‘Grey’s Anatomy’s Showrunner Speculating Season 17 Ending As Possible Series Finale

Are you ready to possibly say goodbye to Grey’s Anatomy, forever?

For the first time in a long time as upfronts approach, and seasons come to an end, Grey’s Anatomy is facing a possible question mark for what its future holds. Grey’s Anatomy is ABC’s flagship medical drama, starring Ellen Pompeo from creator Shonda Rhimes. The series is currently in its 17th season, with renewal talks underway for months. The series returns for its midseason premiere this week. Meanwhile, showrunner Krista Vernoff is handling the show’s uncertain future with two contingencies in mind.

“I’m planning a season and a finale that could function as either a season finale or a series finale,” Vernoff told The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday. “I’m planning for both contingencies and it’s hard and it’s not ideal. It’s not where I wish we were.”

Currently Ellen Pompeo is TV’s highest paid actress. With her previous contract ending with season 17 it remains to be seen if parent company Disney will pony up for another round of negotiations to up her contract. Grey’s Anatomy ranks as ABC’s No. 1 drama series among total viewers and the all-important advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic.