Grey’s Anatomy showrunner explains why she killed off this beloved main character

Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff has explained why she decided to kill off one of the fan-favorite characters in the most recent episode of the show.

Grey’s Anatomy is currently airing its 17th season, and in the seventh episode that aired last night in a two-hour time slot, Grey Sloane Memorial lost another doctor.

On Thursday 11th March 2021, the mid-season premiere of Grey’s Anatomy aired. The two-hour crossover episode with Station 19 followed the doctors attempting to save the life of one of their own doctors. Dr. DeLuca, played by Giacomo Gianniotti, was stabbed in an attempt to pursue a sex-trafficker and later died on the operating table during emergency surgery.

Soon after the show aired, Krista took to Twitter to speak about the death of one of the main characters. She said, "Giacomo has brought so much talent and so much heart to the role of Andrew DeLuca. We at Grey's Anatomy are grieving the death of this character with all of you. Giacomo played him so beautifully and took him on such a powerful journey — from intern, to romantic, to a mental health crisis and back again."

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She continued to tell the fans, “This is the story that demanded to be told. But sometimes, we writers are just as grief-stricken by the stories as you are. This is one of those times."

Giacomo said about his departure, "I’ve been on the show for six years, seven seasons. It’s definitely been a long time, and I’m a young guy. So, I think this was a good time to depart.” He praised the storyline and told Deadline, “saving all these children who potentially could’ve been trafficked… was a beautiful storyline” and “a beautiful way for the character to exit as a hero.”

However, fans were not happy about this ending for one of their favorite characters. Many took to social media to share their thoughts about this twist. One fan said, “@KristaVernoff and @shondarhimes pleeeeeaseeee stop killing people!!! We are in a Pandemic, we don’t need more suffering!!”

Others were equally devastated but appreciated the storyline. One fan said, “Hats off to @KristaVernoff, @GiacomoKG & all writers for telling this emotional, rollercoaster of a story it was told beautifully with so much emotion. This is why #GreysAnatomy is the best show in the world cause you continue to tell gripping, edge of your seat, emotional stories.”

The trailer for the next episode has been released. The episode will be titled "It's All Too Much" and will be the 8th episode of the 17th season.