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Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 has been an emotional journey — and it doesn’t look like things are changing anytime soon. Recently, showrunner Krista Vernoff hinted what’s coming in the next few episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. So here’s what to expect.

What happened to Meredith Grey and other key characters in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 17?

Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey smiling in Teddy Altman’s (Kim Raver) dream on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 17 Episode 9, “In My Life.”
Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 17 | Ron Batzdorff via Getty Images

There’s no denying the emotional weight of Grey’s Anatomy Season 17. The ABC medical drama chose to cover the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, even giving the beloved Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) the disease. Now, many fans are wondering whether Meredith will live or die by the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial lost one of their own when Andrew DeLuca (Giacomo Gianniotti) died. His death impacted every character in major ways. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), who just lost her mother, took a step back. Teddy Altman (Kim Raver), who worked closely with DeLuca, also reached her breaking point after years of trauma. 

Even so, Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 isn’t all doom and gloom. Fans got to see Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and George O’Malley (T.R. Knight) again. Meanwhile, the blossoming romance between Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) and Winston Ndugu (Anthony Hill) has been like coming up for fresh air. The friends-with-benefits dynamic between Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) and Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) has also been a delight. 

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 17 showrunner teases the next few episodes

Now, many Grey’s Anatomy fans are wondering what’s on the horizon for season 17. In an interview with TVLine from March 25, Vernoff suggested the next few episodes will be “a lot of darkness.” But don’t be too alarmed. The showrunner also hinted that there’s beauty within.

“Do I anticipate light and frothy episodes upcoming? I do not,” Vernoff said. “I would argue that we’re dealing with a lot of darkness, but we’re also dealing with beauty inside that darkness.”

Vernoff also confirmed Maggie and Winston will continue to bring Grey’s Anatomy fans some much-needed joy as season 17 continues. 

“Even though there’s darkness, there’s light inside the darkness,” Vernoff said. “Maggie and Winston are falling in this deep, profound love inside the darkness.”

What to expect in the next all-new episode of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 17 on April 1

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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 17: Ellen Pompeo Hints Whether Meredith Will Die When the Show Returns

From the looks of Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 Episode 10 on April 1, Vernoff is already keeping her promise. In the preview for the next episode, Meredith is still unconscious in the real-world, and viewers will see another returning character on the beach. But don’t fret. We’re not losing another beloved cast member — at least not yet.

Meredith’s sister, Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh), is set to return to Grey’s Anatomy. The character died in the plane crash episode from season 8. So naturally, many fans are excited about the new episode. 

ABC also confirmed Sarah Drew will reprise her role as April Kepner in an upcoming episode. So despite all the darkness that’s coming up next, fans still have romance and returning cast members to look forward to. Stay tuned.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 airs Thursday nights on ABC.

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