As Grey’s Anatomy approaches its 20th season, showrunner Krista Vernoff reflects on her second tenure. Despite the show’s massive following over 19 seasons, Vernoff is set to exit after Season 19, leaving behind a cultural touchstone.
Since her return to the show in 2017, Vernoff has overseen the Season of Love, tackled COVID-19, fought for women’s reproductive rights, and introduced a new class of surgical residents. However, her proudest achievement is the impact the show has had on saving people’s lives, and the heartfelt fan letters she and her colleagues have received.
While Vernoff prepares to depart the series, she discussed the impact Grey’s Anatomy has had on viewers’ lives, as well as the show’s cultural significance.
She shared that, “Grey’s Anatomy is such an extraordinary platform, such an extraordinary microphone. It’s in hundreds of territories worldwide, and it has a very real impact on hearts and minds, and sometimes it literally saves lives. We get letters from people [that say], ‘I was able to save the life of my baby because of what I saw on Grey’s Anatomy.’ ‘I was able to save my brother who was drowning because I saw CPR on Grey’s Anatomy.’ We get these letters that — I have full body chills as I talk about it — and so I’m proud of it all.
She further adds that, “If I say any more, I’ll start to cry.”
Vernoff remains confident in her work on Grey’s Anatomy. She won’t shed tears over less successful storylines, and admits to potential do-overs. “I’m sure that if I looked at some of the early stuff, there would be do-overs that I would want,” she acknowledged.
Surviving in Hollywood means filtering out negative experiences. Despite this, Vernoff remains proud of the phenomenal work accomplished under her leadership. “I think we’ve done phenomenal work,” she stated.
Grey’s Anatomy helping so many people in profound ways is a remarkable feat. The show features intense storylines that viewers have learned from. Moreover, the credit goes to showrunner Krista Vernoff for her guidance, including the pandemic storyline.
Watching scripted TV shows can be a valuable source of learning, inspiring some viewers to enter the medical field. However, it’s important to remember that not everything is always 100% accurate, particularly with surgery scenes. Nonetheless, the effort of everyone involved in the show is appreciated.
Krista Vernoff’s departure as showrunner from Grey’s Anatomy is just the latest in a series of exits from the long-running medical drama. This year, fans bid farewell to Kelly McCreary’s Maggie Pierce and Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey. However, Pompeo will be returning for the Season 19 finale, and still providing voice-over.
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To further add, executive producer Meg Marinis is step up to succeed Vernoff as showrunner for Grey’s Anatomy Season 20.
Grey’s Anatomy revival makes it the first ABC scripted drama on the network to receive the green light for a return. Additionally, the popular sitcom Abbott Elementary has also been confirmed for renewal, making it the second ABC program to receive the announcement.
After Vernoff’s departure, the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital staff’s next move is highly anticipated by fans. The show continues to be available for viewers, airing on ABC at 9 p.m. ET on Thursdays. Here’s how you can watch Grey’s Anatomy season 19 outside the US, in addition to streaming past seasons on Hulu.
