WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Grey's Anatomy season 15 finale. Read at your own risk.
ABC confirmed Grey's Anatomy season 16 is happening, as the previous installment left a massive cliffhanger, particularly about Jackson's fate. The 15th season recently wrapped up and a lot of fans are wondering what would happen next, so here's everything we know so far about the upcoming installment.
ABC renewed Grey's Anatomy for the 16th season, and also confirmed the 17th season as well. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Krista Vernoff shared they will start writing for the new installment on Monday, June 3.
Grey's Anatomy season 15 finale, "Jump Into The Fog," wrapped up on May 16. The episode features unexpected happenings that will possibly continue in the next season. For instance, Meredith (portrays by Ellen Pompeo) finally confessed to Andrew (Giacomo Gianniotti) that she loved him. However, she needs to deal with some unfortunate events as she was fired for her role in the insurance fraud scheme.
But perhaps, the most shocking twist in season 15 finale centers around Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) and Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary). The two were heading home after a camping trip, but a heavy fog made it dangerous for them to drive in, and they also stopped their vehicle as there was a car pile-up.
Jackson decided to pull over to the side of the road, and he gets out of the car, but he didn't return. From there, fans speculated something tragic happened to him, that's why he's out of sight at the end of the previous season.
Vernoff teased the event was a "creative decision," and a "cliffhanger." She said they hadn't mapped it out, but she wanted people to talk about it and wonder what happened to Jackson. Thus, his fate right now remains unknown.
As for the release date of Grey's Anatomy season 16, Pompeo extended her contract until 2021. So, it is expected that the new season will come out in 2020, and season 17 will likely premiere in 2021. It can be noted that the series aired every September since 2005, so the 16th installment will probably be released in September 2020.
While the rest of the cast hasn't confirmed their return in the new season, Pompeo will surely reprise her role as Meredith Grey, alongside Giacomo Gianniotti as Andrew DeLuca and Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey. Chris Carmack (Dr. Atticus Lincoln), Jake Borelli (Levi Schmitt), and Greg Germann (Dr. Thomas Koracick) were all promoted as series regulars.
However, it's uncertain if Justin Chambers will reprise his role as Alex and James Pickens Jr. as Richard, as the two were fired for the insurance scheme. It's also unknown if Camilla Luddington (Jo) will return, as the character checked into an in-patient treatment program for her mental health.
