Will season 17 be the last...?

Debbie Allen Says 'Grey's Anatomy' Planned To End After This Season

We're now a few weeks into Grey's Anatomy season 17, but fans are still wondering if this will be the end of the show. Star Ellen Pompeo and showrunner Krista Vernoff previously commented on that possibility, but now "Catherine Fox" actress Debbie Allen is also weighing in with her opinion. See what she had to say.

Grey's Anatomy season 17 is only two episodes in, and viewers have already been taken on an emotional rollercoaster. We've seen the incredible comeback of "McDreamy" (Patrick Dempsey), while a COVID-infected "Meredith" (Ellen Pompeo) is in mortal danger.

Meanwhile, fans are still wondering if the hospital series will end after this season, as had been rumoured. Debbie Allen, who plays "Catherine Fox" and is a director-producer, has now commented on if she believes season 17 will be the swan song for Grey's.

Grey's Anatomy: Debbie Allen on seasons 17... and 18?

Previously, star Ellen Pompeo had unexpectedly told Variety that the series could end with season 17: "We don't know when the show is really ending yet. But the truth is, this year could be it," she said. But two episodes into season 17, the hospital series is riding a wave of success. Last week, it even won the People's Choice Award for "The Show of 2020."

Now, in a new interview on Radio Andy, star Debbie Allen has added her view: "This show is so good. This show is better this year than ever. And this was supposed to be our last year. But... I'm not sure. I think it could keep going."

Allen's comments certainly give hope to fans hoping for a season 18 after all, though nothing has been officially confirmed yet.

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The Grey's Anatomy cast wants more seasons

Giacomo Gianotti, who plays "Andrew DeLuca," is also hoping for another season. He previously revealed to Access: "We've said it so many times, that this is gonna be the last season. And Ellen is like, 'No, actually, we'll do another one or two.' So it really depends on Krista [Vernoff], Shonda Rhimes and Ellen."

Season 18 (and beyond?) remains a question mark, but it certainly sounds as if most of the cast has sights set on more Grey's beyond season 17. Stay tuned for the latest updates.