Grey’s Anatomy will tackle the Coronavirus in season 17 and its impact on frontline staff

Producers revealed the plans this week.

Fans of Grey's Anatomy can expect to see the effects of the Coronavirus in the upcoming season of the popular medical drama. Speaking on a panel hosted by the Television Academy this past week, executive producer Krista Vernoff confirmed the news saying:

"There’s no way to be a long-running medical show and not do the medical story of our lifetimes."

The show's writers are planning to meet with real-life doctors in order to get a better understanding of the pandemic and the impact its had on frontline workers. This is something they've done in previous years when researching certain plot lines. Vernoff added that the show has a 'responsibility' and an 'opportunity' to tell the stories of the people who've been working through the pandemic and the real consequences it's had on their every day lives:

"Every year, we have doctors come and tell us their stories, and usually they’re telling their funniest or craziest stories. This year, it has felt more like therapy, the doctors come in and we’re the first people they’re talking to about these types of experiences they’re having. They are literally shaking and trying not to cry, they’re pale, and they’re talking about it as war — a war that they were not trained for".

Krista was joined on the panel by Grey's star Chandra Wilson who plays the legendary Dr.Miranda Bailey and Kevin McKidd who portrays Dr.Owen Hunt. Also speaking at the event were stars of The West Wing and The Sopranos. Shooting for the new season of the much-loved TV show hasn't begun yet due to the pandemic but you can find out more about what's in store by watching the full streaming video of the Television Academy's Quaranstreaming event 'Comfort TV that keeps us going' here.