You heard the collective sigh of relief as you heard that big sigh. Grey’s AnatomyFans all over the world now know that the ABC’s hit medical dramaOfficially renewed for Season 19. Ellen Pompeo will indeed resume her starring role as Meredith Grey, despite claims by the actress that she’s Are you ready to finish the series?. While it’s great news for fans of the franchise, I can’t help but feel a little frustrated by this whole process, as well as what it likely means going forward. Let’s break it down.
Awesome: Grey’s Anatomy And Ellen Pompeo Will Be Back For Season 19
Grey’s Anatomy’s Season 19 renewal comes with the news that Ellen Pompeo has agreed to a new one-year contract (per DeadlineShe will be promoted from executive producer to co-executive producer. Krista Vernoff, another EP, will be returning to the role of showrunner. As well, several of the series’ stars had previously signed on for a nineteenth season pending renewal, including Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr. and Kevin McKidd (whose Owen Hunt was in a Life-threatening situations in the winter finale). This is where everything sounds so good!
Awesome: Grey’s Anatomy Still Has Interesting Stories To Tell
Ellen Pompeo’s main argument about not being sure if the show should continue has seemingly centered around her concern that Grey’s AnatomyIt may not have enough interesting directions to take it characters. It’s admirable that she wants to Do right by the show’s fansThe show’s success does not mean that the narrative content should be sacrificed. The fact that we’re already finding out about Season 19’s renewal is a good indicator that Ellen Pompeo felt strongly enough about the direction of the series to sign on for another year. What plots did the writers reveal that drew Pompeo back to the series? I can’t wait to find out.
Frustrating: Ellen Pompeo’s Short-Term Contract Sets Up Yet Another Waiting Game Next Year
With Ellen Pompeo signing just a one-year contract – and without any designation of Season 19 being Grey’s Anatomy’s last – we’re set up to be in Another state of limboIn a year’s time, there will be a Season 20. It’s almost as if the renewal talks have become the Ellen Pompeo Waiting Game where the star and podcast host spends months discussing it. You want to leaveAfter negotiations have concluded, you will sign another contract, but this time with a shorter term.
Even when forgetting how frustrating that is to the fans, it’s really not fair to Ellen Pompeo’s co-stars, either. Season 17 is just around the corner Kim Raver, Camilla Lundy and Kevin McKidd renegotiated their contracts for two more seasons – before they even knew there would be an eighteenth season. Pompeo’s fellow original castmates Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. also signed up for a potential Season 19 when they renewed their contracts ahead of Season 18. While I’m sure none of them would be quick to blame Pompeo for anything, it seems wrong that others are being asked to – and are indeed willing to – make a commitment, while still remaining at the mercy of someone who’s been so vocally Be apprehensive about the future.
These negotiations were successful in that they took place so quickly. The Season 19 renewal occurred earlier than the Season 18 renewal, which could indicate that everyone was on the same page. Although the renewals of Season 19 and 18 occurred at different times, it was much earlier than the one for Season 18. “How long will it last?” narrative can be a trying one for fans (and probably the actors), I’m fine to grab my tequila and dance it out in celebration of more Grey’s AnatomyLooking forward to the 2023 episodes
Grey’s AnatomyAs part of a crossover, the spring premiere will be held on Thursday, February 24, as part a spinoff Station 19. The two-hour-long event starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on ABC. Our 2022 TV ProgramCheck out the schedule to find out when other shows will be returning in spring.