Great News for Meredith Grey fans!
Medical drama Grey’s Anatomy has been renewed for season 19, and Ellen Pompeo is set to return to screens as lead character Meredith Grey.
Despite its long run, there’s always a hint of suspense when one season of Grey’s Anatomy ends as viewers hold their breath in anticipation of whether or not the show would be renewed for another season.
How Soon Will The New Season Be Released?
While it remains unclear when the new season will be released, ABC has announced the renewal of Shonda Rhimes Grey’s Anatomy for the 19th season.
Pompeo has also signed a one-year deal to play the show’s lead character, Meredith Grey. In its announcement, the broadcast network noted that Pompeo has been upped from co-executive producer to executive producer for Season 19. While fellow executive producer Krista Vernoff will remain at the helm of the series as showrunner.
Who’s Coming Back & What To Expect?
One thing’s for sure; viewers wouldn’t be seeing the end of Meredith Grey in the next season. In May last year, Deadline confirmed that ABC had closed contracts with Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey) and original cast members Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey), James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webbers), which means viewers can expect to see more of them.
ABC speaking on Grey’s Anatomy’s next season, added that it “will explore the ever-expanding world of modern medicine through the eyes of beloved returning and new characters.”
Dana Walden, chairman of entertainment at Walt Disney Television, said of the show’s earlier season, “Grey’s Anatomy is a true phenomenon, beloved by audiences around the world. Whether they catch it live on ABC, or stream it on Hulu or globally on Disney+ or Star+, it’s clear that fans can’t get enough of Shonda Rhimes’s brilliant creation.”
“We have enormous faith in Shonda, Krista Vernoff, Ellen Pompeo and the entire creative team to unlock new, untold stories that will continue to focus on modern medicine, tackle the issues that shape the world around us, and resonate deeply with loyal fans for years to come.”
How Long Will The Show Go On For?
If we had to guess, probably as long as Pompeo wants, and maybe it might continue without her if she ever retires. Other members of the extended Grey-Sloan family could keep the series running through to its title.
However, one thing we know for sure season 19 might not be its last as ABC has not designated season 19 as the final one for the show (for now).
For now, ABC is not designating Season 19 as a final one for the show or its star Pompeo. The truth is, Grey’s Anatomy is a well-oiled machine and could go on for as long as it needs to. If it’s not broken, no need to FIX IT!
In May 2021, at a press conference ahead of season 18, Craig Erwich president of ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals) replied when asked if the new season (season 18) of Grey’s Anatomy would be it’s last:
“Grey’s Anatomy continues to be a ratings juggernaut. The fans loved this season. I thought Grey’s Anatomy did a really incredible job this year telling the stories of all the frontline heroes who are fighting the good fight (against) Covid. We will take Grey’s Anatomy for as long as we can.”
“I couldn’t be more excited that we get to keep telling the stories of Meredith, Bailey, Richard and all of the other doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial for another season,” Rhimes said. “This is a true testament to Krista Vernoff, the cast, the crew and all the writers who keep the audience on the edge of their seat week after week. And it would not be possible without the generations of incredible fans who have supported Grey’s Anatomy for so many years.”
Grey’s Anatomy season 18 averaged 12.8 million viewers after 35 days of delayed viewing across platforms. Sitting strong as TV’s longest-running primetime medical drama.
