BY: Jayla Brown
Grey’s Anatomy is the longest-running medical drama on television. This November, it is coming back for its 17th season. This season it will be tackling COVID-19. This information was revealed in a recent panel by the executive producer Krista Vernoff.
Vernoff stated, “We’re going to address this pandemic for sure. There’s no way to be a long-running medical show and not do the medical story of our lifetimes.” Grey’s Anatomy show writers are meeting with real doctors who shared their experience during the pandemic.
Any fan of Grey’s Anatomy knows the show has never been afraid to tackle real-life issues. The show has addressed issues from mass shootings and corrupt health care to rape and sexual assault. In the most recent season, the story focused heavily on inequality in healthcare.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 caused the filming of Grey’s Anatomy to shut down abruptly back in March, meaning Season 16 was missing the final four episodes. The cast just recently began filming for Season 17.
Actress and main character Ellen Pompeo posted a picture with her new co-star Richard Flood captioned, “First time back in my scrubs. Since we shut down 7000 healthcare workers have died from COVID.” She went on to say, “I dedicate season 17 to all who have fallen and to every one of you who by the grace of God is still standing.”
This is not the first time Pompeo has addressed COVID. She said in a video posted in March via her Instagram, “I have been asked to make another video asking you all to stay at home.” Pompeo mentioned that she has friends who are healthcare workers. She is constantly fighting social issues, just like her character on the show.
Vernoff did not say exactly how the show will address the global pandemic, but she said she feels a responsibility to tell the stories of real-life doctors. Giacomo Gianniotti, who plays Dr. Andrew DeLuca, did hint that the show will involve a time change.
Season 17 of Grey’s Anatomy will premiere on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 9-11 p.m. ET on ABC.