“Grey’s Anatomy” almost finished? The new showrunner still has stories to tell!
On March 14, Grey’s Anatomy began its 20th season on ABC, extending its record as the longest-running prime-time medical drama on American television. This new season is the first under the direction of Meg Marinis, veteran writer-producer of the show who now serves as the new showrunner, succeeding Krista Vernoff.
After a 19th season which was marked by the withdrawal of Ellen Pompeo, the departure of Kelly McCreary and the arrival of five new main characters, played by Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho and Midori Francis, however, the transition was successful.
In addition to the return of all the new actors, season 20 will mark the return of Jessica Capshaw in the role of Dr. Arizona Robbins, and Alex Landi, in the role of Dr. Nico Kim. Natalie Morales and Freddy Miyares will also be there, and Ellen Pompeo will be good around…
“She still plays an important role in the series. […] We have an open door policy with her. When she can be there, we welcome her with open arms. We work around her schedule, she still does the voiceover. […] So you will see her come and go and she will always remain a very important part of the series“, said Meg Marinis at Deadline.
Last season?
And if rumors speak of this season as the last, the new showrunner has not said her last word.
“I haven’t been informed that this is the final season, so I’m going to keep telling stories for as long as they let me”, she declared, still to Deadline. “We still have stories to tell. We’re getting a ton of support from the studio, the network and Shondaland. So I’m going to keep going until they tell me to put this pen down.”
Created by Shonda Rhimes, Grey’s Anatomy is produced by the latter’s production company, Shondaland, as well as ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios. Craig Erwich, president of the Disney Television group, was also questioned about the future of the series at TCA (Television Critics Association) last month.
“I think the show is as creatively strong as it’s ever been“, did he declare. “Not only the [épisodes] live stream you’re watching today, but it’s fueling the growth of our streaming platform.”
An undeniable asset
Season 19 attracted an average of 10.7 million viewers after 35 days of delayed viewing on linear and digital platforms, making Grey’s Anatomy ABC’s #1 entertainment series in multi-platform delayed viewing.
Still asked about a potential renewal, Craig Erwich did not go into details, stating: “Right now, we’re really focused on the momentous 20th season of Grey’s Anatomy, which is still so incredible to say and celebrate. You will see this celebration on air, both in terms of the stories told, which continue to be of the highest quality, and how we celebrate a show so iconic and so associated with ABC, that we are so honored to ‘to have. It’s helped define the network over the past 20 seasons.”
ABC
Anyway, as announced by Debbie Allen (via Entertainment Tonight), producer of the show and interpreter of the character of Catherine Avery, season 20 promises to be “steamy, unpredictable and captivating”.
“We are back. The strike is over and it will be the best season”, she clarified. “It will be a shorter season because of the strike – we will only do 10 episodes – but we have a lot in store…”
Season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy is currently airing on ABC in the United States. While waiting for its broadcast in France, its 19 other seasons can be found streaming on Disney+.