Since “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 19, Ellen Pompeo has stepped back from the series. She still narrates the episodes, but she is no longer a full-time series regular. Most seasons will see her coming in for six or seven episodes, with the focus now on the new interns, Bailey, Webber, and other doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial.
She’s done a number of projects since stepping away, including the Hulu series “Good American Family,” which has just been renewed for a second season (and will become an anthology series). Now, she will return to wearing scrubs, but not on “Grey’s Anatomy” full-time. The icon is tackling a new story for Hulu.
Ellen Pompeo Will Play a Disgraced Nurse
GettyThe new Hulu series will see Pompeo take on a multi-layered character, in the form of a disgraced nurse, Amelia Winn, in “Not a Sound.” It’s not clear why she is a disgraced nurse from the description, as it focuses on her life after the event of a hit-and-run accident, where she is the victim and loses her hearing.
While she and her service dog are out one night, they come across the murdered body of one of her former colleagues. This is a mystery in itself, but it connects to her more personally than anyone would initially consider, as it may link to the accident that completely changed her life.
“Not a Sound” is based on Heather Gudenkauf’s novel of the same name, and David E. Kelley’s production team will handle the development. Pompeo will also serve as an executive producer. As of now, the series hasn’t been billed as a limited series, which offers hope that this could continue with a new mystery as the first one wraps up.
What Does This Mean for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’?
GettyThe big question for many is what it means for Pompeo returning to “Grey’s Anatomy,” which premieres its 23rd season on Oct. 15, 2026. The exciting news is that it shouldn’t affect too much, as Pompeo has managed multiple projects at a time in the past. She filmed “Good American Family” while still appearing for a few episodes on the ABC medical drama.
She is also not stepping away from the franchise that made her a household name. ABC has picked up a spinoff that will be set in Texas and will focus on a small emergency center, and Pompeo is attached as an executive producer. This will arrive in 2027, and all eyes are on where in the schedule it could land, as ABC didn’t cancel anything in the 2025–2026 schedule!
At the end of “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 22, Meredith Grey was terrified when she learned that her partner, Nick Marsh, was involved in the bridge collapse. After he made a recovery, the two decided that it was time to get married, putting a smile on many fans’ faces. The two have appeared in a handful of episodes each season, and there is hope that it will continue as the new season films. There is also the expectation that Pompeo will continue to narrate the episodes, as there has been no word to the contrary.
