Shonda Rhimes has “literally zero” plans for ending ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. The iconic medical drama continues to captivate audiences worldwide, maintaining steady viewership even after numerous seasons on air.
The 55-year-old writer created the hit ABC medical drama in 2005 and stepped down as showrunner almost a decade ago, but even though she may like to make a comeback to write the series finale, she believes the current showrunner is the only one who has “earned the right” to bring it to a close. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ has launched numerous acting careers and has become ABC’s longest-running primetime scripted series.
“I might want to write the series finale, if that ever comes. I keep waiting for it, but no,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “I might want to write the series finale. I might not. It might be that, by that point, Meg [Marinis] has really earned the right to end the show, so I don’t know. I’m always excited to see what she comes up with. She just pitched me the finale of this season and I was so excited by it. I was so proud of her. It’s such a good one.” Marinis has been with the show since season one, starting as a production assistant before rising through the ranks.
“I have zero endings for ‘Grey’s’ now. I mean, literally zero. Until season eight, I still had endings. And by the way, I felt like I ended the series several times. I was like, “This could be the finale, this could be it,” but it wasn’t. So after a while I just started writing those things that I thought would happen at the end into the show, because it wasn’t ending.” The series has survived numerous cast departures, including original stars throughout its long run.
Shonda is also behind other US TV hits such as ‘Scandal’ and ‘Station 19’ but lamented that she often receives “all the credit” even though she works with a team of others. Her production company, Shondaland, has created numerous successful television series and has expanded into streaming content with Netflix.
“I feel like I get all the credit — good and bad. I get all the credit, and there’s so many people who’ve done so many amazing things on the shows. Nobody says, “I didn’t like that script by Raamla Mohamed,” she said. Through her groundbreaking work, Rhimes has helped redefine representation in television, creating diverse casts and authentic storylines.
“Not that Raamla Mohamed ever writes a bad script, but they’re always going to say, ‘Shonda Rhimes really f***** up,’ and that’s okay. I mean, that’s sort of the price I pay for getting to do this the way we get to do it, which is without a lot of interference. In a shrinking television environment, we’re still embraced for doing our shows. So that’s okay with me.” Rhimes’ influence extends beyond television, with her advocating for diversity and inclusion in media throughout her career.
‘Grey’s Anatomy‘ has aired many episodes since its debut, making it one of the most successful television dramas of all time. The show has tackled numerous social issues over its run, including LGBTQ+ representation, racial inequality, and mental health awareness, often pushing boundaries for network television.
Ellen Pompeo, who plays the titular Meredith Grey, has reduced her role in recent seasons but remains connected to the series. The show has successfully introduced new generations of characters, allowing the storylines to evolve while maintaining the original medical drama framework that viewers have come to love.
The longevity of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ stands as a testament to Rhimes’ storytelling abilities and the deep connection audiences have formed with the fictional doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show’s continued success represents a rare achievement in modern television.
ABC has shown commitment to continuing the series as viewers remain engaged with the show’s characters and stories. The network recognizes the show’s importance in their programming lineup and its influence on television culture.
With streaming platforms now featuring all seasons of the show, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ continues to find new generations of fans while retaining its dedicated long-term audience. The cultural impact of the series is evident as it continues to inspire viewers and shape conversations about healthcare, relationships, and professional life.
