Grey’s Anatomy Season 19 Renewal Reportedly Being Discussed At ABC

Discussions are reportedly underway regarding the renewal of Grey’s Anatomy for season 19. Created by Shonda Rhimes in 2005, Grey’s Anatomy has run for an astonishing 18 seasons and is still a juggernaut, having garnered high ratings for most of its run, a loyal fanbase, and success with streaming on Netflix. The series stars Ellen Pompeo, who also executive produces, as well as Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. who have starred in all 18 seasons of the series.

Grey’s Anatomy follows the lives of the interns, residents, and attendings at Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle. The characters juggle their hectic schedules with their demanding careers and personal lives, creating drama and tension which fuels the stakes. With such a long run behind it, Pompeo has become vocal about the series ending soon, with negotiations for Grey’s Anatomy‘s season 18 reflecting her belief.

Deadline has reported that negotiations for Grey’s Anatomy‘s season 19 renewal are happening, according to ABC Entertainment President, Craig Erwich. Reports also say that Pompeo has been approached about returning for another season. Timing is not really an issue, for this is the usual time that the major networks begin negotiating renewals, but last season’s talks came down to the wire before Pompeo signed on for season 18. Pompeo has only signed a contract through the end of season 18, where Wilson and Pickens Jr. have reportedly signed multi-year contracts. Read Erwich’s quote below:

“We’re thrilled to have it on the lineup. It’s a gift…As long as all of the producers and Ellen [Pompeo] feel like there are meaningful stories to tell, we’re going to continue to do the show.”

With over 388 episodes under its belt, positive reviews, and legions of loyal fans, the ratings for Grey’s Anatomy‘s season 18 have been less than stellar, bringing in the lowest numbers the show has seen in its near 2-decade run. A reason given could be that Rhimes’ audience is ready to move on with her, having not written for the show since 2015 and recently producing hits such as Bridgerton and Station 19, as well as the upcoming Inventing Anna on Netflix. These are some of a few projects produced by her company, Shondaland, that have found success on major networks as well as streaming.

Pompeo has made it clear that she’s not interested in continuing Grey’s Anatomy, likely staying due to being the headliner of the series, while her co-stars Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, T.R. Knight, and Katherine Heigel finding success after leaving the series. It’s clear Pompeo has been trying to leave Grey’s Anatomy for a while, and perhaps if people involved with making the show don’t find it creatively fulfilling, they shouldn’t feel pressured to continue despite all the money that’s made from it. In all likelihood, Grey’s Anatomy will return for a season 19, and hopefully, it’ll be stimulating enough for the people behind it to enjoy making it.

Source: Deadline

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