Grey’s Anatomy is set to return this fall with Season 23, but it appears that Ellen Pompeo is not a part of the fun. The show is named after her character Meredith Grey, and she has been there since the series’ inception. So, what is going on? Fans are desperate to answer this puzzle as they are beginning to fear the worst. Keep reading for more details on what is going on.
Ellen Pompeo Downgraded Her Role
In 2023, Ellen Pompeo opted to step back from her full-time commitment on Grey’s Anatomy. The actress had been there since the show began in March 2005 and had been central to many storylines. However, as time went by, her life shifted drastically. She got married to Chris Ivery, and they went on to welcome three children: Stella, Sienna, and Eli.
Furthermore, she had more acting opportunities, but truly wanted to be a hands-on mother:
“I’ve been doing it for 20 years, so it was time to step away.I have three children and I love spending time with them and I love being involved in their lives.”
At the same time, she liked the idea of still being a presence on the hit ABC medical drama. She would do the voiceovers for each episode and make a handful of guest appearances each season. It allowed viewers to have a sense of normalcy. In the Season 22 finale, Meredith became engaged to Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman), so the hope is that a wedding is on the horizon. However, in the newly released Season 23 Grey’s Anatomy cast photo, Ellen Pompeo was noticeably missing.
Many of the usual suspects were there, such as Chris Carmack, Camilla Luddington, Debbie Allen, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr. Yet, fans noticed Ellen Pompeo was visibly missing, and that raised red flags. They immediately chimed in to the comment section:
- GREY’S Anatomy but I don’t see a GREY..LOL HAAHAHAAHAA
- Where’s Meredith????
- Ellen Pompeo?
Gone For Good?
At this point, it should not be a surprise if Ellen Pompeo is not in the cast photos given her limited role on Grey’s Anatomy. Moreover, if she does decide to leave for good, she would likely let fans know in advance. That is, unless show creator Shonda Rhimes decides to have Meredith Grey go out with a bang. Although fans do worry that this could happen, it was noted that it has not been centered on Meredith for a very long time. In fact, the name of the show should probably be altered at this point:
- Stop calling this show Grey’s Anatomy! 🙄😒It hasn’t been the case for a long time. This series has nothing to do with the real and unforgettable Grey’s Anatomy.
Do you think that Ellen Pompeo’s time is coming to an end, and are you over the series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.