Ellen Pompeo says end of 'Grey's Anatomy' is 'not far off'

Ellen Pompeo provided an update about the fate of "Grey's Anatomy" and teased that the show may be ready to hang up the scrubs after 18 seasons.

When discussing fan theories that the long-running medical drama will come to an end soon, the 51-year-old actress told Entertainment Tonight, "They're not far off."

"I mean, I've been trying to get away for years. I have been trying. It's not because I haven't been trying," Pompeo, who stars as the titular Dr. Meredith Grey, continued. "I have strong relationships at the network and they have been very, very good to me, and have incentivized me to stay."

Pompeo insisted that "creatively, as long as there's something to do" she is happy to stay on "Grey's," teasing, "Miraculously, we keep coming up with ways to have a reason to stay and if there's a reason, that warrants it."

Last season, for instance, was interesting for her due to the show being filmed amid a global pandemic. "We had to work around COVID obviously and so we had to be creative and think of ways to keep the show going and still be safe," Pompeo said.

When asked about the possibility of a groundbreaking 19th season, the actress joked, "Oh please! Oh my goodness, can we pray together?"

However, Pompeo insisted her hands were tied when it comes to confirming if "Grey's" is about to enter its final season. "I'm not really supposed to say anything about it," she said. "I don't want to be disrespectful to people I've promised things to."

"Grey's Anatomy" season 18 premieres Thursday, Sept. 30, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.