Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Meg Marinis has discussed the success of rival show The Pitt, and given her views on the competition between the hit medical dramas. Grey’s Anatomy season 21 is currently airing, but ABC’s ratings behemoth shows little sign of slowing down any time soon. Conversely, The Pitt has just concluded its debut season on Max, and has enjoyed critical acclaim, as well as a season 2 renewal, and comparisons can be drawn between the two shows, particularly the dramatic storytelling, and smorgasbord of interesting characters.
In an interview with the LA Times, Marinis discusses her plans for the future of Grey’s Anatomy, as well as talking about the success of The Pitt, and whether there is a rivalry between the shows. She reveals that it’s natural to wonder about some of the storylines The Pitt is exploring, and how they compare with Grey’s Anatomy, before stating she has not yet watched the rival show as she doesn’t want it to influence her writing, but plans to get around to it. Check out Marinis’s comments below:
“Grey’s” has endured as others in the genre have come and gone. When you see something like “The Pitt” become this drama that has people talking, what do you take from that at this stage in “Grey’s” run?
There’s a couple of things — you can’t help but think, “Oh, what kind of stories are they telling? Are they telling cooler stories than we are?” I really want to watch “The Pitt,” I’m waiting until hiatus because I do love medical shows, but I try not to watch them when I’m writing just to stay completely focused on “Grey’s.” I don’t want to compete or compare. They’re all different. This interest means that people still like medical shows. They’re still relevant.
What These Comments Mean For Grey’s Anatomy Moving Forward
The Show is An Institution By This Point & Should Focus On What It’s Good At
The Pitt’s gritty realism, and fresh and unique approach – 12 episodes each covering 1 hour of a 12-hour shift on the emergency ward – is a compelling narrative structure. However, what has always made Grey’s Anatomy so popular is the personal lives of its characters, and how these seep into, and impact, their professional lives, and the working environment. While there is always a temptation to change approach, especially after so many seasons, there is the feeling Grey’s should stick to its successful formula.
Whilst it feels unlikely Grey’s Anatomy will seek to change its format to compete with a newer show, the success of The Pitt, at the very least, will serve to keep Marinis and the rest of the Grey’s Anatomy team on their toes.
Marinis’ comments suggest she agrees with this sentiment, and that she is fully focused on letting Grey’s Anatomy be Grey’s Anatomy, without trying to copy other things. The audience for the show exists for a reason, and trying to make drastic changes at this stage would not fit narratively or tonally. However, once Marinis does watch The Pitt, she could be inspired to introduce some fresh arcs into the Grey’s Anatomy storylines, and this wouldn’t necessarily be seen as a bad thing.
Our Verdict On How The Pitt Could Impact The Future Of Grey’s Anatomy
The Series Could Look To Evolve To Keep Up With Its Competition
While it feels unlikely Grey’s Anatomy will seek to change its format to compete with a newer show, the success of The Pitt, at the very least, will serve to keep Marinis and the rest of the Grey’s Anatomy team on their toes. They will need to ensure consistent quality and compelling stories in order to keep viewers, and the show will be better for it. If it should happen, Grey’s Anatomy season 22 could seek to take inspiration from things The Pitt has done well, while still being true to itself.