Grey’s Anatomy Signs Off for Another Season

A longtime fan favourite wraps up another dramatic season with further twists and turns

To say season 17 of this medical soap has been full of twists would be an understatement. The show managed to tackle the pandemic in a real and relevant way, all while walking down memory lane with the return of several departed cast members. The more a comatose Meredith went to her mind beach, the more familiar faces we saw (Lexi, Derek, George), and even though those scenes meant Mer’s health was in decline, they were still a treat for longtime viewers. Meanwhile, the series said goodbye to some more fan favourites. In March, the writers shocked everyone when they killed DeLuca (Canadian Giacomo Gianniotti), who strolled off into the heavenly sunset with his late mother, leaving not a dry eye in the house.

Then, in last week’s penultimate episode, we also had to bid farewell to Jesse Williams (who was the second-longest non-original cast member left on the show behind Kevin McKidd), when Dr. Jackson Avery turned in his stethoscope. (The actor exited after 11 years to pursue new projects.)

There had been speculation this might be the farewell season, but a one-year deal was ultimately reached with series headliner Ellen Pompeo (a.k.a. Dr. Meredith Grey) after what Deadline describes as “lengthy negotiations.” Ditto for co-stars Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey) and James Pickens, Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber). No word yet on whether season 18 will serve as the end game, but don’t be surprised. Great as the ratings still are, the show can only afford so many “lengthy negotiations.”

Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on CTV & ABC