Grey’s Anatomy is one of those shows that has left an indelible mark on popular culture, with its compelling storyline and dynamic characters that have kept audiences hooked for almost two decades.
And now, as Variety has reported, the series has been renewed for its 20th season on ABC, cementing its position as the longest-running medical series on television.
Ellen Pompeo has been the driving force behind the success of the show, playing the character of Dr. Meredith Grey, a surgical resident at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle.
However, with the news of the renewal comes speculation about whether Pompeo will return to the show for another season.
The Departure of Ellen Pompeo
Pompeo’s departure from Grey’s Anatomy was confirmed earlier this year, with her last appearance on the show airing on February 23. However, fans of the series will be pleased to know that the actress will make a return for the final episode of season 19, which is scheduled to air on May 18.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Pompeo will return for the 20th season. While nothing has been confirmed, it’s worth noting that the actress has been open in the past about her desire to move on from the show after 17 years.
In an interview with Variety last year, Pompeo revealed that she was ready to explore other opportunities in her career.
Other Departures and New Leadership
The departure of Pompeo is not the only change happening behind the scenes of Grey’s Anatomy. Showrunner Krista Vernoff is also stepping down from her position on both Grey’s Anatomy and its spin-off, Station 19. Vernoff will be replaced by Meg Marinis, who previously served as an executive producer on the series.
In addition, two other actors, Vernoff and Kelly McCreary, have also said their goodbyes to the show. It remains to be seen how these departures will impact the storyline of the series moving forward.
The Longest-Running Series in History
While Grey’s Anatomy may be the longest-running medical series on television, it’s not the longest-running series in history. According to a ranking published by Screenrant, that title belongs to Guiding Light, a series that ran for 72 years until its end in 2009.
The CBS series holds the Guinness Record for the longest years on the air, but it may soon be surpassed by the talk show The Tonight Show, which has been on the air for 69 years, albeit changing hosts from time to time.
As Grey’s Anatomy heads towards its 20th season, fans of the show will undoubtedly be eager to see what’s in store for the series. Will Ellen Pompeo return as the main protagonist? How will the departures of other actors and the showrunner impact the storyline?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Grey’s Anatomy has secured its place in television history as one of the most enduring and beloved shows of all time.
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