Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Meg Marinis opens up about whether the long-running medical drama could ever continue without Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey in any capacity. Since its debut in 2005, Grey’s Anatomy has revolved around the titular character’s journey, following her evolution from surgical intern to world-class surgeon. However, with Ellen Pompeo stepping back from her leading role, resulting in Meredith Grey moving to Boston in season 19 and appearing only in a limited capacity, questions have arisen about whether the show can truly continue without her.
In a recent interview with the LA Times, Marinis acknowledged that while Grey’s Anatomy has built a strong ensemble cast over its 20-season run, Meredith Grey’s presence is deeply ingrained in the DNA of the show. Even though Pompeo stepped away from a full-time role, her character’s legacy continues to influence storylines, shaping the experiences of the next generation of surgeons at Grey Sloan Memorial. Read her full comments below:
I hope that we don’t ever have to see a “Grey’s” without Meredith every now and then. We have an amazing cast alongside Ellen Pompeo. I think our episodes without her are just as strong, but it’s just so nice to hear her voice with the voiceovers.
But I also feel that even when she’s not in the episodes, it feels like she can be there. We constantly reference her. She’s obviously come out as a world-class surgeon out of this hospital. Bailey [Chandra Wilson] and Richard [James Pickens Jr.], when they’re dealing with a new class of interns, they invoke that spirit of Meredith that anytime they think that they’ve got a difficult intern, they remember who they brought up and what she became.
We still have [Derek’s family] Amelia Shepherd [Caterina Scorsone] and Lucas Adams [Niko Terho]. The essence of Meredith never disappears.
What This Means For Grey’s Anatomy’s Future
The Show Could Continue Without Meredith, But Her Presence Is Everlasting
Although the show has evolved beyond Meredith Grey as the central character, Marini’s comments confirm that it continues to rely on her presence, even in episodes where Pompeo does not appear. Whether through voiceovers, character references, or storylines tied to her legacy, Meredith remains an essential part of the medical drama’s fabric. Pompeo stepped back from her full-time role but continues to narrate episodes and make occasional guest appearances. With Grey’s Anatomy season 21 now airing and Pompeo set to appear in only 7 episodes this season, it’s clear that the show is moving forward and focusing on other characters.
Ellen Pompeo is starring in her first major role since Grey’s Anatomy in the new Hulu series Good American Family.
Grey’s Anatomy has proven that it can function with a greater emphasis on other characters, including Dr. Bailey and Dr. Richard Webber, as they train the newest group of surgical interns. The show’s ongoing success shows that it has evolved following major departures from beloved characters, including Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh). Marini’s comments also hint that, even if Pompeo eventually steps away, Meredith’s presence will always loom over Grey Sloan Memorial. Her legacy means that the show will always be tied to her, whether or not she physically appears in future seasons.
Our Take On Grey’s Anatomy’s Future Without Meredith
Nothing Has Been Set In Stone
While Grey’s Anatomy has thrived with its ensemble cast, the emotional core of the series always comes back to Meredith Grey. Even with fewer on-screen appearances, her impact remains strong, offering some continuity for longtime fans who have followed her journey for the past 21 seasons. However, as the show continues to air, it may have to contemplate a future where Pompeo is no longer involved. It has not been confirmed if the actor will appear in Grey’s Anatomy season 22, but if she does, Marini confirmed it will continue to be in a limited capacity.
New episodes of Grey’s Anatomy can be watched on Thursdays at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT on ABC.
Source: LA Times
Grey’s Anatomy
9/10
- Release Date
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March 27, 2005
- Directors
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Rob Corn, Kevin McKidd, Debbie Allen, Chandra Wilson, Allison Liddi-Brown, Jeannot Szwarc, Tony Phelan
- Writers
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Shonda Rhimes, Julie Wong, Jen Klein, Tameson Duffy, Meg Marinis
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Ellen Pompeo
Dr. Meredith Grey
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Chandra Wilson
Dr. Miranda Bailey
