Doctors don’t check, people.
Late Friday, ABC announced that Grey’s Anatomy will return for a 20th season, making it the longest-running medical drama in television history.
However, the series will look different in 2023-2024.
First, as previously reported, Krista Vernoff recently stepped down as showrunner.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be entrusted with hosting Grey’s Anatomy for the past six years and Station 19 for the past four years,” Vernoff said in a January statement.
“The passion of a dedicated fandom and the impact these shows have on hearts and minds cannot be understated.
“The amount of talent in these two incredible performers and these two wonderful writers’ rooms is immeasurable — and this crew works magic every week.”
Going forward, executive producer Meg Marinis will take on this critical role.
Also just a few weeks ago, Kelly McCreary confirmed she was leaving Grey’s Anatomy after nine seasons.
“It has been an incredible honor to be a part of a legendary television institution like Grey’s Anatomy,” the actress said at the time.
“I am forever grateful to Shonda Rhimes, Krista Vernoff, and ABC for this opportunity, and to our incredible fans for their passionate support.
“To spend nine years exploring a character inside and out, while reaching a global audience with an impactful story, is a rare gift.”
Most notably, Ellen Pompeo left the program this year.
He, of course, has anchored the show in the main role of Meredith Gray since the first episode.
However, Pompeo will continue to provide his voice at the beginning and end of each episode … and he will also appear in the May 18 finale.
Pompeo’s status for Season 20 is still up in the air.
Grey’s Anatomy remains a huge hit for ABC, ranking as the network’s number one show in the adults 18-49 demographic.
It currently averages 10.7 million viewers per episode on Live+35 across all platforms.
The current cast includes several fresh faces brought in at the start of Season 19 to play a new class of first-year surgical residents.
Other regulars include Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, Kelly McCreary as Maggie Pierce, Anthony Hill as Winston Ndugu, Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd, Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson, Chris Carmack as Link Lincoln and Jake Borelli as Levi Schmitt.
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