Published Jul 7, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT
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After over two decades, ABC’s longest-running series on the air is officially marking the end of an era. The rise of streaming has resulted in much shorter TV shows, with projects barely making it to 10 seasons despite their popularity. This is actually one of the aspects of network TV that undoubtedly beats its competition. For those who want a longer form of storytelling, which allows for more time for proper character development and overarching narratives, traditional broadcasters have a lot to offer.
The longest-running shows on the small screen are all from basic channels. CBS has NCIS, which has been on the air since 2003 and is about to enter its 24th season. Meanwhile, NBC’s fall 2026 schedule has Dick Wolf’s Law & Order season 26 and* Law & Order: SVU *season 28. ABC has its own two-decade-long show in Grey’s Anatomy. The Shonda Rhimes-created series separates itself from its peers by being the only medical series to cross the 20th season. With over 460 episodes, it has changed countless times, but its next evolution will officially leave its original premise in the past.
Technically, *Grey’s Anatomy *is a medical procedural, and it continues to honor that with weekly cases involving the new and established faces at Grey Sloan. However, it’s also no secret that a vital part of its storytelling, as well as success, is rooted in its romances, especially Meredith and Derek’s. The pair’s love story was the backbone of the show’s golden years, with the development of their relationship being at the core of the narrative until Patrick Dempsey’s exit in Grey’s Anatomy season 11. When Derek died, the ide of Meredith falling in love, let alone getting married again, seemed impossible, and yet, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
As seen in the Grey’s Anatomy season 22 finale, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Nick had a near-death experience that finally prompted Meredith to take a chance at another marriage. Granted that the pair has been dating for quite a while now and there’s no doubt that they genuinely love each other, tying the knot takes their relationship to the next level. Meredith understood that, which was why she had been apprehensive of the idea, turning it down. However, the fact that she was the one to propose meant that she was serious about their relationship. This effectively ends Meredith’s love life being defined by her time with Derek.
Meredith is moving on now to Nick, but understandably, Derek will still have a special place in her and long-time fans of Grey’s Anatomy’s hearts. Dempsey’s portrayal of the character and his palpable chemistry with Ellen Pompeo will never be matched and will forever be part of the show’s history. That said, the fact that* Grey’s Anatomy* has even been able to introduce someone to succeed him is already impressive in itself, and it boils down to a couple of factors.
In arguably TV’s best casting stunt of the year thus far, ABC is surprisingly shaking things up for the longest-scripted show on the small screen.
Firstly, as*** ***Grey’s Anatomy evolved, Meredith’s love life is no longer at the center of its storytelling the same way that it was during its earliest years. While her personal relationships remain important to the show, there are other dynamics at play now that help carry the ABC series. This way, the show has been able to gradually develop her and Nick’s story in a way that was less disruptive. Secondly, Scott Speedman’s Nick is also great. Sure, he isn’t Derek, but he’s similar enough to him that it’s easy to understand why Meredith fell in love with him, but different enough to offer people something new. It will be interesting to see if their wedding goes down in Grey’s Anatomy season 23.
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Created by Shonda Rhimes, long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy depicts the professional and personal lives of the employees of a Seattle hospital.