The 20th season of the legendary ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ is slated to begin filming in early 2024 in Los Angeles. The long-running medical drama series follows the lives, loves, and challenges of the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle. The show delves into the personal and professional struggles of a diverse group of physicians, including Dr. Meredith Grey, her colleagues, and mentors. Across 19 seasons, the series has woven numerous intricate plots and subplots into its narrative tapestry.
The series’ head showrunner, Krista Vernoff, recently announced her departure from the role, passing the torch to Meg Marinis. Meg has a longstanding history with the show, contributing significantly to its production, research, and editing. She’s also penned several episodes, including memorable ones like the twentieth episode of the sixth season, ‘Hook Line and Sinker,’ and the twenty-first episode of season 10, ‘Change of Heart.’ It promises to be an exciting transition, as viewers eagerly anticipate how the tone of the new season might evolve under her leadership.
A significant change is on the horizon for the 20th season of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ as Ellen Pompeo, who portrays the iconic character of Dr. Meredith Grey, bid farewell with a send-off episode midway through the 19th season. While she did return for the finale of the installment, Pompeo has since confirmed that she will not be continuing with the series as an on-screen performer. Kelly McCreary, who plays the beloved Maggie Pierce, will also not be returning to the new season.
However, fans can still expect to see familiar faces, as other major actors like Chandra Wilson, who plays Miranda Bailey, James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber, Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, and Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd have all chosen to return for the 20th season. Pompeo will continue her involvement as a producer in the upcoming season and the series will continue to make TV history as one of the longest-running TV series.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the new season, especially since the 19th season left them hanging on a cliffhanger after the unexpected kiss between Jo and Link. It’s worth noting that ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ continues to hold its position as ABC’s top-rated entertainment series in the 18-49 demographic. It has also cemented its status as one of the top-rated dramas in that demographic as well and ranks fifth overall.
Traditionally, the series has been known for releasing new seasons each October. However, the anticipated 20th season has faced delays due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of the beloved medical drama. While the 20th season of the show was confirmed in March 2023, filming in Los Angeles may only start after the conclusion of the actors’ strike.
Familiar shooting locations in Los Angeles, like the Veterans Hospital on 1611 Plummer Street, McMurphy’s Restaurant and Tavern in Pasadena, and the Prospect Studios in Los Feliz are likely to be used once again, providing a sense of continuity for viewers of the long-running series. The city, which is considered the heart of the American entertainment industry, was home to many popular shows like ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ ‘Friends,’ and ‘Frasier.’ Therefore, it’s understandable that the creators of the series would opt to remain in this familiar and industry-centric region, ensuring accessibility.
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