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Ellen Pompeo to exit ABC's ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ after 19 seasons, fans says show 'outgrew’ Meredith Grey long ago

'Through it all….none of it …would have been possible without the best fans in the world,' said Ellen Pompeo

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Grey's Anatomy' star Ellen Pompeo announced her retirement from the popular television series on her Instagram account on Thursday, November 17. The 53-year-old actress wrote an unfeigned caption along with a photo of herself. "I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you have all shown me, Meredith GREY and the show for 19 seasons!" began the actress. "Through it all….none of it …would have been possible without the best fans in the world." 

She continued in her message to her 9.8 million followers, "You all are RIDERS and you all have made the ride so fun and ICONIC!! I love you madly and appreciate you right back." Her post has since been liked more than 1,353,000 times when this article was published. The mother of three concluded her post by writing, "This isn’t your first time on the rollercoaster… you know the show must go on and I’ll definitely be back to visit. With a lot of love and immense gratitude XoE." 

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Grey's withdrawal was planted in last week's episode when the doctor decided to move to Boston. In an email, she announced her decision to the hospital staff, which agitated Nick as she made the move without asking him. Meredith's house also was engulfed in flames in the episode with the only recovered item being the post-it with Meredith and Derek's vows. 

Pompeo has appeared in the first six episodes of Season 19, and the seventh will be the winter premiere. The eighth is expected to be the final episode of the season. Meredith is shown walking through Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in the preview as she exuberantly says, "My last day." It also shows her colleagues throwing her a surprise going away party. "This is very thoughtful... and ridiculous," Meredith says, as an annoyed Dr. Owen Hunt approaches and says, "For God's sake, Grey, will you just let us toast you?" The teaser comes to an end as Meredith is seen raising a glass of champagne to her colleagues.

A new group of interns are introduced in the first half of the season due to Meredith's departure and fortunately, all have been received well by fans. Pompeo signed on to act and executive produce Hulu's 'Orphan' project, based on a true story, in August. The series is based on a midwestern couple who adopt a young girl with dwarfism. The family moves to Canada and rents an apartment for her daughter. However, they are later charged with abandoning the child, after suspecting she's actually an adult. 

Pompeo's fans also reacted to the news of her departure from the show. One fan tweeted, "When I was young I thought she was the main character", while another tweeted, "imagine watching a show for 19 seasons." One fan asked an interesting question as he tweeted, "So who's anatomy is it now that grey has left?" Another fan tweeted, "Wow i think they actually salvaged the show this season with the new interns. Still wont be the same but it’s watchable. Regardless. We can’t follow the new cast for 20 more seasons. End the show please." "Whos going to be the lead? I dont think anyone on the current cast can carry the show", tweeted one fan. A fan with a slighlty different opinion, tweeted, "The show outgrew Meredith seasons ago, so I’m sure it’ll be fine."

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