Hey Grey's Anatomy fanatics! We all know Meredith Grey is the heart and soul of the show right? Even though Ellen Pompeo stepped back from being a series regular a while ago we're still seeing Dr. Grey around Grey Sloan Memorial. But what about the future? Will Meredith be back for more? Let's dive into the latest updates and what the showrunner is saying!
More Meredith Coming This Season: At Least Four More Episodes with Ellen Pompeo Confirmed!
Good news for anyone missing Meredith's presence. Showrunner Meg Marinis recently spilled some tea about Ellen Pompeo's involvement in Season 21. Even though Pompeo scaled back her on-screen time to work on other projects Meredith is still very much a part of Grey's Anatomy. Marinis confirmed that we will see Meredith in at least seven episodes this season and guess what? Three of those have already aired meaning we have At Least Four More Episodes to look forward to with Meredith!
Marinis emphasized that they want Ellen to be on the show as much as possible and it sounds like Ellen feels the same way. It's an ongoing conversation and thankfully Meredith's voice as the narrator is still there every single episode which is definitely comforting for long-time viewers.
The showrunner also mentioned they are trying to tell Meredith's story in arcs of episodes rather than just random appearances. This season they are focusing on Meredith's relationships especially her romance with Dr. Nick Marsh played by Scott Speedman. Marinis loves seeing Meredith find love again after Derek and praised Speedman for always being ready to come back and play.
Season 22 and Beyond? What Are the Chances of Ellen Pompeo Returning to Grey's Anatomy Again?
Okay so we know we are getting more Meredith in Season 21 but what about Season 22 and Beyond? Will Ellen Pompeo keep coming back? Marinis says those conversations for Season 22 "haven’t quite started yet." However she hinted that there is likely something in place from Pompeo's previous deal with ABC for her to return.
The showrunner thinks if Pompeo does come back for Season 22 it would probably be for a similar number of episodes as Season 21 around seven. Of course it all depends on Ellen Pompeo's schedule and what other projects she takes on. But the door definitely seems open for Meredith to remain a recurring presence in Grey's Anatomy for the foreseeable future.
Beyond Grey Sloan: Ellen Pompeo's New Hulu Series "Good American Family" is on the Horizon
So what is keeping Ellen Pompeo busy outside of Grey's Anatomy? She is starring in a brand new Hulu limited series called "Good American Family" and it is set to premiere on March 19th. This is Pompeo's first big role outside of Grey's Anatomy since 2005 which is a pretty big deal.
The series is based on a true story about Natalia Grace a Ukrainian-born girl and her adoptive parents. It's a dramatic story with a twist as the parents begin to suspect Natalia might not be a child at all. Pompeo plays one of the adoptive parents and the series also stars Imogen Reid Mark Duplass and Dulé Hill. It sounds intense and could be really interesting to see Pompeo in a completely different role.
Interestingly both Hulu and ABC where Grey's Anatomy airs are owned by Disney. This corporate connection probably makes it easier for Pompeo to juggle both projects if she wants to.
Meredith's Enduring Essence: Showrunner Reassures Fans Meredith Grey Will Always Be Part of Grey's Anatomy
Even with Ellen Pompeo focusing on other roles and Meredith Grey not being the center of every episode the showrunner wants to make it clear that Meredith's spirit is still woven into the fabric of Grey's Anatomy. Marinis said "she is the essence of the show."
Even when Meredith is not physically there her voiceovers are in every episode. Other characters constantly mention her. Bailey and Richard often talk about Meredith to the new interns using her as an example of a surgeon who came from humble beginnings and became world-class. And of course Derek's sister Amelia and nephew Lucas are still part of the show keeping that Shepherd family connection alive.
So even if Meredith is not always in the operating room her influence her legacy and her voice will continue to shape Grey's Anatomy going forward. For many fans that is probably comforting news.
Key Takeaways: Ellen Pompeo and Meredith Grey's Future on Grey's Anatomy
- Ellen Pompeo will be in at least 4 more episodes of Grey's Anatomy Season 21, in addition to the 3 already aired.
- Her return for Season 22 is possible with discussions yet to begin but likely for a similar number of episodes (around 7).
- Pompeo is starring in a new Hulu series "Good American Family" premiering March 19th her first major role outside Grey's in years.
- Showrunner Meg Marinis emphasizes Meredith Grey remains "the essence of the show" even with reduced screen time.
- Meredith's storylines in Season 21 focus on her relationship with Nick and her Alzheimer's research.
- Grey's Anatomy is likely to continue with Meredith recurring even if her presence fades over time.