For the past 17 years Shonda Rhimes, the creator, head writer and executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy has accumulated over 37 million viewers worldwide. The audience has celebrated the ups and mourned the downs of this turbulent show. As the 17th season comes to an end, long-time Grey’s Anatomy supporters are relieved and delighted to hear that there will in fact be a season 18, as ABC recently renewed the show. 

Meredith Grey, the main character, of this medical drama is played by Ellen Pompeo. Pompeo has been the star of the show since the pilot episode first premiered. The character Meredith has been the one constant in the show and is what most viewers look forward to seeing on Thursday nights. Senior Kelsey Altschul says Meredith Grey is “confident and courageous” and “she never backs down from a challenge no matter the difficulty it may pose.” Throughout the 17 seasons, Grey has been faced with very tough times but always manages to battle her way through. Viewers are looking forward to seeing what obstacles are put in place for Meredith to conquer in season 18. 

18 seasons sounds like a lot, but is it what many fans are pleased to hear about! Although many people began to face the reality that the 17th season may be the end for this unique show, it is exciting to know that this isn’t the end of the road, yet! Altschul states, “While I love Grey’s, I believe that with everything they’ve done this season they won’t be able to match it in any other, so it may not be as good of a show anymore.” While Altschul does not believe that season 18 will be able to live up to the expectations set in place she is “excited there [is] a season 18.” 

Many viewers are wondering if the exit of one of the main characters, Jackson Avery, will have any effect on next season. Deadline briefly referenced his exit in their article about Grey’s Anatomy’s season renewal. They mentioned Jesse Williams, the actor who plays the Jackson Avery character, contract was up, so he “opted to depart the series after 12 seasons.”  

Grey’s Anatomy has been a weekly activity for many people for the past 17 years or as long as they have been watching the show. The renewal for an 18th season means that they will not need to give up the weekly hour of the show. Most are relieved to hear that their favorite medical drama will continue. Grey’s Anatomy has been a safe place for many people over the years. As it is said, all good things must come to an end, but this is not the end yet. And so viewers look forward to the bright future of at least one more season of Grey’s Anatomy.