Not many shows can boast about being on primetime television for over 20 years, but Grey’s Anatomy certainly can. Over the past two decades, fans have witnessed a plethora of highs and lows. At one moment, the show is presenting the wedding of the lifetime, and at the next, it’s exploring the grief associated with a heart-wrenching breakup. Thus, if Grey’s Anatomy knows how to do anything, it’s keeping the audience on their toes.
Despite the popularity surrounding the drama, a lot of fans are beginning to wonder when the show will end. Although the long-running medical drama shows no signs of slowing down, audiences still question whether Grey’s Anatomy will go out with a bang or leave fans hanging with a dramatic cliffhanger. However, a few fans have noticed that the show has been setting up the perfect ending for years, but audiences were too busy following Meredith to catch on.
Due to its immense popularity and global reach, there’s a plethora of obscure fan theories about Grey’s Anatomy. One of the main ones is that Meredith actually has Alzheimer’s disease, and all the show’s events are just a figment of her failing mind. Some fans even suggest that the show will end with a massive time jump, presenting Zola Shepherd as the latest whizz-kid of Grey Sloan. Admittedly, these theories have been circulating in the fandom for quite some time, and while there is a lot of evidence to support their validity, it all seems a bit too far-fetched.
Yet, a Reddit user argued that the show will likely end on Richard’s retirement party. Of course, this sounds really simple, but it makes sense given the nature of the show. Although audiences appreciate the medical side of Grey’s Anatomy, they often view the drama as more of a soap opera. Judging by its insane character arcs and drawn-out storylines, this makes sense and could also explain why the show has been running for so long. So, by calling it quits on Richard’s last day, the show will be able to end on a high note without having to worry too much about tying up loose ends. Others also argue that this would be a positive end for the show, which is sometimes said to be a tad too depressing for mass audiences.
Another fantastic aspect of this theory is that it gives the drama a chance to bring back some old characters. Of course, people like Derek Shepherd and George O’Malley won’t be there, but old friends like Alex, Callie, and Arizona will all get the chance to say goodbye to their mentor. Fans must remember that the show relies on a lot of flashback sequences, whether to recall one of Meredith’s childhood memories or to welcome back a dead character for a few moments. So, by allowing everyone to reconnect at Richard’s retirement party, the show can be brought back right into the present moment. Overall, this theory would allow the show to end on a celebration as well as a reunion, which is arguably what it deserves.
Retirement Is a Touchy Subject for Webber
Kim Raver as Teddy Altman and James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber scrub in for a surgery on Grey’s AnatomyImage via ABC
Although the theories surrounding Richard’s retirement are viable, there’s no denying that he ignores the topic like the plague. Webber’s retirement first popped up all the way back in Season 2, Episode 2, “Enough is Enough,” when the surgeon was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His then-wife Adele expressed a sense of relief because she hoped that this crushing diagnosis would push him to return and return home to her.
But, as fans can imagine, Webber is an immensely devoted surgeon and wasn’t going to let a tumor put a stop to his expansive career. A similar thing occurs in Season 6, when Webber is suffering from alcoholism. When he was drunk, Miranda Bailey convinced him to resign as Chief and head to rehab instead of signing papers for an early retirement. All of these instances prove that Grey Sloan has a lot of faith in Richard. Plus, as one of the longest-running cast members, it’s clear that they won’t let him go until the very last episode.
If this theory is true, many fans also speculate that the end is nigh for Grey’s Anatomy. In Season 20, Episode 10, “Burn It all Down”, the surgeon struggles to master a complex surgery and unfortunately looses a patient. Instead of moving forward, he tells Meredith that he sees this failure as a sign to retire. Although Webber has pulled this stunt many times before, a lot of the audience speculates that the show could be edging towards its natural conclusion.
Though he’s still an amazing actor, James Pickens Jr. is entering his 70s and may not want to contribute to a soap opera as much now that he’s in his Golden Years. Not to mention, Ellen Pompeo has finally started working on new projects like Good American Family, hinting that she is keen to leave her Grey Sloan scrubs in the past. Overall, though it may seem strange, a lot of fans believe that Richard’s concerns about retirement are quickly becoming a reality.
This Theory Suggests That Meredith Isn’t the Protagonist of Grey’s Anatomy
Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) stands in the hallway on Grey’s AnatomyImage via ABC
A lot of fans may be wondering if this theory is true, where does that leave Meredith Grey? From the very first episode, it’s been established that Grey is the protagonist, and the viewers are essentially watching her life unfold. But, after her short departure in Season 19, a lot of audiences believe that the focus has shifted from Meredith to the hospital itself. Nowadays, the drama isn’t about Meredith’s struggles, but more about how ordinary surgeons cope in the face of extraordinary cases. This is particularly evident in the Grey’s Anatomy spin-off Station 19, which explores how the local fire department dealt with various crises.
Richard Webber has appeared in 441 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Station 19 combined.
Thus, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Meredith is no longer the star of the show and hasn’t been for quite a long time. While the MAGIC Era focused on Grey’s struggles in life and love, the show developed a much wider cast as the seasons went on. So, by Season 4, this appeal weakened because Meredith and her friends began mentoring the latest batch of interns. She even lost her husband in Season 11, meaning that the show lost one of its biggest romantic arcs. As such, it’s clear that Grey’s Anatomy has been trying to shift away from Meredith for so many years, but arguably, doesn’t have the guts to admit it or to eliminate her character completely.
However, Richard Webber has remained a consistent source of strength throughout the show’s many changes. From the pilot episode, he has remained a superior figure, almost giving the interns a glimpse into what life could be like if they continued to follow orders and learn the ropes. In addition, he has a close-knit relationship with many of the show’s other leads, including Meredith and Miranda. As such, it makes sense that Richard would be the show’s actual protagonist because he is a key figure in the hospital and helps to extend the arcs of other characters. Put simply, Meredith may be the show’s main appeal, but Richard actually helps to drive the show forward.
James Pickens Jr. also acts as Co-Executive Producer on the show.
Of course, all of these fan theories are formed through speculation, and no one knows how or when Grey’s Anatomy will conclude. Although ratings have declined throughout the years, it’s still one of the most-streamed shows in the world. Therefore, it’s clear that Grey’s Anatomy still has a massive fan base and has managed to adapt to the modern ways of consuming television. However, when the time comes for the show to end, the theory surrounding Richard’s retirement makes sense. Not only would it help him assume the position of protagonist for one final time, but it would give audiences a happy ending. By reintroducing some old friends or creating a soppy montage of happy moments, the show could potentially avoid all of its plot holes and inconsistencies, purely giving fans a comprehensive ending with no harsh surprises.
