Grey’s Anatomy Season 16: Season-ending cliffhanger unlikely

Grey’s Anatomy Season 16 is ending earlier than expected. Here’s what we know about the remaining episodes.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the entertainment industry in a major way. Major blockbuster releases are being pushed back, studios are moving their films to streaming platforms, and TV seasons are being cut short including Grey’s Anatomy.

Unfortunately, not even the docs of Grey Sloan are immune to the changes. According to TVLine, Season 16 is ending prematurely with only two episodes left to air. The season finale will now air on Thursday, April 9, with Episode 21, “Put on a Happy Face.”

Unresolved storylines?

More from ABC

• Dancing with the Stars season 32 week 9 scorecard: Who went home on DWTS?
• Roger Howarth is leaving General Hospital (Cast exit explained)
• Taylor Swift won’t appear in special Dancing with the Stars episode
• ABC will start rolling out its midseason schedule January 2024 (Release dates and airtimes)
• Grey’s Anatomy season 20 officially has a premiere date (Everything to know)

What exactly does this mean for the remainder of Season 16? Based on what we saw in Episode 19, there were clearly major plans in place regarding the treatment of Richard Webber’s declining health over the remaining episodes. Other possible inconclusive storylines include Amelia’s pregnancy, Teddy’s love triangle, and MerLuca’s unofficial breakup.

For those wondering what exactly will go down in Episode 21, here’s the official synopsis:

"Link tries to persuade Amelia to take it easy; Meredith receives a surprising question from Hayes; Owen discovers something."

Clearly Amelia is reaching the end of her pregnancy but likely won’t give birth until Season 17 premieres. It sounds like Dr. Hayes is still very much interested in Meredith, but where do things stand between her and DeLuca? Then we have Owen discovering “something,” which could be in regards to Teddy’s not-so-secret fling with Tom.

Looking back at previous cliffhangers

With the season coming to an end earlier than expected, we will be left with many open-ended questions, but these cliffhangers will be quite different from years past. As disappointing as it may be that we won’t be able to soak up a month’s worth of new Grey’s Anatomy episodes, at least we (probably?) won’t be left wondering who lives and who dies.

Take the Season 5 finale for example. Even as a very young viewer at the time, I remember the fandom’s uncertainty when it seemed like Izzie Stevens and George O’Malley were being killed off at the same time. Do you recall the infamous plane crash at the end of Season 8? That finale faded to black as Meredith, Cristina, and others laid by a dying fire, wondering if they would be rescued.

If Richard is still alive by the time the Season 16 finale airs, this, unfortunately, wouldn’t be the first time his life hangs in the balance either. Season 9 ended with the Grey’s original laying in a puddle of water after being electrocuted.

We would hate to lose another original character this season, but things aren’t looking great for Webber. Check out the devastating scene below:

Which storylines do you think will be left unresolved until Season 17? Do you think Richard will survive? Sound off below!

Catch up on Grey’s Anatomy Season 16 on Hulu before the season finale airs on Thursday, April 9 at 9/8 C on ABC.