Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 had already disheartened fans when it announced that the season would have sixteen episodes instead of the usual twenty-four. The medical drama had a special place in people’s hearts ever since the beginning of season one. 17 seasons up, and fans cannot get enough of this Shonda Rhimes’ masterpiece.
The series, in its latest season, incorporated the arc of the pandemic in its episodes. The pandemic is potentially why the makers have decided to write the end of the season as the series finale. Grey’s Anatomy remains the longest-running and the most successful television series of all time. The series was also an instant hit on streaming platform Netflix. With fans saddened by the news, let us find out what happened behind the stage.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 17- What Showrunners Want?
In her official statement, Krista Vernoff said, “I’m planning for both contingencies, and it’s hard, and it’s not ideal. It’s not where I wish we were. I’ve told them that I have to know before I’m making the finale what we’re making because there are a couple of character threads that will change.” She further said that there would be a closure to all or build a cliffhanger that could be a bridge to the next season.
Even though the show remains the number one primetime series for ABC, all good things must come to an end. Allegedly, the show’s lead, Ellen Pompeo, is approaching the end of her contract for two seasons. Moreover, show maker, Krista Vernoff, is also on the negotiation table.
What Were The Original Plans?
After put in an unfortunate position of this abrupt end, Vernoff was as disheartened as the fans. Maker Shonda Rhimes had always stated that the story would be closed only when Ellen Pompeo wished to discontinue. She revived her contract for two years after 2017. This extension made Ellen the highest paid of television. Pompeo has been a consistent face of the series ever since its beginning. Without her, the show might not have reached the spot it has acquired today.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 17- Release Date
The season finale is scheduled sometime around mid-may. Six of the sixteen episodes have already aired. The show came back after a three-month winter break and made a mid-season premiere. As if the abrupt halt wasn’t a shock enough, now we have the news that this might potentially be the final season of the series.
The showrunners plan to write off the season finale as a series finale to bring Grey’s story to an end officially. Krista Vernoff had been in negotiation with ABC Signature and Disney for quite some time. But, the plan of renewal seemed a far-off dream. Due to the pandemic uncertainties, Vernoff will have to conclude the story against the will.
Regardless of these matters within closed doors, the die-heart fans of this medical-drama deserve a satisfying ending. They are still hopeful for another season. But, if this is the potential end, the closure seems a tough job.
What are your feelings about the series ending? Let us know in the comment section.