Ellen Pompeo's Exit Left Grey's Anatomy Fans "So Done" With the Show
Grey's Anatomy is one of those rare shows that have continued to capture fans' attention for an astounding length of time.
Currently in its 19th season, the show has been going strong since it first aired back in 2005.
While the ratings have slightly slipped over the years, it remains a strong performer for ABC, largely owing to the devout loyalty of the fanbase, and particularly their love of the main character, Meredith Grey played by Ellen Pompeo.
So, fans were left reeling when it was it was confirmed that Meredith Grey would be moving to Boston to focus on Alzheimer's research. Social media quickly blew up with countless viewers declaring they would cease watching the show following Grey's departure.
The mood was near unanimous that Grey's Anatomy simply could not exist without the title character. "No Meredith means no Grey’s, I’m done," as one of the show's fans put it.
Ellen Pompeo, who has portrayed Meredith Grey for all 19 seasons, has attempted to quell this rage by confirming that she will still remain a part of the show. Pompeo has explained she will continue to serve as an executive producer and will also still lend her vocal talents to the show's voiceover. But despite this reassurance, fans are unmoving in their intention to abandon this ship.
The D-date as it is will be February 23, as announced on the show's official Instagram page. The short video shows Grey on her last day at the famed Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital. Fans wasted no time expressing their sadness, anger, disbelief, and resounding belief that no Meredith Grey would mean the death of the show.
Their distress is understandable but it perhaps may be premature to fear the show will not survive without Pompeo constantly being in front of the camera. Many shows have continued to thrive after losing main characters, with others in the cast ensembles stepping up to take the reins.
Notable examples include The Walking Dead which maintained strong viewership right to the end despite the departure of Andrew Lincoln. And Game of Thrones seemed to kill off a main character almost every episode and kept the audience captivated until it too concluded.
Will Grey's Anatomy prove able to withstand the ratings and audience storms without Pompeo's beloved character? Only time will tell. However, if social media is to be believed, many fans are not planning to even give the show a chance beyond her departure…