It’s a yay moment for all the fans of Grey’s Anatomy which, admittingly, is still quite addictive. After a month of speculations ABC, an American broadcasting network, announced recently that the show will be back for season 18. For years, while Shonda Rhimes was the showrunner (before she roped in Krista Vernoff) she said that the medical drama would go on as long as Ellen Pompeo did the series. Turning her prophecy into reality, the show was renewed as the leading star Pompeo is extended her contract and will continue playing one of the most beloved characters onscreen, Dr Meredith Grey. One of the most-watched TV shows, it is currently airing Season 17.
The medical drama, which premiered on March 27, 2005, is one of the top 10 longest-running shows. While there have been no decisions made about Grey’s Anatomy’s future after season 18, we are settling with the news of a new season. The show is considered to have had a major effect on pop culture and has received numerous awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama, among many others.
Without further ado, check out everything we know about the show's new season – the release date and a few cast surprises (good and bad). Spoilers ahead for the ongoing season lie ahead, so if you're not caught up with season 17, tread carefully.
Here’s everything you need to know:
This season, as teased by Pompeo in an interview with Variety, was speculated to be the last for the show. She said, “I mean, this is the last year of my contract right now. I don’t know that this is the last year. But it could very well could be.” This ongoing season most certainly had a strong last season vibe to it with actors from the original characters and cast returning to the show. Characters like Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), George (T R Knight), DeLuca (Giacomo Gianniotti), and Lexie (Chyler Leigh), appeared in this season.
Many fans, including us, were anxiously waiting for McDreamy’s return since 2015. The dream came true when Derek reunited with his on-screen wife during season 17.
Who will not be seen again in the upcoming seasons?
The news of the renewal announcement followed the sad news of Jesse Williams’ (who plays Dr Jackson Avery) departure from the show. He announced that he is leaving Grey's Anatomy after being a part of the show for 12 seasons.
Williams said in a statement, "I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda, the network, studio, fellow castmates, our incredible crew, Krista [Vernoff], Ellen [Pompeo] and Debbie [Allen]."
Who is back?
As far as we know, series originals Ellen Pompeo (Dr Meredith Grey), Chandra Wilson (Dr Miranda Bailey) and James Pickens Jr (Dr Richard Webber) will all be returning for Grey's Anatomy Season 18. According to an article on Deadline, Pompeo was the first cast member to "close a new one-year deal." This deal helps her retain the position of the highest-paid female actor on television.
Release date
Some reports suggest that Grey's Anatomy is most likely to air sometime during the 2021-22 season run. However, a lot rides on the pandemic situation. Since season 17 is still on-air, we're guessing that the season 18 trailer is still quite away.
