Grey’s Anatomy showrunner confirms that Patrick Dempsey WILL return to the show for the second half of season 17
It looks like fans of Grey’s Anatomy will be getting another McDreamy fix soon.
In an interview with Variety, showrunner Krista Vernoff confirmed that Patrick Dempsey, who previously portrayed Derek Shepherd, will return for the second half of season 17.
The 54-year-old actor made a guest appearance during a dream sequence in an earlier episode in the season, where the series lead Ellen Pompeo was depicted suffering from the debilitating effects of COVID-19.
Making a return: Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff confirmed that fan favorite Patrick Dempsey would come back for the second half of the 17th season of the medical drama series
Vernoff bluntly confirmed the news, as she said that: ‘You will see McDreamy again in the back half of the season.’
The character had previously been killed off in a car accident during season 11 of the medical drama series.
The showrunner also noted that the producers were attempting to bring back other actors whose characters had been written off of the show during its 15-year run, but nothing had been set in stone at the time of the interview.
‘We all have hopes, but we don’t have anything new to report yet.’
Getting the word out: Vernoff confirmed the news in an interview with Variety, and noted that fans of the series ‘will see McDreamy again’
Vernoff also spoke to Variety about a post that had been circulated on Twitter that depicted the series’ IMDb page with a number of former series regulars’ names added to the current season’s cast list.
She stated that her stepson had sent her the photo when it went viral among the show’s fanbase, and clarified that the name additions were due to a glitch.
Grey’s Anatomy was created by producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes in 2005 as a mid-season replacement for ABC.
It quickly gained a wide fanbase upon its premiere and has become the one of the longest-running shows in the network’s history.
Back from the dead: Dempsey’s character Derek Shepherd was previously killed off during the 11th season of the show
Longstanding success: Grey’s Anatomy has been a mainstay on ABC since its inception in 2005
In addition to garnering widespread popular reception, the show has received multiple accolades over its run, as it has been nominated for multiple Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, among numerous others.
In speaking about the series’ longevity, series regular Chandra Wilson told Entertainment Tonight that a number of different factors have concluded that the recent season’s success has cemented its continuation.
‘The network’s not ready, the studio’s not ready, the fanbase isn’t ready, the numbers are too good…collectively, they’ve decided we’re not going to put an end on it.’
Wilson also stated that the endurance of the series has also resonated with her as a cast member, inspiring her and the rest of the production team to beep pushing for improvement within the show.
‘I feel a great responsibility in knowing that we’re doing a good job…so the historical context of us being around for as long as we have means the world to me.’
Timely issues: The most recent season of the show has featured the effects of COVID-19 on the cast of characters