Grey’s Anatomy's record-breaking announcement: Are they staying on air?

New York, New York - The lights are staying on at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, but for how many years will Grey's Anatomy run?

Grey's Anatomy has cycled through a huge cast in its record-breaking 18 seasons on air.
Grey's Anatomy has cycled through a huge cast in its record-breaking 18 seasons on air.  © imago/Everett Collection

Grey’s Anatomy has made a record-breaking announcement, as its 18-season run will be renewed for season 19. ABC announced the news on Monday, continuing the longest-running prime-time medical drama series in TV history and stays ABC's number one show among adults aged 18 to 48.

"I couldn’t be more excited that we get to keep telling the stories of Meredith, Bailey, Richard and all the other doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial for another season," creator Shonda Rhimes said in a statement.

"This is a true testament to (showrunner) Krista Vernoff, the cast, the crew and all the writers who keep the audience on the edge of their seat week after week. And it would not be possible without the generations of incredible fans who have supported Grey’s Anatomy for so many years."

Grey's Anatomy's record-breaking run continues Meredith Grey's story

While the soapy medical drama remains one of the most-watched network shows, star Ellen Pompeo, who plays Dr. Meredith Grey, has been vocal about shutting the down the show after almost two decades in scrubs.

"I’ve been trying to focus on convincing everybody that it should end. I feel like I’m the super naive one who keeps saying, 'But what’s the story going to be, what story are we going to tell?'" she told Insider last month. "And everyone’s like, 'Who cares, Ellen? It makes a gazillion dollars.'"

The renewal of the show's 19th season reportedly hinged upon Pompeo's return, which the network has now solidified with a one-year deal and upping the actor from co-executive producer to executive producer.

Grey's Anatomy Season 19 follows a season of returning characters

Ellen Pompeo is one of only three remaining original cast members.
Ellen Pompeo is one of only three remaining original cast members.  © imago/Cinema Publishers Collection

The current 18th season saw the return of Kate Walsh as Addison Montgomery, as well as Scott Speedman as Meredith’s love interest.

Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Kevin McKidd, Kim Raver, Camilla Luddington, Caterina Scorsone, Kelly McCreary, Chris Carmack, Jake Borelli, Richard Flood, and Anthony Hill also star.

Fan favorite Jesse Williams departed from the show last year, while a number of original cast members like Katherine Heigel, Sandra Oh, and Patrick Dempsey also left the show seasons ago.

Which characters will return in Grey's Anatomy record-breaking 19th season?

As for which characters besides Meredith, Bailey, and Richard will appear in season 19, ABC has only said that the upcoming season "will explore the ever-expanding world of modern medicine through the eyes of beloved returning and new characters."

"Grey’s Anatomy has a global impact that can’t be overstated," Vernoff, who took over as showrunner in Season 14, said in a statement. "Grey’s touches, and sometimes changes, hearts and minds worldwide through the depth of connection people feel with these characters."

The current season of Grey’s Anatomy returns to ABC on February 24.

Cover photo: imago/Cinema Publishers Collection

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