Mixed Updates for Grey's Anatomy Season 20 Amid Ongoing SAG-AFTRA Strike

Article Overview

Grey's Anatomy season 20 could be significantly shortened to only 10 episodes if the actors strike is resolved, impacting the length and storyline of the show.

Production could begin in December if a deal is reached.

There will be a new showrunner, Meg Marinis, replacing Krista Vernoff, adding further changes to the upcoming milestone season.

Grey's Anatomy season 20 is facing uncertainty due to potential actor strikes and concerns about the use of AI. Despite being a significant milestone for the show, there have already been notable changes. Ellen Pompeo, the original star, will continue as the narrator but will have a reduced on-screen presence as she pursues other projects. Additionally, Meg Marinis will take over as the new showrunner, replacing Krista Vernoff. However, the impact of past writers' strikes and the ongoing actors' strike may lead to another significant change in Grey's Anatomy season 20.

According to TVLine, ABC is preparing for various scenarios in case SAG-AFTRA reaches an agreement with studios and streamers during the current negotiations. If the strike ends soon, this could result in a shorter season with as few as 10 episodes for dramas like Grey's Anatomy, The Rookie, and The Good Doctor. This number would only be slightly higher than the nine episodes of the medical drama's first season, which aired as a midseason replacement for Boston Legal. In the event of a deal, production could potentially commence as early as December.

What A Short Grey’s Anatomy Season Could Mean

If a shorter season is approved, especially if it consists of only ten episodes, Grey's Anatomy may deviate from its usual weekly format. In season 19, the show tackled storylines such as patients with mysterious illnesses, the challenges of teaching sex education to high school students, a woman with a complicated pregnancy, as well as other self-contained subplots like a TV reporter whose helicopter was struck by lightning.

If the show returns for a brief run, Grey's Anatomy could potentially focus on a serialized story that unfolds throughout all ten episodes. This might also indicate a shift towards a standard practice of reducing the episode count for the medical drama. Historically, Grey's Anatomy has had seasons consisting of 17 to 20 episodes. However, if a shorter season proves successful, it could establish a new trend of a smaller episode count, similar to what is commonly seen in television today.

The status of Grey's Anatomy season 20 is uncertain without a finalized agreement. Currently, the main point of disagreement between actors and Hollywood is AI. Despite ongoing meetings and negotiations, time is running out to save the TV season.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Grey's Anatomy, I am concerned about the potential impact of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike on the upcoming season 20. The possibility of a shortened season with only 10 episodes is disappointing, as it would mean less content for fans and potentially a rushed storyline. However, I understand that the strike is a necessary measure to protect the rights and working conditions of actors, and I support their efforts.

The news of a new showrunner, Meg Marinis, replacing Krista Vernoff, also brings mixed feelings. While I am excited about the potential for fresh ideas and a new direction for the show, I am also sad to see Vernoff depart after so many successful seasons. I hope that Marinis will be able to maintain the essence of what makes Grey's Anatomy so beloved while also bringing her own unique vision to the table.

Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the future of Grey's Anatomy. Despite the challenges posed by the strike and the changing showrunner, I believe that the show has a strong foundation and a talented cast and crew. I am hopeful that a resolution can be reached and that season 20 will be a success, whether it consists of 10 episodes or more.