ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history, has been renewed for a nineteenth season with Ellen Pompeo (Station 19) returning as Meredith Grey, according to Variety. Alongside her return, Pompeo has been bumped up to executive producer as of next season.
In recent years, Grey’s Anatomy has been commended for its subject matter surrounding racial disparities in the medical field, and in the United States in general, as well as the struggles of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show’s eighteenth season is set in a fictional world post-pandemic, with appearances of past cast members like Kate Walsh (Emily in Paris), Abigail Spencer (Suits), and Kate Burton (Scandal). Krista Vernoff (Rebel) was given the title of showrunner after creator Shonda Rhimes (Bridgerton) stepped down.
“Grey’s Anatomy has a global impact that can’t be overstated. Grey’s touches, and sometimes changes, hearts and minds worldwide through the depth of connection people feel with these characters,” Vernoff said, via Variety. “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.”
“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 Plus or Star Plus, it’s clear that fans can’t get enough of Shonda Rhimes’ brilliant creation,” Chairman of Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, Dana Walden, said, via Variety. “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.”