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Grey's Anatomy: ABC boss says medical drama won't get cancelled under one condition

The show, which began in 2005, is TV's longest-running medical drama series

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 06 August 2019 09:07 BST
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ABC boss has revealed that Grey’s Anatomy will only ever get cancelled under one condition.

The long-running medical drama was renewed for two further seasons in May, which will bring its overall count to 17, and the channel’s entertainment chief Karey Burke has assured fans it’ll continue for many more should Ellen Pompeo and creator Shonda Rhimes wish to remain a part of the show.

“We love them. They are as deep a part of the fabric of ABC as anyone and certainly it will be up to them whether or not they want to continue the show,” Burke said at the Television Critics Association summer press tour, adding: ”I hope I’m watching with my grandchildren.”

Earlier this year with its fifteenth season, Grey’s Anatomy – which still pulls in strong ratings for the channel – became the longest-running prime time medical drama in the US, overtaking previous victor ER.

The series focuses on a group of young doctors at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital and catapulted Patrick Dempsey and Killing Eve star Sandra Oh to global recognition.

Only three original cast members remain: Pompeo, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. In 2018, Pompeo usurped stars of Game of Thrones to become the highest-paid actor in a drama series following a deal that sees her earn $20m a year.

Burke recently revealed that she “dreams” of rebooting ABC show Lost.

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