Ellen Pompeo says this could be the final season of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

When it comes to long-running shows, Grey’s Anatomy (returns Nov 12 at 9pET on CTV) is right up there among iconic and enduring series like Law & Order and Lassie. The medical drama is about to enter its 17th season on television, but it’s star, Ellen Pompeo, says that this year could be the show’s last. Are fans ready for a Grey’s Anatomy finale? Pompeo, who is in the final year of her contract as both star and producer of the series, advises that we brace ourselves.“We don’t know when the show is really ending yet. But the truth is, this year could be it,” said Pompeo in a new interview with Variety. “I’m constantly fighting for the show as a whole to be as good as it can be. As a producer, I feel like I have permission to be able to do that. 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.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

So speaking of TGIT ... 2020 has given us another seasons’ worth of stories to tell... what is the saying? When life gives you lemons....#seasonseventeen #greysfansarethecraziestfans #imkidding #kinda ????? November 12 it’s on and poppin!

A post shared by Ellen Pompeo (@ellenpompeo) on Sep 17, 2020 at 5:01pm PDT

Grey’s Anatomy premiered in 2005 and saw its central character, Meredith Grey, go from resident to star surgeon over the course of its run. The compelling hospital drama still ranks as the number one series among certain demographics of viewers. Pompeo knows that when she decides that Meredith’s story has reached an end, that’s where the series will end, too. “I don’t take the decision lightly,” said Pompeo. “We employ a lot of people, and we have a huge platform. And I’m very grateful for it. I’m just weighing out creatively, what can we do?”The potential that this upcoming season could be Grey’s Anatomy’s last hurrah is just one reason to tune in to a storyline that will see the COVID pandemic crash land at Grey Sloan Memorial. “I’m really, really, really excited about this season,” said Pompeo. “It’s probably going to be one of our best seasons ever. And I know that sounds nuts to say, but it’s really true.”Watch the new season of Grey's Anatomy Thursdays at 9pET on CTV starting November 12.[video_embed id='-1']RELATED: Ellen Pompeo says she stuck with ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘make money’[/video_embed]