It feels like the world is changing—big time! Grey’s Anatomystar Ellen Pompeo has fans buzzing with speculation about whether her iconic role as Meredith Grey might be coming to a close. After Meredith's dramatic move from Seattle to Boston in search of better opportunities for her daughter Zola, fans are left wondering: Is this the end of an era? Let’s dive deeper into what might be happening behind the scenes and why this could signal a major shift for the long-running Shondaland drama.Stick around as we break down all the details surrounding Ellen's possible exit.

Is Ellen Pompeo Hanging Up Her Scrubs on 'Grey's Anatomy'?

Let’s get real here: Ellen Pompeo has been the heart and soul of Grey’s Anatomy since its debut in 2005. Her character, Meredith Grey, has grown alongside millions of viewers, becoming more than just a TV doctor—she’s become a cultural icon. But now, Meredith has given her two-week notice as Chief of Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, opting for a fresh start in Boston. Why? To provide her eldest daughter, Zola, with better educational opportunities. This move has fans wondering if Ellen’s time on the show is truly coming to an end. Could this be the moment where Meredith—and Ellen—say goodbye?

What Has Ellen Pompeo Said About Leaving?

Before the season 19 premiere, Ellen Pompeo opened up about her decision to return to Grey’s Anatomy in a "limited capacity." She made it clear that while she’ll always be connected to the show—after all, she’s an executive producer and has dedicated two decades of her life to it—she’s ready to step back and let the story continue without her. In a September interview with Deadline, Ellen explained, “I’m going to always be a part of that show. It’s my heart and soul. I’ve spent two decades building something incredible, and as long as Grey’s is on the air, I’ll never truly be gone.”

Read also:
Hoda Kotb Reunites With Ex Joel Schiffman In Heartwarming Family Photos

After the season 19 fall finale aired on November 10, Ellen took to social media to express her gratitude to the loyal fanbase. In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote, “I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you’ve all shown me, Meredith GREY, and the show for 19 seasons! Through it all, none of this would have been possible without the best fans in the world. You’ve been RIDERS, and you’ve made the ride so fun and ICONIC!”

She concluded her heartfelt message by saying, “I love you madly and appreciate you right back. You mean the world to me.”

Is 'Grey's Anatomy' Coming to an End?

Here’s the thing: while Ellen Pompeo’s role on the show may be winding down, Grey’s Anatomy itself isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In a November 17 Instagram post, Ellen reassured fans that the show will carry on even after her departure. She wrote, “This isn’t your first time on the rollercoaster… you know the show must go on, and I’ll definitely be back to visit.”

Currently in its 19th season, Grey’s Anatomy has yet to be officially renewed for season 20. However, with Shonda Rhimes at the helm and a dedicated fanbase, many believe the show still has plenty of life left in it. Whether or not Meredith Grey remains a central figure remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the legacy of Grey’s Anatomy will live on.

Is Ellen Pompeo Calling It Quits on Acting?

Back in 2014, Ellen Pompeo hinted that she might retire from acting once her run on Grey’s Anatomy concluded. In an interview with Buzzfeed, she admitted that acting didn’t feel “terribly empowering” to her anymore. “I definitely don’t have a strong desire to act after Grey’s,” she confessed. “I feel myself transitioning. At this stage in my life, I think my age, once I hit 40, I feel differently. I don’t necessarily want to work for other people.”

But as we all know, life has a way of surprising us. Ellen later clarified her stance, saying, “Never say never. I try to keep an open heart, an open mind, and an open soul to whatever comes my way. If something is meant to be for me, it will be.” And guess what? It seems like Ellen isn’t quite ready to hang up her acting hat just yet. She’s set to star in Hulu’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Orphan, a chilling eight-episode miniseries. While the project hasn’t been officially titled yet, Ellen is also listed as an executive producer, proving that she’s still very much invested in storytelling.