Grey’s Anatomy Receives an Early Season 21 Renewal at ABC

Grey Sloan Memorial won’t be closing its doors any time soon!

Grey’s Anatomy has received an early Season 21 renewal from ABC, per TV Line. In turn, the medical drama is still the longest-running primetime medical drama, having reached the milestone during Season 19.

This news comes three episodes into the show’s 20th season, which debuted with Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Episode 1, “We’ve Only Just Begun,” on Thursday, March 14. It is the first season under new showrunner Meg Marinis, who took over after Krista Vernoff exited the series at the end of Season 19.

Marinis has been a part of Grey’s Anatomy for many years. Marinis worked up the ladder from a writer’s production assistant on Season 3 to an executive producer of Season 15 and has written more than 25 episodes. Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 will be Marinis’ second season as showrunner.

“The loyalty and love of Grey’s Anatomy fans has propelled us into a historic 21st season, and I could not be more grateful,” creator Shonda Rhimes said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Meg Marinis’ storytelling is a gift that continues to keep the show vibrant, compelling, and alive, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for next season,” Rhimes added.

Rhimes shared another statement on Instagram with a photo from Grey’s Anatomy‘s 250th episode celebration. “This picture was taken in 2015. To still be on your screens, in your living rooms, and in your hearts almost ten years later – words cannot express my gratitude,” Rhimes wrote.

“Grey’s was something I made up 20+ years ago, and I am so incredibly proud that it’s been picked up for its 21st season. This honestly could not be possible without you guys..caring about the stories I tell, the talented cast, writers, and crew. Wow,” Rhimes concluded.

There is no confirmation on casting news for Grey’s Anatomy Season 21, but Deadline reports that the season could be 18 episodes after Season 20’s 10-episode run. The current season sees the titular character in less than a series regular role, like on Season 19, as Ellen Pompeo makes recurring guest appearances.

Notably, Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Episode 4, “Baby Can I Hold You,” which airs Thursday, April 4, on ABC, welcomes back Jessica Capshaw as Dr. Arizona Robbins in a guest-starring role.

Equally notable, Grey’s Anatomy outlives both of its spinoff series, Private Practice (six seasons from 2007 to 2013) and Station 19 (seven seasons from 2018 to 2024), with this Season 21 renewal. 

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Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.

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