Grey’s Anatomy: ABC is currently in renewal talks for season 19 with star Ellen Pompeo

ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy is just one of those shows that keeps going and going. The fanbase is still rabid enough that it makes sense for ABC to secure its return each season so it’s not really surprising that they’re starting talks early to bring the show back for a 19th season and its star Ellen Pompeo, who has been there since the beginning.

“Deadline” reports that conversations are in the very early stages but they can confirm that Pompeo, who also serves as a co-executive producer, has been approached about continuing the show for another season. Pompeo has been open about her desire to bring the show to an end for the last couple of years now which is part of the reason she signed a one-year deal for season 18 last spring instead of a multi-season contract. Her contract was up at the end of season 17, along with two other remaining original cast members, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr. They reportedly signed multi-year pacts to stay on the series so they’re secured while Pompeo has to be convinced to commit for another year.

Since Grey’s Anatomy is a legacy series for ABC, a decision about its future has to be made soon. The idea would be for the show to get the sendoff it deserves because it has been a signature hit for ABC for 18 seasons now. They don’t want to rush a series finale so, since its current season was not billed as its last, a decision has to be made in the next month or so to give the creative team time to craft a proper finale.

ABC wants to keep Grey’s Anatomy on the air. Despite being on for 18 seasons, the series remains the network’s highest-rated scripted show and it’s one of the top scripted series on network television. On top of all of this, Grey’s Anatomy makes a huge profit for Disney and it gives a significant boost to its spinoff Station 19 by integrating the universe with frequent crossovers. Because of this, Station 19 is ABC’s second-highest-rated scripted series after Grey’s Anatomy. The series is also still huge on streaming, often finishing in the top ten throughout the year on Netflix for viewership.

Negotiations will likely come down to the wire like they did last season but I suspect Pompeo will sign back on. In a recent interview, despite acknowledging the show should maybe end, she also expressed her appreciation for her longstanding relationship with Disney-ABC. Pompeo said “I’ve been trying to focus on convincing everybody that it should end. I feel like I’m the super naive one who keeps saying, ‘But what’s the story going to be, what story are we going to tell?'” And everyone’s like, ‘Who cares, Ellen? It makes a gazillion dollars.”

I guess we will see how this will all play out. Do YOU think it’s time to end Grey’s Anatomy or is it good enough for a season 19 renewal?