ABC has renewed its original drama series Grey's Anatomy for a fifteenth season, it was announced late this evening. The renewal tonight means the drama will now be tied with NBC's ER as TV's longest-running medical drama.
"Grey's Anatomy has a special place in my heart and millions of viewers feel the same way," said Channing Dungey, President, ABC Entertainment. "Thanks to fiercely loyal fans who have been on this journey since the beginning, and new generations of viewers who continue to discover the joy and drama of Grey Sloan Memorial, the show is as strong as ever."
The renewal comes several months after star Ellen Pompeo signed a new two-year deal to remain with the drama. The $20 million annual contract makes her TV's highest earning actress on a drama series. The deal also included a seven-figure signing bonus, two full backend equity points on the series, producing credits on the drama and its new spinoff Station 19 and a development deal with her production company, Calamity Jane.
In addition to Pompeo, the cast returning for Season 15 includes Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Kevin McKidd, Jesse Williams, Caterina Scorsone, Camilla Luddington, Kelly McCreary and Giacomo Gianniotti.
Stars Sarah Drew and Jessica Capshaw are exiting at the end of the current season. They join fellow departing stars Martin Henderson and Jason George, with the latter moving over to Station 19.
