ABC/Mitch Haaseth(NEW YORK) — Turns out Grey’s Anatomy is doing just fine without McDreamy.
Star Ellen Pompeo said on Monday’s The Ellen DeGeneres Show that the hit ABC medical drama is “doing very well,” even after the sudden departure of Patrick Dempsey.
Dempsey portrayed beloved brain surgeon and Pompeo’s on-screen husband for 11 years, Dr. Derek Shepherd. He was written off of the series last year, succumbing to injuries after a car crash.
DeGeneres remarked that “everybody thought because Patrick was leaving that [the show] wouldn’t do well, but it’s doing very well.”
That’s when guest Pompeo quipped, “Yeah, it’s amazing how much you get done without a penis.” Getting serious, she added: “We miss him dearly, but yeah, the show is doing very well.”
Still, she admitted his abrupt exit last year hasn’t been easy. “For me too, it’s how do I act without him? It’s more challenging for me,” Pompeo revealed. “I’m more invested. I have to work harder to find my groove without that missing part. So it keeps me more engaged.”
The actress, who portrays Dr. Meredith Grey on the series that centers on a hospital in Seattle, also gave her take on why people continue to tune in after 12 seasons, even after Dempsey’s departure.
“I think a lot of people were really upset about his departure, which is super understandable, but I think the change is part of the reason why the show goes on so long,” she explained. “I think people tune in to see what does the show look like now? What is Meredith going to do without Derek? I think they get so upset about the change, but change is precisely what everyone always needs to sort of get to the next place.”
Pompeo also denied rumors that Grey’s Anatomy, which airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET, was ending after the current season, which wraps up May 19.
“No, it’s not the last season,” she said.
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