Grey’s Anatomy has officially been renewed for a nineteenth season — but is it time to say goodbye to this show? Just how much story is there left to tell? Let’s break it down.
On January 10, ABC announced Shona Rhimes’ hit show Grey’s Anatomy received an early renewal for another year – taking it to a resounding nineteenth season! The new deal will mark the return of all series regulars, including Ellen Pompeo, James Pickens Jr. and Chandra Wilson – the latter two of whom secured multi-year contracts over the last year. Pompeo has recently raised eyebrows on social media regarding the show’s future, which begs the question: has TV’s longest running medical drama overstayed its welcome?
The news comes shortly before the series is set to make its mid-season return this February with creator, Shonda Rhimes, sharing in a statement: “This is a true testament to [showrunner]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 is a beloved television marvel, adored by millions of fans across the globe. Initially airing in 2005 with a brief 9 episode run, Grey’s picked up the pace in delivering compelling (more often than not heartbreaking) narratives based on the highs and lows of the Seattle surgeons. The show gathered a widely positive response that it was able to generate two equally successful spin-offs (and a multitude of crossovers) through Private Practice – about Kate Walsh’s fan-favorite Addison Montgomery – and Station 19 – following Seattle’s fire department.
Upon ABC’s announcement, fans took to their keyboards to express their excitement over another season. However, the response hasn’t all been celebratory as some were holding out on the latest chapter being its last. Is it time to close the door on Grey Sloan? Having won over 50 awards and reaching a milestone runtime in 2019, there’d be no love lost for the popular series. It’s a global phenomenon in the grand scheme.
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They’ve had a good run to say the least. Going through a rotation of regulars and guest stars, only 3 original cast members remain (Pompeo, Wilson and Pickens Jr.) and the general interest in stories is wavering – viewing figures dropped significantly throughout season 17. Does this suggest audiences are growing tired of lacklustre storylines? Maybe it’s time to pull the plug once and for all. With its spin-off, there’s still plenty of room for the stories to continue, just from a refreshing take. Maybe the future could open up for some guest appearances from the Grey’s family considering the connection between Station 19 and their shared universe.
Leading lady, Ellen Pompeo, also seems to be looking for the end of the road and we can’t exactly blame her – Meredith’s been through the ringer these last 17 years! In an interview with Insider, Pompeo said: “I’ve been trying to focus on convincing everybody that it should end.” Let’s get real for a second, without Pompeo there’d be no show; it’d be a little weird to have Grey’s Anatomy without Meredith Grey, right? Currently, it seems so long as Pompeo is attached, the series will carry on for years to come – unless she steps back.
How much longer can the story continue? Everyone’s had their fair share in the spotlight with Grey’s, it’s hard to imagine what’s left to explore. It could very well be time for ABC and fans to bite the bullet and let go of the Grey Sloan world.
About Grey’s Anatomy
The medical drama series focuses on a group of young doctors at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, who began their careers at the facility as interns. One of the young doctors and the show’s namesake, Meredith Grey, is the daughter of a famous surgeon.
Grey struggles to maintain relationships with her colleagues, particularly the hospital’s one-time chief of surgery, Richard Webber, due to a pre-existing relationship between them – Webber and Meredith’s mother had a personal relationship when Meredith was young.
Jenna is a Film and Visual Culture graduate and freelance entertainment writer from Scotland. Her passion lies with TV and horror, where she will take any opportunity to geek out. Jenna spends her free time binging shows and looking to be spooked.