Krista Vernoff is sticking with ABC and “Grey’s Anatomy.” The Hollywood Reporter confirms the “Grey’s” showrunner has inked a multi-year overall deal with ABC Studios. The pact will see Vernoff and her producing partner and husband, Alexandre Schmitt, creating and developing projects for ABC Studios via their new shingle, Trip the Light Productions. Vernoff will also continue to showrun the tentpole medical drama.
Vernoff is president of Trip the Light, and Schmitt is president of production and development.
“Alex and I are thrilled to be making a creative home for Trip the Light Productions at ABC Studios,” Vernoff said. “Showrunning ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ has been a career high for me, and the support from the studio has been unparalleled. I look forward to continuing in my role at ‘Grey’s,’ while also creating new content across all platforms with Trip the Light, where we aim to illuminate and elevate the human condition through storytelling with humor, heart, and a healthy dose of rabble rousing.”
“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes selected Vernoff to take over showrunning duties after co-showrunner Stacy McKee exited for spinoff “Station 19.” Vernoff served as a writer and EP on the first eight seasons of the iconic series. An outspoken advocate for #MeToo, equal pay, LGBTQ rights, and other social issues, she has showcased “a number of topical subjects, including unconscious bias, while advancing the types of stories for trans characters and actors” during her showrunning tenure, THR writes.
“We’re so happy to extend and enhance our relationship with Krista,” said ABC Studios prez Patrick Moran. “She’s been an incredible asset for our studio at the helm of ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ We couldn’t ask for a better leader and creative talent on this groundbreaking series.”
“Charmed,” “Private Practice,” and “Shameless” are among Vernoff’s other TV writing and producing credits. She made her directorial debut on “Grey’s” this season, with the ep “Anybody Have a Map?”
Now in its 15th season, “Grey’s Anatomy” airs Thursdays on ABC. It is the network’s longest-running drama and is expected to best “ER” as television’s longest-running medical drama.
