Summary
Grey’s Anatomylosing its historical ABC timeslot hints that the medical drama might be getting closer to its end.Grey’s Anatomyhas already gone through major changes, including Ellen Pompeo stepping back as series regular in season 19, effectively reducing the appearances of the show’s titular character, Meredith Grey. However,Grey’s Anatomyseason 21’s changes don’t stop there, with the medical drama losing Jake Borelli’s Levi Schmitt and Midori Francis’ Mika Yasuda. Due to network-wide budget cuts, other stars might also see the number of their appearances reduced, pointing toGrey’s Anatomyseason 21 looking very different from previous seasons.
Grey’s Anatomyseason 20’s mass firings guarantee that whatever welcomes back viewers in season 21 will present a transformed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, which could fare well forGrey’s Anatomy’s future but also be a big gamble. WithGrey’s Anatomyseason 21 also having a shorter run compared to seasons 18 and 19 (but longer than season 20’s, given the impact of 2023’s double strikes)its timeslot move from 9 pm to 10 pm could be a key clue ofGrey’s Anatomy’s nearing end. Indeed, it might prove ABC’s preparation for that eventuality through its choice to showcase potential substitutes.
I Figured Out The Easiest Way Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Can Survive Cast Exits
With several key cast members departing ahead of Grey’s Anatomy season 21, the series has to make some big narrative changes to work around the exits.
Dr. Odyssey Taking Over Grey’s Anatomy’s Prime Timeslot Hints At Ellen Pompeo Show’s Nearing End
Grey’s Anatomy Losing Its Timeslot Hints At ABC Focusing On Other TV Shows
WhileGrey’s Anatomydidn’t always occupy Thursday’s 9 pm timeslot on ABC, starting out on Sundays afterDesperate Housewivesfor seasons 1 and 2, it did from season 3 onward, keeping the coveted timeslot for 17 more seasons. The reasons Disney TV Group President Craig Erwich offered forGrey’s Anatomyseason 21 losing the timeslotsound reasonable, especially considering how the medical drama’s loyal fanbase will likely turn in every Thursday despite the change. However, it cannot be denied thatthe move strongly hints at ABC moving the focus away fromGrey’s Anatomyto other dramas, including newcomerDoctor Odyssey.
Ryan Murphy’s brand-new medical dramaDoctor Odysseycould have taken over9-1-1’s 8 pm timeslot instead ofGrey’s Anatomy’s. Nonetheless, ABC chose instead to give the latest timeslot to its longest-running scripted TV show, essentially favoring the more popular9-1-1and the newDoctor Odyssey, while givingGrey’s Anatomythe timeslotStation 19had in its final season. This would still keep ABC’s focus on first-responder dramas on Thursdays, butit could also makeDoctor Odysseythe shoo-in medical drama to takeGrey’s Anatomy’s place whenever it ends, especially if its first season was to be successful.
Why Dr. Odyssey Is The Perfect Replacement For Grey’s Anatomy
Doctor Odyssey’s Themes Easily Mirror Grey’s Anatomy’s
While starting with a more established cast,Doctor Odysseycould be the perfect replacement forGrey’s Anatomy.The high-stakes setting of luxury cruises making the healthcare professionals onboard have to rely only on a small team recallsGrey’s Anatomy’s risky casesand impossible scenarios. This could makeGrey’s Anatomy’s fans very interested inDoctor Odyssey, as the new TV show could differ greatly given the unlikely setting, but also mirrorGrey’s Anatomy’s key characteristics of ticking-time medical cases and workplace romances.
ABC’s behind-the-scenes look atDoctor Odysseyalready hints at a romantic connection between Joshua Jackson’s Max Bankman and Phillipa Soo’s Avery Morgan, along with potential tensions with Don Johnson’s Captain Robert Massey and Sean Teale’s Tristan Silva. Such interactions can easily makeDoctor Odysseyenticing toGrey’s Anatomy’s fans, even more so if it were to become more of an ensemble show with time, potentially establishing it as a worthy replacement for whenever the time forGrey’s Anatomy’s end inevitably comes.
Grey’s Anatomyreturns to ABC on Thursday, September 26 at 10 pm.
Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama series revolving around surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show features the professional and personal lives of these medical professionals, led initially by Dr. Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the series highlights the complexities of medical cases while delving into the interpersonal relationships among the hospital staff.
