ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy has released a promo following the fall finale on Nov. 10. The teaser reveals the show’s winter return to be on Feb. 23 of next year and highlights the departure of the titular character Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo (Catch Me If You Can, Moonlight Mile), according to Deadline. You can watch the trailer below.
In August, Deadline reported Pompeo’s decision to reduce her time on-screen to only eight episodes, most likely due to the new Hulu limited series that she will star in and executive produce. Her final episode on Feb. 23 as part of the main cast will be the seventh episode, named “I’ll Follow the Sun” and written by Krista Vernoff (Station 19, Shameless), the show’s executive producer and showrunner. The eighth episode is expected to be the Season 19 finale. Pompeo will continue narrating all the season episodes and will not lose her position as an executive producer.
Fans of Grey’s Anatomy will not be shocked to hear this news. In last week’s episode, Meredith was offered a position working on a cure for Alzheimer’s in Boston after her daughter Zola became enamored with a school there. In the latest episode, Meredith reached her decision and resigned from Grey Sloan with an email, while her house was burnt down – save for the Post-It notes that contained Meredith and Derek Shephard’s vows.
This season focused on a new group of interns who joined the hospital. These new characters are reportedly receiving good reviews from fans, hinting at a possible twentieth season for the medical drama. As of today, there have been no discussions about a renewal. If one is approved, studio ABC Signature will likely have to broker fresh deals with various actors whose contracts are ending soon, including the final two original Grey’s Anatomy cast members Chandra Wilson (Lone Star, Frankie & Alice) and James Pinkens Jr. (The X-Files, Roseanne).