Ellen Pompeo’s Grey’s Anatomy exit and potential return are addressed by series creator Shonda Rhimes, who praises her work over the years.
Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes addresses star Ellen Pompeo’s exit and potential return. One of the longest-running shows on television, Rhimes took a step back from Grey’s Anatomy in 2015, though she still remains involved as an executive producer. The series, which has centered around Meredith Grey for most of its duration, saw Pompeo’s role get reduced in season 19. She eventually left Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital and moved to Boston, but despite her ongoing absence from Grey’s Anatomy, Meredith’s storyline might not be over.
As questions surrounding the future of Grey’s Anatomy continue to swirl, Rhimes discusses Pompeo’s decision to exit the series. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, the creator notes Pompeo should have the opportunity to work on other projects, adding that it is still possible for her to come back. Read Rhimes’ comments regarding Pompeo’s Grey’s Anatomy departure below:
“Ellen’s spectacular and I think she deserves a little bit of creative time that’s different from what she’s been doing. She’s been doing this job — I mean, nobody expected the show to go this many seasons. We’re entering the 20th season, so she deserves the break and get the chance to do something else… And if she wants to come back, she comes back.”
Could Pompeo Return In Grey’s Anatomy Season 20?
It is worth wondering how Meredith’s story evolves outside of Grey Sloan, and what kind of circumstances would bring her back to Grey’s Anatomy. Following Meredith’s move to Boston, the status of her relationship with Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman) was left up in the air, but it seems there may still be feelings between them. Pompeo’s character ended up leaving after spending only six months as Chief of Surgery, choosing to prioritize family. Relocating allowed Meredith to continue studying Alzheimer’s while enrolling her daughter Zola in a better school.
Pompeo reportedly appears in the Grey’s Anatomy season 19 finale, though a potential return beyond that is unknown. Even if she is not on-screen, the actor will remain involved with production, serving as an executive producer and narrating future episodes. As the show continues to track Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), along with several new interns, Meredith’s presence might not be needed throughout season 20, but it is still hard to imagine Grey’s Anatomy without her.
Pompeo previously teased her Grey’s Anatomy return, but whether she is referring to season 20 or not remains to be seen. Viewers expressed disappointment in her character’s last appearance, so it makes sense to give her a proper farewell in the future. Those eager to find out more about Pompeo’s potential return can be sure to keep up with Grey’s Anatomy as it airs.
