‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Renewed for Season 19 with Ellen Pompeo Set to Return

The longest-running primetime medical drama is about to add one more notch on its belt. ABC has just renewed the long-running Grey’s Anatomy for Season 19, with Ellen Pompeo set to return Meredith Grey. The lead star will also be bumped from co-executive producer to executive producer next season, Variety reports.

Last year, the show’s renewal status came down to the wire. Season 18 was announced in May, whereas this time, there’s no cliffhanger looking ahead into next season. ABC has also announced that Krista Vernoff, who took over as showrunner for Shonda Rhimes in Season 14, will continue at the helm of the show. Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. will also return for Season 19.

“‘Grey’s Anatomy’ is a true phenomenon, beloved by audiences around the world. Whether they catch it live on ABC, or stream it on Hulu or globally on Disney Plus or Star Plus, it’s clear that fans can’t get enough of Shonda Rhimes’ brilliant creation,” said Dana Walden, the chairman of entertainment at Walt Disney Television. “We have enormous faith in Shonda, Krista Vernoff, Ellen Pompeo and the entire creative team to unlock new, untold stories that will continue to focus on modern medicine, tackle the issues that shape the world around us, and resonate deeply with loyal fans for years to come.”

After decades on ABC, the medical drama still remains as the network’s top-rated show. Season 17 of the hit series focused on frontline workers and took on the COVID-19 pandemic, with Meredith herself nearly on her death bed. Season 18, on the other hand, is set in a fictional post-pandemic world.

“I couldn’t be more excited that we get to keep telling the stories of Meredith, Bailey, Richard and all of the other doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial for another season,” said Rhimes. “This is a true testament to Krista Vernoff, the cast, the crew and all the writers who keep the audience on the edge of their seat week after week. And it would not be possible without the generations of incredible fans who have supported ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ for so many years.”

Past cast members Kate Walsh, Abigail Spencer and Kate Burton have also made appearances this season, and the series has introduced new characters Kai Bartley (E.R. Fightmaster) — the show’s first non-binary doctor — and Michelle Lin (Lynn Chen).

Where to watch Grey's Anatomy