ABC/Mike Rosenthal(LOS ANGELES) — Grey’s Anatomy, the longest running medical drama in television history with a whopping 17 seasons, might be hanging up the scrubs sometime soon as hinted by star Ellen Pompeo.

The actress, who plays the titular Doctor Meredith Grey, spoke openly about the hit show and indicated that the series might come to an end sooner than fans think.

“We don’t know when the show is really ending yet,” Pomeo admitted to Variety on Wednesday. “But the truth is, this year could be it.”

The 50-year-old actress further hinted about her own future on the medical drama, adding, “I mean, this is the last year of my contract right now. I don’t know that this is the last year? But it could very well could be.”

However, Pompeo understands that, should she leave, it might be difficult for the show to continue.

“I don’t take the decision lightly [about leaving,]” she confessed, “We employ a lot of people, and we have a huge platform. And I’m very grateful for it.”

Pompeo assured that, despite the slight chance that Grey’s Anatomy is in its final season, the show’s quality will remain intact.

“I’m constantly fighting for the show as a whole to be as good as it can be,” she revealed. “As a producer, I feel like I have permission to be able to do that.”

Pompeo, who has been with Grey’s since the pilot episode aired in 2005, is one of the last remaining original cast members.  Only two other actors have stayed with the show since the beginning, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr., who play Doctor Miranda Bailey and Doctor Richard Webber, respectively.

Season 17 of Grey’s Anatomy premieres November 17 on ABC and will feature the doctors adjusting to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

By Megan Stone
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