Grey’s Anatomy season 23 episode count still to be determined as showrunner addresses show’s future
Grey’s Anatomy just wrapped up season 22 and season 23 is on the way, but there’s still a big question about the season’s episode count hanging over the series as the next season heads into production later this summer.
The last two seasons of Grey’s Anatomy had 18 episodes each, and even though the show remains a hit, the exact episode count is tricky to figure out. ABC has yet to announce the official episode count, which is starting to make some fans nervous.
When Grey’s Anatomy premiered way back in 2005, it was a midseason show, so the first year had only 9 episodes. Once it became a hit, it expanded the count and often beyond the usual 22-episode seasons of network shows. The most was season 2, with 27 episodes, while the second-least was season 20, which (thanks to the 2023 Hollywood strikes) was held until March of 2024 and had only 10 episodes.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Meg Marinis (who took over in season 20) was asked for the information and revealed even she’s not sure yet.
“I’ve not been given that information yet. There are always different things you can do creatively with a different number of episodes. My feeling is that I wanted to give as many episodes of Grey’s Anatomy to this crew and cast, as well as to the fans. Whatever number they’ll give me, I’ll always look at it in a creative way and as a creative challenge, and then I’ll make it work.”
The question of episode count is a big one, given the changes in TV networks in the last few years. The rise of streaming has hit traditional network viewing habits hard, with more audiences “cutting the cord” to watch on platforms like Hulu. ABC has felt the impact of that with several shows like High Potential, The Rookie, Will Trent, and Shifting Gears being held until midseason.
There is an advantage there, as those shows can run episodes without the typical delays between new installments. Meanwhile, CBS has announced several of their top shows, such as Ghosts, Matlock, Fire Country and NCIS: Origins, will have only 10-13 episodes each. Viewers are less inclined to watch a full 22-episode season anymore, putting a show like Grey’s in a tricky spot.
With Grey’s Anatomy, there are additional factors involved. Like those mentioned shows, there is a high budget involved, which is bigger given Grey’s very large ensemble. It’s simple math: Fewer episodes mean less need to pay actors and crew, and that’s even after considering several have big residual deals and high-value contracts. It also means less to spend per episode on a show that has scores of medical emergencies every week.
With Grey’s being a cornerstone for ABC’s Thursday night block, it will premiere this fall, yet it’s possible the network has another 18-episode season or even less. Marinis seems to be waiting to hear just how many episodes they’ll get before they plan out the season storylines, as there’s no telling what factors could throw things off (such as season 17 cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic).
The other big question asked is one that comes up every year: How long can Grey’s Anatomy go on? 23 seasons is an achievement in itself, with the show still sometimes “on the bubble” for renewal. Marinis’ answer summed up it all depends on the fans.
“I love this job. I love this show. I’ll keep it going as long as Shonda and ABC allow me to. I’m doing everything I can to keep these lights on. Until they kick me out! I’m in it for the long haul. As long as they’ll have me here.”
We’ll learn more as the season gets closer and ABC announces the premiere dates so here’s hoping Grey’s Anatomy gets a full season to tell its latest stories.
Grey’s Anatomy season 23 premieres this fall on ABC.
