Grey’s Anatomy Gets Season 18 Renewal

Ellen Pompeo and Camilla Luddington in
Ellen Pompeo and Camilla Luddington in "Grey's Anatomy"

After being in limbo and not knowing if Season 17 would be the last season of Grey’s Anatomy, the medical drama has been renewed for Season 18.

A few days ago, longtime cast member Jesse Williams just announced that he will be leaving the series. Ellen Pompeo will be returning to play Dr. Meredith Grey and original cast members Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. will be returning for Season 18. Over the past year, many longtime cast members have left the show.

Prior to Season 17 airing, Pompeo told Variety that it may be the last season of the show, “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.” Krista Vernoff, the executive producer, confirmed that she was planning for a season and a series finale.

Grey’s Anatomy is the longest-running primetime medial drama in TV history and Pompeo is the highest paid female actor on TV. The series in TV’s No. 1 entertainment show in the 18 to 49 demographic with 8.3 million views.

Station 19, the spinoff to Grey’s Anatomy, has also been renewed for a fifth season.