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'Grey's Anatomy' showrunner wishes she knew when series will end

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 3/10/21

Grey's Anatomy has been the first, in so many respects: the first primetime drama to feature minorities in such powerful roles, the first medical drama to eclipse 322 episodes, the first of Shonda Rhimes' many successful television creations.

Now, fans are wondering what episode will be Grey's' last.

According to showrunner Krista Vernoff, the cast and crew have the same question.

"I wish I knew,” Vernoff told Variety's Kate Aurthur. “It’s a source of frustration at this point. And it sort of doubles my job, my workload, because I have to plan for both contingencies. But I am. And God willing, I’ll know soon."

Ellen Pompeo, who has played titular character Meredith Grey since the pilot as just one of three remaining original cast members with Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr., previously discussed the show's uncertainty for the cover of Variety's October issue: "I mean, this is the last year of my contract right now. I don’t know that this is the last year? But it could very well could be."

Grey's debuted on ABC as a midseason replacement in March 2005 and remains the network's most-viewed show in its 17th season. The last we saw the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial for the December winter finale , Meredith was placed on a ventilator while battling a severe case of COVID-19. Her bout with the wicked virus this season has brought back her deceased husband, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), and late beloved friend George O'Malley (T.R. Knight) through dream-like states.