ABC ORDERS ADDITIONAL SEASON OF GLOBAL PHENOMENON "GREY'S ANATOMY"

Showrunner Krista Vernoff Will Continue to Lead TV's Longest-Running Primetime Medical Drama Starring Ellen Pompeo

ABC Entertainment has ordered season 19 of the iconic and longest-running primetime medical drama series "Grey's Anatomy" starring Ellen Pompeo. In the upcoming season, the record-breaking Shondaland franchise will explore the ever-expanding world of modern medicine through the eyes of beloved returning and new characters. Executive producer and showrunner Krista Vernoff will continue to helm the series, which remains a global sensation and the network's No. 1 show this season and the No. 1 broadcast drama among Adults 18-49 (tie).

"'Grey's Anatomy' is a true phenomenon, beloved by audiences around the world. Whether they catch it live on ABC, or stream it on Hulu or globally on Disney+ or Star+, it's clear that fans can't get enough of Shonda Rhimes' brilliant creation," said Dana Walden, chairman of Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. "We have enormous faith in Shonda, Krista Vernoff, Ellen Pompeo and the entire creative team to unlock new, untold stories that will continue to focus on modern medicine, tackle the issues that shape the world around us, and resonate deeply with loyal fans for years to come."

"I couldn't be more excited that we get to keep telling the stories of Meredith, Bailey, Richard and all of the other doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial for another season," said Shonda Rhimes. "This is a true testament to Krista Vernoff, the cast, the crew and all the writers who keep the audience on the edge of their seat week after week. And it would not be possible without the generations of incredible fans who have supported 'Grey's Anatomy' for so many years."

"'Grey's Anatomy' has a global impact that can't be overstated. 'Grey's' touches, and sometimes changes, hearts and minds worldwide through the depth of connection people feel with these characters," said executive producer and showrunner Krista Vernoff. "I'm excited to work with our extraordinary writers to dream up where we go from here, and I'm always grateful to our partners at Disney and ABC for letting us tell bold stories with real impact."

Currently in its 18th season, "Grey's Anatomy" ties as the No. 1 broadcast drama among Adults 18-49. "Grey's Anatomy" has ranked among the Top 10 entertainment broadcast series in each of its 18 seasons among Adults 18-49 and stood as 2021's No. 1 most social scripted series. The series averages 12.8 million Total Viewers this season after 35 days of delayed viewing across platforms. Season 18 returns to ABC on THURSDAY, FEB. 24 (9:00-10:01 p.m. EST), in a crossover event with "Station 19." Viewers can also stream the current season on Hulu.

"Grey's Anatomy" stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson, Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd, Kelly McCreary as Maggie Pierce, Chris Carmack as Atticus "Link" Lincoln, Jake Borelli as Levi Schmitt, Richard Flood as Cormac Hayes and Anthony Hill as Winston Ndugu.

"Grey's Anatomy" was created and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes. Betsy Beers is also an executive producer of the series. Krista Vernoff serves as showrunner and executive producer as well. Debbie Allen, Meg Marinis and Mark Gordon are executive producers, along with Ellen Pompeo for season 19. Zoanne Clack serves as medical advisor and executive producer. "Grey's Anatomy" is produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios.

Vernoff was head writer and executive producer of "Grey's Anatomy" for the first seven seasons of the show and returned as showrunner in season 14.

About ABC Entertainment

ABC Entertainment's compelling programming includes "Grey's Anatomy," the longest-running medical drama in primetime television; ratings juggernaut "The Bachelor" franchise; riveting dramas "Big Sky," "The Good Doctor," "A Million Little Things," "The Rookie," "Station 19" and the new female powerhouse series, "Queens"; trailblazing comedies "black-ish," "The Conners," "The Goldbergs," "Home Economics" and "The Wonder Years," ABC's strongest comedy debut in two years; the popular Summer Fun & Games programming block, including "The $100,000 Pyramid," "Holey Moley" and "Press Your Luck"; star-making sensation "American Idol"; reality phenomenon "Shark Tank"; family favorites "America's Funniest Home Videos," "Celebrity Family Feud," "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," "The Chase," "Dancing with the Stars," "Supermarket Sweep" and "To Tell the Truth"; "General Hospital," which has aired for more than 55 years on the network; and late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"; as well as the critically acclaimed, Emmy(R) Award-winning "Live in Front of a Studio Audience" specials. The network also boasts some of television's most prestigious awards shows, including "The Oscars(R)," "The CMA Awards" and the "American Music Awards."

ABC programming can also be viewed on demand and on Hulu.

About ABC Signature One of the Disney Television Studios, ABC Signature is a global leader in the development, production and distribution of entertainment content across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. The studio produces many of ABC Entertainment's most significant hits, including "Grey's Anatomy," "black-ish" and "Station 19"; co-productions "The Good Doctor," "A Million Little Things," "The Rookie" and "Home Economics," and late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" ABC Signature's returning and upcoming series include "Promised Land" for ABC; Hulu's "Dollface" and co-production "Woke; "grown-ish" for Freeform; "The Wilds" for Amazon and "Godfather of Harlem" for EPIX. For streaming service Disney +, series include "The Mighty Ducks" and "Big Shot."

For more information on "Grey's Anatomy," visit abc.com.

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