This might surprise fans of Grey’s Anatomy, but Ellen Pompeo is campaigning for the ABC series to come to an end sooner rather than later. Pompeo has led Grey’s Anatomy since its very first episode, playing then-surgical intern Meredith Grey. As stars have come and gone, Pompeo has remained Grey’s Anatomy’s beating heart throughout its entire 18-season run. Viewers have gotten the chance to watch Meredith rise from intern to Chief of General Surgery, all while battling obstacles like hospital shootings, COVID, and the death of her husband, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey).
As is perhaps inevitable for a show that has been on for as long as Grey’s Anatomy has, there has been plenty of speculation in recent years over when the medical drama will end. For a bit last year, it looked like Grey’s Anatomy season 17 could serve as the conclusion; not only was Meredith in a position to be potentially written off, but the returns of deceased characters like Derek and Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) gave the overall impression that Grey’s Anatomy was giving itself a celebratory, nostalgic sendoff. However, Pompeo later renewed her contract with ABC, and the series was greenlit for season 18.
And yet, it sounds like if Pompeo has her way, Grey’s Anatomy won’t make it much farther than season 18. Speaking to Insider while promoting her company Betr Remedies, Pompeo confessed she has “been trying to focus on convincing everybody that it should end.” However, this isn’t an easy task since people seem rather interested in keeping it going. Pompeo continued:
“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.'”
Pompeo’s story concerns might be valid ones. Even shows with a procedural backing like Grey’s Anatomy run out of steam over the years, and the ABC series has pursued some truly wild storylines over the years. To keep it going because of how much money it makes seems like a poor decision, and one that might result in alienating fans. As it is, the ratings for Grey’s Anatomy season 18 haven’t been stellar, perhaps indicating there’s already some fatigue among audiences.
At the very least, there’s fatigue with Grey’s Anatomy’s leading actress. Not too long ago, Pompeo said she feels she’s been on the show for too long. As the face of the series, it would be inconceivable for it to go on without her. If Pompeo feels Grey’s Anatomy should end, then perhaps it is time to listen to her. Right now, the series hasn’t been officially greenlit for season 22, so there is a good chance this current one could be its last. Until it gets cancelled, though, the doors of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital remain open for all kinds of wild cases.