Grey’s Anatomy’s next season could be its last, says Ellen Pompeo

Say it ain't so.

Grey's Anatomy is not just a show - it's an institution. The series has been around since the dawn of time, entertaining the Neanderthals as they hit things with rocks, discovered fire, and compared their large, flat skulls. In reality, the series hasn't been around for that long - although it certainly does feel like it. It first aired back in 2005, and currently has a whopping 16 seasons (!) under its belt. The 17th season is due to start any day now, no doubt delighting the abundance of Grey's fans out there who have been hooked to the show since the very beginning. It may not be all sunshine and daisies though (is Grey's ever?), because according to the series' star Ellen Pompeo, season 17 could be its last. And c'mon, lads. If it is, they had a good run of it, surely. In a recent interview with Variety, the actor said that the show could easily end after its current season. And given that her contract is up in 2020, this could be a real possibility for the series. "We don't know when the show is really ending yet. But the truth is, this year could be it," she said. "I'm constantly fighting for the show as a whole to be as good as it can be. As a producer, I feel like I have permission to be able to do that. "I mean, this is the last year of my contract right now. I don't know that this is the last year, but it could very well could be." Pompeo, who has starred as Dr Meredith Grey in the series for its entire run, recently chatted to series creator Shona Rhimes about a potential ending for the show - and it pretty much seems like it's all up to Pompeo.