey. Name a better duo.

The whole season was dedicated to highlighting the work of frontline workers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He said the whole experience was “moving”.

“It was so surreal for all of us to see everybody and come together, but the real intention behind it was, ‘Well what can we do to bring awareness around wearing your mask and remembering frontline doctors who are putting themselves in harm’s way. We need to be respectful of that.’

“It’s been very special and moving for us.”

As for what’s next for his beaming resume – aside from a second season of Devils – the father-of-three has an entirely new genre in his sights.

“I think it would really depend who the director is and what the subject matter is, but I’d love to do a western. I’ve never done that genre before and would love to be able to do that.”

Devils is now streaming on Binge