'Grey's Anatomy' Star Ellen Pompeo Says the Upcoming 17th Season Could Be the Shows Last

Actress Ellen Pompeo dropped a major bomb in her interview with Variety when she revealed that the upcoming 17th season of the medical show, "Grey's Anatomy" may be the last.

Since making its debut in 2005, popular ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" has become one of the most loved drama series among television viewers worldwide.

The series, which stars Ellen Pompeo as the main character, superstar surgeon Dr. Meredith Grey, is set for its 17th season after wrapping up the sixteenth season earlier than expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the new upcoming season could be the very last of the Shonda Rhimes-created series if Pompeo's words in a recent interview are anything to go by.

Replying to a question that was not all about when "Grey's Anatomy" will come to an end, Pompeo told Variety that this might just be the show's last season, saying:

"We don't know when the show is really ending yet. But the truth is, this year could be it."

Pompeo, who is also a producer on the show, said she is always fighting for it to be as good as it can be. She explained that this is the last year of her contract before adding that she did not know if it will be the final year of the show, but that it could be.

The actress knew well about the impact her words would have and laughed over the phone during her conversation, saying, "There's your sound bite! There's your clickbait! ABC's on the phone!"

Pompeo added that she is excited about the upcoming season, which she said will be one of the series' best ever season.

In the past, Pompeo and Rhimes have been vocal about when the show will come to an end, with the consensus being that it will end whenever Pompeo decides to leave.

Pompeo does not take that decision lightly. She said the show employed many people and had a huge platform she is grateful for. The actress said she continues to weigh out what they could do creatively.

Pompeo added that she is excited about the upcoming season, which she said will be one of the series' best season ever. She also teased what fans can expect in the new season, which will tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grey's Anatomy has played host to many actors and actresses since making its television debut. While few of its original cast remain, many others have left the series, making way for new faces.

Only one of the series' original intern class is left on the show, while just three of the debut season's characters are set to appear in season 17.

Some of the notable acts that have left the series include Sandra Oh, who played Cristina Yang, Katherine Heigl, who played Izzie Stephens, and Patrick Dempsey, who played Derek Shepherd.