The seventeenth season of the American medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy was ordered in May 2019, by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), as part of a double renewal with the sixteenth season. Shortly after, Krista Vernoff signed an agreement to continue serving as the showrunner of the series. Filming on the series began in September 2020 while the season did not premiere until November 12, 2020, both dates being delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the 2020–2021 broadcast television season. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television only allowed seventeen episodes to be produced, the fewest of any season since the fourth season. Numerous safety protocols were also implemented across various areas of production to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Promotional poster for the seventeenth season of Grey's Anatomy
Ellen Pompeo signed a one-year contract to return, making her the highest-paid actress currently on broadcast television, receiving $575,000 per episode.
Patrick Dempsey returned to the series in a recurring capacity after a five-year absence.
Giacomo Gianniotti's character, Dr. Andrew DeLuca, was killed off in the season during a fictional crossover event with spin-off series Station 19.
The sixteenth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy was ordered on May 10, 2019, by American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The season premiered on September 26, 2019. The season is produced by ABC Studios, in association with Shondaland Production Company and Entertainment One Television; the showrunner being Krista Vernoff.
DVD cover art for the sixteenth season of Grey's Anatomy
