ABC is keeping its powerhouse Thursday lineup intact for the 2026–27 television season, officially renewing Grey’s Anatomy for Season 23. The renewal further cements the Shonda Rhimes-created phenomenon as the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history.
The pickup comes as the series prepares for another chapter of life at Grey Sloan Memorial, despite recent cast changes that have left fans wondering about the show’s future. Production studio 20th Television has until the end of June to finalize cast options for the new season, though most of the show’s veteran stars are expected to remain on board.
Chandra Wilson (Bailey), James Pickens Jr. (Richard), Camilla Luddington (Jo), Caterina Scorsone (Amelia), and Chris Carmack (Link) are all believed to have another year remaining on their current contracts. While contract status never guarantees a return—as evidenced by the departures of Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd despite having time left on their deals—Grey’s Anatomy has traditionally avoided making more than two major cast exits in a single season, making additional departures unlikely.
One question that remains unanswered is the size of Season 23. According to previous reports, the renewal is expected to be accompanied by budget reductions, which could result in a shorter episode order than the 18-episode seasons the series has produced over the past two years.
More than two decades after its debut, Grey’s Anatomy continues to prove its staying power. While it may no longer dominate traditional television ratings the way it once did, the drama remains a streaming powerhouse with a fan base spanning multiple generations. Disney estimates ranked the series as the most-streamed show globally across Disney+ and Hulu last year, while Nielsen reported it was the second most-streamed series in the United States across Hulu and Netflix.
Ellen Pompeo remains closely tied to the franchise, continuing to narrate the series while making recurring appearances as Meredith Grey. The show’s executive producing team includes Rhimes and Betsy Beers of Shondaland, current showrunner Meg Marinis, director and recurring cast member Debbie Allen, and Pompeo herself.
With its latest renewal, Grey’s Anatomy joins fellow ABC dramas 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Nashville, both of which have also secured spots on the network’s 2026–27 schedule. Additional renewals include breakout hit High Potential and acclaimed comedy Abbott Elementary, ensuring ABC’s lineup remains packed with some of television’s most reliable performers.