Now that Grey’s Anatomy has been officially — but not surprisingly — renewed, let’s talk about some of the things we want (or don’t want) to see next season.
Since the world learned about Ellen Pompeo’s contract extending all the way to season 16 of Grey’s Anatomy, renewal basically seemed guaranteed. Now that it’s officially been renewed, it’s time to consider what seeds are being planted right now and how season 15 will take shape.
In addition to being ABC’s longest-running primetime drama, it will soon overtake ER as longest-running primetime medical drama in American history.
But while fans celebrate, here are a few things that we want to see most in season 15 (and a couple of things we don’t):
Want: More family time
Obviously, Grey’s Anatomy can be a cheesy drama show. But at its core, it began with a woman, her ambition and a love story that spanned more than 10 seasons. Although they tried to give Meredith another love interest (or two), we don’t see her a lot with her kids.
And as the show continues to hint at kids (Alex and Jo) or give kids to other people, like Owen, we don’t spend a lot of time at home with the characters and their families. When we do, it makes each character more well-rounded outside of what we see at the hospital.
Want: More laughs
When Krista Vernoff re-joined Grey’s Anatomy for season 14, she promised fans that the season would be lighter. Of course, this season delivered plenty of laughs with every episode, including last week’s episode where the mayhem hinged on weed cookies. So, hopefully, this continues in the next season.
GREY’S ANATOMY – “Caught Somewhere in Time” – Maggie and Jackson are enjoying spending time together, but he must turn his concentration toward the groundbreaking vaginoplasty surgery he has scheduled with Catherine and Richard. Meanwhile, Meredith and Jo hit a roadblock with their contest submission, so Jo helps Bailey with an incoming trauma patient who used to be an astronaut, on “Grey’s Anatomy,” THURSDAY, MARCH 22 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Mitch Haaseth)
CANDIS CAYNE, JESSE WILLIAMS, DEBBIE ALLEN
Want: More LGBTQ+ characters
While Grey’s Anatomy has always been good about showcasing LGBTQ characters, season 14 introduced two trans characters. First, they gave us the intern, Parker, who has been one of the most successful interns this season. Then, they introduced Candis Cayne for a storyline that impacted the Avery family in bigger ways than expected. It’s one thing to have a trans character, and it’s another thing to have two. With entire arcs.
Don’t want: Dismissing core characters
For some reason, Grey’s Anatomy pulled a one-two punch and pulled the rug out from under its fans by announcing that both Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew were leaving the show. To fans, it makes little to no sense because both characters have plots integral to the show.
This show has built its reputation on its ability to surprise fans by its willingness to go there. But after teasing Bailey’s death in addition to Arizona and April’s departures this season, fans of the show probably can’t handle much more. So, let’s not.
Don’t want: Blatant replacements
Down two main characters, it would be a shame if the show tried to console fans by bringing in similar characters. For example, Alex makes a fine pediatric surgeon, but bringing in another bubbly blonde to work alongside him would be too obvious. In fact, season 15 would probably be too soon for another fetal surgeon at all.
Some new characters pan out, some don’t. But season 15 should give time for fans (and the characters) to mourn their losses before Grey’s Anatomy brings in anyone new.
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Those are just some of the things we’re looking forward to in Grey’s Anatomy season 15! What did you like about this season? What do you hope doesn’t happen next season? Let us know in the comments below!
Grey’s Anatomy airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.