Krista Vernoff departs as showrunner of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19. Image Source: YouTube
Krista Vernoff departs as showrunner of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19.
Krista Vernoff, the showrunner of ABC's Grey's Anatomy and Station 19, has opted to step down, according to numerous reports. Krista Vernoff will leave Grey's Anatomy at the end of season 19 and the seventh season of the firefighter spinoff.
There has been no statement on a new showrunner for either Shonda Rhimes-produced show, as neither has been renewed by ABC. Grey's Anatomy, which is currently struggling with the departure of star Ellen Pompeo as a recurring character, is scheduled to return for its landmark 20th season alongside spinoff Station 19.
Krista Vernoff said in a statement that being entrusted with Grey's Anatomy for the past six years and Station 19 for the last four has been a lifetime privilege for her. The show runner added that the commitment of dedicated fandoms, as well as the impact these shows have on hearts and minds, cannot be overstated. The amount of talent in these two extraordinary casts and two brilliant writers' rooms is incalculable, and these crews work their magic week after week. She said she will be eternally grateful to Shonda Rhimes for her faith in her, as well as to Disney and ABC for their support. Krista said she had been away from Grey's Anatomy for seven seasons when Shonda called her to take over as showrunner. So she is not saying goodbye because that would be too bittersweet but mentioned that she is saying, "See you in seven seasons."
Shonda Rhimes said that Krista Vernoff's vision, creativity, and dedicated leadership has allowed Grey's Anatomy and Station 19 to thrive and she along with everyone involved in making the show are eternally grateful to her for all of her efforts. Shonda added that Krista Vernoff will always be a Shondaland family member.
Krista Vernoff was a member of the "Grey's Anatomy" creative team for the first seven seasons before leaving, only to come back as showrunner starting with season 14. Krista Vernoff has been the show's executive producer since the third season.
Craig Erwich, the president of ABC (and Hulu), has stated unequivocally that Grey's Anatomy will continue as long as Shonda Rhimes wishes. For years, Shonda Rhimes has asserted that Grey's Anatomy will continue as long as Ellen Pompeo wishes to portray Meredith Grey. Last year, Ellen Pompeo limited her on-screen appearance to only eight of the 20-plus episodes of season 19 as she scheduled a new position starring in an unnamed Hulu limited series. She continues to remain an executive producer and therefore will continue to do the narration, as well as appear as a guest star on occasion.
Krista Vernoff, according to Craig Erwich, has continued to pour her soul and heart into Grey's Anatomy and Station 19, and her voice has been essential to the success of these popular series. Running two shows at one time necessitates a capable leader, something that Krista retains. Her creative genius has left an indelible mark, and as a result, our audiences will remain deeply involved in these vibrant and beloved storylines for many years to come.
During the pandemic, Krista Vernoff, who still holds a whole deal with Grey's producers, ABC Signature, made her first scripted original, 'Rebel', go to series after more than a dozen tries, but ABC decided to cancel Rebel nearly immediately. Krista Vernoff is now actively working on Craig Erwich's First Lie Wins with Octavia Spencer and Hulu.
According to rumors, Grey's Anatomy veteran Meg Marinis, who has worked on the program since its original conception, rising from researcher to executive producer, might be named showrunner to substitute Krista Vernoff but nothing has been confirmed as of now. According to source information, Grey's Anatomy executive producer Zoanne Clack who now has added executive producer and head writer commitments on spinoff Station 19 under Krista Vernoff, would become co-showrunner with the first-responders drama. No confirmation or announcement has been made as of now.
Showrunner Krista Vernoff's departure from the franchise is going to be Grey's Anatomy's second significant goodbye this season midway through the season premiere episode titled, "I'll Follow the Sun," which will air on February 23, 2023, and is written by Krista Vernoff, actress /executive producer Ellen Pompeo bids farewell as a full-time member of the cast. Ellen Pompeo will return for the Season 19 finale, which will also be Krista Vernoff's last Grey's Anatomy episode for the time being, though the show's creator has not ruled out a return.
