Grey's Anatomy season 17 is returning on ABC after a three-month hiatus. However, it looks like the medical drama is coming to an end. This speculation started after showrunner Krista Vernoff dropped some clues about the finale of the current installment.
Grey's Anatomy season 17 continues to attract new viewers and it is said to be on the top spot on ABC's primetime drama. But, despite its success and being one of the long-running television shows, it seems like the current installment will be the final one for the series.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Vernoff plans to write the final episode of Grey's Anatomy season 17 as both "season finale" and "series finale." What's concerning here is that medical drama hasn't been officially renewed -- though there have been on-going discussions with ABC Signature and Disney.
Since there are uncertainties surrounding the series, the showrunner made a storyline that will satisfy fans in the event the show won't be renewed by ABC. She added that she requested the network to inform her about their final decision ahead of the filming of the finale.
Vernoff explained that she needs to know what the decision would be so she could have enough time to change some threads in the story. She said that she already has a plan for both; either delivering a closure or leaving a major cliffhanger that will continue in the next installment.
For now, it is uncertain if the series will continue after Grey's Anatomy season 17. If ever it will not be renewed, the cancellation is purely due to contract negotiation and creative decision rather than ratings. In addition, lead star Ellen Pompeo's two-season deal is coming to an end.
Yet, series creator Shonda Rhimes also noted in her past interviews that the series will only end if Pompeo no longer wants to portray Meredith Grey. The actress has been the main star of the series since it premiered back in 2005.
Moreover, her deal in 2017, reportedly, made her the highest-paid actress for a television series. Since only 10 episodes were left, the discussions about the renewal will continue in the coming weeks. Fans will get more updates by then, particularly the negotiations with both Vernoff and Pompeo.
Meanwhile, Grey's Anatomy season 17 incorporated the COVID-19 pandemic into the story. The real-life health crisis is also the reason why the current installment only has 16 episodes instead of full 24-episode order. Six episodes already aired and the remaining episodes will arrive starting on Thursday, March 11.
