‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Renewed for Season 18, Ellen Pompeo to Return

Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital is keeping its doors open for another season. ABC announced today that long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy has been officially renewed for Season 18. Series star Ellen Pompeo is set to return as Dr. Meredith Grey after signing a new deal, and she’ll be joined by her co-stars Chandra Wilson (Bailey) and James Pickens Jr. (Richard), The Hollywood Reporter reports.

While the specifics of Pompeo’s Season 18 deal haven’t been disclosed, she still remains broadcast TV’s highest-earning actress in a primetime drama. Like Pompeo, Wilson and Pickens reportedly also received pay increases. The renewal news comes toward the end of an emotional season in which Grey’s bid final goodbyes to fan favorites like Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and sealed the fates of others, like Dr. Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams). Along with the Season 18 announcement, ABC revealed that Grey’s spinoff Station 19 had been renewed for Season 5.

“The writers, directors, casts and crews of Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19 worked so hard to bring these shows to life this past season,” Showrunner Krista Vernoff said in a press release. “Keeping each other safe on set while paying tribute to the front-line heroes and first responders has been a challenge and a privilege.

“I’ve been truly blown away – particularly by our tireless crews – as they reinvented the TV-making wheel,” she continued. “Thank you to ABC and ABC Signature for the support and extraordinary partnership through this unprecedented season. We are so grateful for the opportunity to tell more stories.”

No decisions have been made beyond Season 18. In March, Vernoff previously told THR she was “planning a season and a finale that could function as either a season finale or a series finale” for the current season of Grey’s. The drama remains hugely popular after first debuting in 2005, and remains ABC’s highest rated and most watched scripted show.

Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy have done an incredible job of honoring real-life heroes by giving audiences an unflinching look at one of the biggest medical stories of our time,” said Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals & ABC Entertainment. “Krista and her team of writers have continued to deliver the compelling and compassionate storytelling that is a hallmark of these shows, and created some of the year’s most-talked-about moments in television. We’re so grateful to our talented casts and crews for their extraordinary work that connects with viewers everywhere, and we look forward to sharing even more defining moments with our fans next season.”

Grey’s comes from creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes, along with executive producers Vernoff, Betsy Beers and Mark Gordon, and producing director and executive producer Debbie Allen.

New episodes of Grey’s Anatomy air Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC. The Season 17 finale airs Thursday, June 3.

Where to watch Grey’s Anatomy 

source: nypost.com