ABC renews Grey's Anatomy for Season 18 with Ellen Pompeo and Station 19 for Season 5

Deadline

TV's longest-running medical drama will continue next season after ABC secured new deals with original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr, whose contracts were up at the end of this season. Season 18 hasn't been deemed the last for Grey's Anatomy. Also returning is spinoff Station 19, ABC's No. 2 drama after Grey's. Krista Vernoff will return as showrunner of both shows. Deadline reports Pompeo, who also is a producer on the show, closed a new one-year deal first after lengthy negotiations, while Wilson and Pickens Jr. went down to the wire but also eventually signed new contracts. “Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy have done an incredible job of honoring real-life heroes by giving audiences an unflinching look at one of the biggest medical stories of our time,” said Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals & ABC Entertainment. “Krista and her team of writers have continued to deliver the compelling and compassionate storytelling that is a hallmark of these shows, and created some of the year’s most-talked-about moments in television. We’re so grateful to our talented casts and crews for their extraordinary work that connects with viewers everywhere, and we look forward to sharing even more defining moments with our fans next season.” ALSO: Pompeo's new deal will keep her as TV's highest-paid actress.