The doctors aren't clocking out just yet, as Grey's Anatomy has been renewed for season 19 with leading star Ellen Pompeo set to return. As the longest-running medical drama in American television history, Grey's Anatomy has covered a lot of ground over 18 seasons. It's covered tricky topics like hospital shootings, the loss of loved ones, and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of all that, Grey's Anatomy has featured a cast that seems to be constantly changing, with major stars like Patrick Dempsey, Chyler Leigh, and Sara Ramirez joining and leaving at various points.
With 18 seasons already under its belt, the question has now become: When will Grey's Anatomy end? This is a conversation that has been underway for years, with some even speculating that season 17 would be the end. That proved to not be the case, but then it looked like the ongoing season 18 could be that final one. In fact, Pompeo said recently she feels Grey's Anatomy should conclude soon, and even confessed she's been trying to convince others of the same. Not long after, reports said ABC had begun talks about a potential season 19, seemingly at odds with its Meredith Grey.
Now Pompeo and ABC have settled on a new path forward. Per TVLine, Grey's Anatomy has been renewed for season 19, and Pompeo has signed a deal to return with ABC. Showrunner Krista Vernoff has done the same. According to ABC, the new season "will explore the ever-expanding world of modern medicine through the eyes of beloved returning and new characters." Though the ratings for season 18 have been down, Grey's Anatomy is still one of ABC's top shows, ranking #1 in the demo and coming in behind only Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelorette across all ABC programs. Vernoff said in a statement:
“I’m excited to work with our extraordinary writers to dream up where we go from here, and I’m always grateful to our partners at Disney and ABC for letting us tell bold stories with real impact.”
Despite Pompeo's willingness to have Grey's Anatomy end, it isn't too surprising that the doors of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital will be saying open for at least one more season. This is a historic show not just for ABC, but for television as a whole. It's become a pop culture phenomenon in its own right, and it continues to draw in a decent amount of viewers week after week. At some point, Grey's Anatomy will have to come to an end as all things do, but it won't be this year. Season 20, maybe?
Whenever ABC does decide to finish the series, fans can expect a proper sendoff. Until then, Grey's Anatomy will continue to surprise viewers and make them cry. Next up is another crossover with Station 19, which is set to air in February. It will pick up from where the Grey's Anatomy mid-season finale left off, with Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) being trapped inside a car as it falls off a cliff. Fans will have to tune in next month to find out if he makes it into season 19.
Grey's Anatomy season 18 continues Thursday, February 24 on ABC.
Source: TVLine