Shonda Rhimes Contemplates Grey’s Anatomy Series Finale
Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind the acclaimed medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, addresses the possibility of returning to script the series finale. Since its launch in 2005, this groundbreaking show has garnered an immense following, with 21 seasons and multiple spinoffs, including Private Practice and Station 19. Throughout its illustrious run, Grey’s Anatomy has secured four Emmy Awards, including the prestigious Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series awarded to Loretta Devine. The show continues to feature notable actors such as Chandra Wilson, Ellen Pompeo, Kevin McKidd, Jesse Williams, and Justin Chambers.
Rhimes Shares Her Thoughts on Returning to the Show
During a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Rhimes expressed a willingness to write the series finale if the opportunity arises. However, she acknowledged that current showrunner Meg Marinis might “really earn the right to end the show.”Rhimes highlighted her admiration for Marinis, stating she no longer has a concrete vision for how the series should conclude.
Yeah, I might want to write the series finale, if that ever comes. I keep waiting for it, but no. I might want to write the series finale. I might not. It might be that, by that point, Meg has really earned the right to end the show, so I don’t know. I’m always excited to see what she comes up with. She just pitched me the finale of this season, and I was so excited by it. I was so proud of her. It’s such a good one.
I also saw where you talked about having an ending for Grey’s 20 years ago, and then you had eight other endings for Grey’s. Have you stopped even trying at this point?
I have zero endings for Grey’s now. I mean, literally zero. Until season 8, I still had endings. And by the way, I felt like I ended the series several times. I was like, “This could be the finale, this could be it,”but it wasn’t. So after a while, I just started writing those things that I thought would happen at the end into the show, because it wasn’t ending.
The Future of Grey’s Anatomy: Insights and Implications
Rhimes: The Longest-Running Showrunner
Understanding Rhimes’ comments requires a look into the history of the series and its leadership transitions. As the original creator, Rhimes served as showrunner for a decade before passing the baton to Krista Vernoff, who helmed seasons 14 to 19. Currently, Meg Marinis has taken over the showrunner role for season 20 and continues to shape its narrative, with Rhimes involved as an executive producer.
This shift in leadership emphasizes Marinis’ need to establish a longstanding presence to gain the status Rhimes and Vernoff hold regarding final decisions. Rhimes’ sentiment that Marinis may someday secure the right to conclude the series indicates her belief in the show’s longevity. Throughout the interview, Rhimes reflects on her surprise at the series’ enduring run and shares her struggle with crafting various potential endings over the years. She regards the series finale as more of an “if”than a “when,”inferring a lack of imminent closure for fans.
Our Perspective on Shonda Rhimes’ Comments
Grey’s Anatomy: A Fixture in TV for the Foreseeable Future
It is noteworthy that Rhimes’ remarks emerge at a time when Grey’s Anatomy has not yet received an official renewal for a 22nd season. While many view its continuation as inevitable, the conclusion of Station 19 and various shifts within the series have sparked speculation regarding its fate. Rhimes’ confidence in the show’s ongoing success, coupled with her uncertainty on its ending, suggests that Grey’s Anatomy remains a significant player in television for the foreseeable future.
For further details, visit the full interview on EW.
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