Grey's Anatomy Is Coming Back For Season 18, and So Are Meredith, Bailey, and Webber

Despite showrunner Krista Vernoff writing a season 17 finale that could act as a series finale, it's not quite time to pull the plug on Grey's Anatomy. On May 10, Deadline confirmed that ABC had renewed the long-running medical drama for season 18. As if that news wasn't exciting enough, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr. are set to return as Meredith Grey, Miranda Bailey, and Richard Webber, respectively. The renewal news comes shortly after Jesse Williams announced his exit as Jackson Avery from the show, saying, "I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda [Rhimes], the network, studio, fellow cast mates, our incredible crew, Krista [Vernoff], Ellen [Pompeo] and Debbie [Allen]."

"Krista and her team of writers have continued to deliver the compelling and compassionate storytelling that is a hallmark of these shows, and created some of the year's most-talked-about moments in television," Hulu Originals & ABC Entertainment President Craig Erwich said in a statement to Deadline. "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." There's no word yet on a season 18 premiere date or who else will be returning from the cast, but we'll surely find out soon enough.