Grey's Anatomy season 17 is premiering next month on ABC, but is there a possibility that the latest outing serves as the final installment of the medical drama series? While this remains to be a question, for now, there is a chance the decision will be made before the new chapter wraps up.
In a recent interview with Variety, lead star Ellen Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey, discussed what the future holds beyond Grey's Anatomy season 17. Although the actress didn't confirm when the show is really ending, she stated that "this year could be it."
Pompeo revealed that this is the last year of her contract, which further fuel fans' speculations the series is ending this season. Even though the upcoming installment wasn't the planned series finale, negotiations with the actress could be made mid-way.
It's also up to ABC whether it would pick up the series for another installment and tell more stories in the future. For Pompeo, she told the aforementioned outlet that she believes the upcoming Grey's Anatomy season 17 is "one of the best seasons."
Since ABC hasn't made any decisions about the series, fans may have to wait until official announcements were made. The medical drama debuted in March 2005 and has become one of the most popular shows on TV since then.
Meanwhile, Grey's Anatomy season 17 premieres with a pandemic-themed storyline. The story will see the characters dealing with the health crisis and how health professionals were important at times like this. In fact, the trailer honors all the frontline workers risking their lives amidst the pandemic.
In the clip, Meredith can be heard saying thank you with the pictures of real-life health workers being shown. The new season takes on the current situation, reflecting the struggles of doctors, nurses, and other frontliners over the recent months.
The official poster of the latest installment also comes with a message: "Sometimes... we all need saving." This is a reference to everyone dealing with the real-life health crisis, especially frontline workers needing some savings, as well.
In the series, viewers will see the doctors putting their lives on the line in order to save others, but straining themselves in the process. The situation could bring emotional turmoil, leading to more personal stories and dramatic moments.
While taking on the pandemic, most of them need to deal with their own issues. For instance, Meredith tries to figure out her future outside the hospital. Her romantic life is, particularly, complicated. She is torn between Andrew DeLuca (Giacomo Gianniotti) and Cormac Hayes (Richard Flood).
Grey's Anatomy season 17 drops its premiere episode on Thursday, Nov. 12, on ABC.
