Grey’s Anatomy continues to make TV history with an extension for a landmark 20th season and extends its record as the longest-running prime-time medical drama. Along with the pickup, which was fully anticipated, ABC also confirmed Deadline’s report that Meg Marinis will serve as showrunner for season 20. She replaces longtime Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19 showrunner Krista Vernoff, who is leaving both shows at the end of this season.
For the past few years, ABC had renewed Grey’s Anatomy and its spin-off Station 19 in tandem. I’ve heard that Station 19 deals are still being finalized and that first responder drama is likely to be back.
Meg Marinis
Following the big farewell episode for Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Gray in the midseason premiere, she will return for the Grey’s Anatomy season 19 finale on May 18th. Although she doesn’t have an acting contract beyond this season, I hear she’s likely to appear on the show next season. Pompeo remains executive producer on Grey’s and provides the voiceover that opens and closes each episode.
In a recent interview, she hinted that she might not be done playing Meredith Grey, and I’ve heard that the showrunner change at Grey’s could increase the likelihood of her reprising her role in season 20.
Grey’s Anatomy ABC
I understand several other longtime Grey’s cast members are also expiring this season, including Kevin McKidd (Owen), Kim Raver (Teddy), Camilla Luddington (Jo), and Caterina Scorsone (Amelia). Production studio ABC Signature would have to sign new deals with each of them to come back.
Grey’s Anatomy concludes a season of transformation with Pompeo stepping down, Kelly McCreary leaving and five new main characters joining the show, played by Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho and Midori Francis. The new cast additions have been well-received for the most part, with most – if not all – likely to be picked up for another season.
Nineteen seasons later, Grey’s Anatomy is still ABC’s #1 entertainment series for adults 18-49 this season and is the fifth highest-grossing drama of the season in demo. Grey’s Anatomy averages 10.7 million total viewers after 35 days of delayed viewing across linear and digital platforms, making it ABC’s #1 entertainment series in delayed viewing across multiple platforms.
Marinis is represented by UTA and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum.