Grey’s Anatomy Season 18 is officially confirmed—here’s everything we know so far

Grey's Anatomy Season 18 is officially happening, people! Our favorite cry-every-episode medical drama has been renewed for another season, along with its spin-off show Station 19. So we can all finally stop asking the universe, "will there be a Grey's Anatomy Season 18?"

Created by Shonda Rhimes, who also produced Bridgerton and How to Get Away With Murder, the show first aired in 2005 and is the longest-running scripted series on ABC. With an audience of millions, it's understandable that the network would want to keep its success going for as long as possible. 

"We’re so grateful to our talented casts and crews for their extraordinary work that connects with viewers everywhere, and we look forward to sharing even more defining moments with our fans next season," Craig Erwich, President of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, said of the news.

Without further ado, here's everything we know about the show's 18th season, from air date to confirmed cast members and more. Spoilers for the current season lie ahead, so if you're not get caught up on the most recent episodes, here's how to watch Grey's Anatomy Season 17 from anywhere in the world.

Do we have a Grey's Anatomy Season 18 release date yet?

At the moment all we know is that Grey's Anatomy will most likely air at some point during the 2021-22 season run, Covid-19 permitting. As the current season is still running, we're still quite a way off getting the Grey's Anatomy Season 18 trailer. 

Which cast members are confirmed for Grey's Anatomy Season 18?

So far series originals Ellen Pompeo (Dr Meredith Grey), Chandra Wilson (Dr Miranda Bailey) and James Pickens Jr. (Dr Richard Webber) are all confirmed to return for Grey's Anatomy Season 18. According to Deadline, Pompeo—who is the highest-paid cast member and a producer on Grey's—was the first cast member to "close a new one-year deal."

The renewal announcement came shortly after Jesse Williams, who plays Dr Jackson Avery, announced he is leaving Grey's Anatomy after a mammoth 12 seasons.

Is Grey's Anatomy ending with Season 18?

We don't yet know if this is the last-ever instalment of Grey's Anatomy, but Shonda Rhimes has said that the show will end if Ellen Pompeo (aka the title character) decides to leave. 

"Ellen and I have a pact that I'm going to do the show as long as she's going to do the show," she told E! News in 2017. "So the show will exist as long as both of us want to do it. If she wants to stop, we're stopping."

She continued, "As long as there are fresh stories to tell and as long as we're both excited about the stories being told, we're in. So, we'll see where that takes us."

Makes sense, as Grey's Anatomy without Grey herself just wouldn't be the same!