Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Meg Marinis (Grey’s Anatomy) says there are currently no plans to end ABC’s long-running medical drama as the series begins its 23rd season. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marinis said the network and studio are not ready to conclude the series and expect an eventual decision about its ending to be made collaboratively with creator Shonda Rhimes (Bridgerton, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder).
The franchise is instead expanding with an untitled spinoff set at a rural medical center in West Texas. Marinis and Rhimes are co-creating and writing the upcoming series, while Grey’s Anatomy star and executive producer Ellen Pompeo (Old School, Catch Me If You Can, Daredevil) will serve as an executive producer. The spinoff is expected to premiere during the 2026-2027 television season.
Marinis said the new series will be connected to Grey’s Anatomy while telling different types of stories. The showrunner, who is from Texas, said the spinoff will explore rural communities and medical deserts, including disparities between patients who can afford high-quality healthcare and those who cannot.
The new project will become the third spinoff in the Grey’s Anatomy franchise following Private Practice and Station 19. Marinis said the team is researching communities and real-life stories in rural West Texas as development continues.
Marinis also addressed Pompeo’s involvement in season 23 of Grey’s Anatomy. While an exact episode count has not been determined, the showrunner said the production is working around Pompeo’s other commitments and that there will be stretches in which Meredith Grey appears in multiple episodes.
Scott Speedman (Felicity, Underworld, Animal Kingdom) is also expected to return as Nick Marsh later in the season, with the series set to revisit his engagement to Meredith. Marinis stopped short of confirming whether their wedding will take place during season 23.
Season 23 begins approximately one month after the previous season’s finale and the departures of Teddy Altman, played by Kim Raver (24, Designated Survivor, Lipstick Jungle), and Owen Hunt, played by Kevin McKidd (Rome, Trainspotting, Made of Honor). Their exits leave Grey Sloan without a chief or head of trauma as the hospital continues experiencing financial challenges.
James Wolk (Mad Men, Watchmen, Ordinary Joe) joins the season for a four-episode arc as the hospital’s new chief. Marinis described his character as someone who initially appears villainous but could become more likable as his storyline develops.
New episodes of Grey’s Anatomy air Thursdays at 10 p.m. on ABC and become available on Hulu the following day.