Grey’s Anatomy May End With Season 17

“We don’t know when the show is really ending yet,” Ellen said about Grey’s Anatomy. “But the truth is, this year could be it.”

“I’m constantly fighting for the show as a whole to be as good as it can be. As a producer, I feel like I have permission to be able to do that,” she continued. “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.”

Ellen Pompeo has been playing the titular character of Grey’s Anatomy, Dr. Meredith Grey since the show first premiered in 2005. She is one of the small handful of actors who have been there for 17 seasons. Other actors include Chandra Wilson, who plays Dr. Miranda Bailey, and James Pickens Jr., who plays the role of Dr. Richard Webber.

Because of the significance of Ellen’s character, it is likely that Grey’s Anatomy will end when she leaves. “I don’t take the decision lightly,” she said. “We employ a lot of people, and we have a huge platform. And I’m very grateful for it.”

What Is Season 17 About?

The upcoming season, which is all set to air November 12, will feature the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial as they tackle the coronavirus pandemic. This was revealed by showrunner Krista Vernoff previously.

Ellen Pompeo dedicated the new season in an Instagram post to “all who have fallen and to everyone of you who by the grace of God is still standing,” also adding, “This season is for you with humility and a bit of humor to get us through and endless amounts of gratitude. I hope we do you proud.”

She told Variety she was really, really, really excited about season 17 and thinks it will probably be one of Grey’s best seasons ever.