Grey’s Anatomy is set to lose its original ABC timeslot, with Ryan Murphy’s new medical drama Doctor Odyssey now claiming it. The medical drama premiered in March 2005 and became one of the most popular and successful television shows of all time, launching the careers of many actors, including Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, and Patrick Dempsey. Grey’s Anatomy season 21 was renewed by ABC in April of this year, but there will be some major changes.
According to Deadline, the show is set to be moved from the traditional Thursday, 9 pm slot it has occupied for years. Instead, season 21 will move one hour later and air at 10 pm, with the Joshua Jackson-led Doctor Odyssey taking the 9 pm slot. This marks some key changes to ABC’s scheduling block and ushers in a new era for Grey’s Anatomy. Read Disney TV Group President Craig Erwich’s comments on this decision below:
“We know that among [ Grey’s ] viewers, they are not just sizable but very loyal audience, but the majority, well over 80%, watches the show on multiple platforms, not specifically live, so we think the move is going to be minimal, as well as it will provide an incredible lead into our local news at 11. And in terms of 9-1-1 , it felt like the perfect lead-in for what I think is a really high-octane and fun, unique spin on a medical drama in Doctor Odyssey. So we feel really good about Thursday nights.”
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It is entirely possible that the network could set up Doctor Odyssey as the natural successor, before eventually phasing the latter out altogether.
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Grey’s Anatomy has become one of the longest-running scripted television shows in history. The ABC show managed this by making strong casting choices, developing engaging narratives, and understanding when and how to evolve as a program. However, the timeslot change is a big decision from ABC, which could raise concerns about the show’s future. This comes not long after new negotiations started with cast members to reduce cast episodic salaries, suggesting that the upcoming season will feature a truncated episode count.
With Shonda Rhimes signing a Netflix deal after departing as showrunner in 2015 and series star Pompeo reducing her role, the times are changing at Grey Sloan Memorial. It is already confirmed that Jake Borelli, who played Dr. Levi Schmitt, will leave the show next season. With finances seemingly tighter at ABC and the possibility of further cast departures, Grey’s Anatomy could be coming to its eventual end. Furthermore, with legacy stars like Oh confirming she will not return in the near future, the show will need to move forward and evolve in new ways.
While Erwich’s comments suggest that ABC has faith in the veteran series to be strong enough to ride out this timeslot change, this decision should not be taken lightly. It is entirely possible that the network could set up Doctor Odyssey as the natural successor, before eventually phasing the latter out altogether. How much longer Grey’s Anatomy can remain a ratings powerhouse is unclear, but ABC may feel they can get a few more years out of the show.