Grey’s Anatomy will cut its 16th season short airing only 21 of a planned 25 episodes. ABC announced that production on the current season has been shut down.
Bonnie Osborne/ABC via The Hollywood Reporter
What’s happening:
- ABC has shut down production of medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy and will end the season with episode 21 of a planned 25-episode season according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- Grey’s is just one of many shows that recently paused or ceased production out of extreme caution amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
- The network has decided to end this year’s season with the existing 21 episodes already taped, and will not resume production to finish the other remaining four episodes.
- The season 16th finale, "Put on a Happy Face," will air on April 9th at 9pm ET on ABC.
- Grey’s Anatomy has already been picked up for a 17th season at ABC.
- THR notes that new and returning fall shows usually resume filming in July although at this time it’s not clear when it will be deemed safe to resume live-action production.
- Additionally, the other Shondaland shows, Station 19 and How to Get Away With Murder have concluded production on their season finales which are slated to air on May 14th.
Helping in a crisis:
- With production over for both Grey’s and Station 19, the shows have donated medical equipment and supplies to local hospitals as demand is high for personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, gowns) for first responders.
ICYMI:
- In other ABC news, American Idol has paused production and set contestants home to be with families. The network also adjusted the programming schedule while exploring options for future live shows.