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  • TV Review: ‘The Residence’

    (L to R) Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Larry Dokes, Dan Perrault as Colin Trask, Spencer Garrett as Wally Glick, Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Randall Park as Edwin Park, Andrew Friedman as Irv Samuelson, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, Molly Griggs as Lilly Schumacher in 'The Residence'. Photo: Erin Simkin/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Larry Dokes, Dan Perrault as Colin Trask, Spencer Garrett as Wally Glick, Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Randall Park as Edwin Park, Andrew Friedman as Irv Samuelson, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, Molly Griggs as Lilly Schumacher in ‘The Residence’. Photo: Erin Simkin/Netflix © 2024.

    ‘The Residence’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

    Arriving on Netflix on March 20th, ‘The Residence’ sees prolific TV power producer Shonda Rhimes and her Shondaland company looking to give the streaming service its own take on ‘Only Murders in the Building.’

    But is there room for more than a couple of shows that blend murder mystery and comedy? That’s the case to unpack here.

    Related Article: Emmy Nominee John Hoffman Talks ‘Only Murders in the Building’

    Is ‘The Residence’ a Compelling Mystery?

    (L to R) Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter, Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Larry Dokes in 'The Residence'. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter, Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Larry Dokes in ‘The Residence’. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.

    With its unusual central sleuth, a lot of frustrated potential suspects and a (mostly) one-location setting, this new series still manages to avoid coming across like a bad copy of the ‘Only Murders’ format.

    Here, creator/showrunner Paul William Davies (no stranger to White House affairs after working on Rhimes-birthed crisis management thriller series ‘Scandal’) mixes a crafty, funny mix of his own personal favorite mystery writers (the episode titles all nod to classic mystery books or movies) with the intriguing inner workings of the most famous address in America, since he also drew from Kate Andersen Brower’s book ‘The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House.’

    It’s a combo that works really well –– the scurrilous world of behind-the-scenes drama during a State dinner for Australia is a fantastic backdrop for a teasing conundrum.

    Script and Direction

    (Right) Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp in 'The Residence'. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.
    (Right) Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp in ‘The Residence’. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.

    The key to any good mystery –– whether it’s supposed to be funny or not –– is a carefully constructed script with enough red herrings to throw you off the scent of the final truth at the heart of the matter.

    Here, Williams and his writing staff concocted the twisted story of White House chief usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito), who rules efficiently and smoothly, but can’t abide personal drama. When he shows up dead on an upper floor of the residence at the White House, some within the building want it written off as a suicide, while others are convinced it was murder.

    Naturally, that calls for a detective to be brought in, and ‘The Residence’s creative team have made one for the ages in Uzo Aduba’s Cordelia Cupp, a dedicated ornithologist who just so happens to have a genius brain for ferretting out the answers to mysteries.

    (L to R) Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Jason Lee as Tripp Morgan, Molly Griggs as Lilly Schumacher in 'The Residence'. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Jason Lee as Tripp Morgan, Molly Griggs as Lilly Schumacher in ‘The Residence’. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.

    But it’s not just the Cordelia Cupp show, the scripts weave and wander around the residence, replaying moments in time from different angles and creating a solid group of characters to tell the story. And while a lot of the series takes place within the title location, there is also a hearing happening to break things up.

    Directorially, Liza Johnson and her team bring an interesting style to the show, which sweeps through a version of the White House, and perfectly complements the story.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Randall Park as Edwin Park in 'The Residence'. Photo: Erin Simkin/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Randall Park as Edwin Park in ‘The Residence’. Photo: Erin Simkin/Netflix © 2024.

    Uzo Aduba is delightful as Cordelia Cupp, a consulting detective in the Sherlock Holmes mold, who is brought in by befuddled authorities to crack the case.

    Aduba is a natural at this sort of quirky comedy, and the character she brings to life is effortlessly entertaining, whether she’s interrogating suspects, confounding those who perceive themselves superior to her or tracking down a rare bird she wants to cross off her spotting list.

    Her mismatched buddy comedy chemistry with Randall Park’s FBI agent Edwin Park is one of the best elements of the series –– they’re on the same mission, but they rarely agree on how to go about it, and Park’s deadpan energy syncs well with Aduba’s.

    Giancarlo Esposito faced his own challenge coming into the show, as he inherited the role of chief usher Wynter from Andre Braugher. While Braugher had briefly played the part before the 2023 WGA strike shut down production, he died before filming could resume, leading to Esposito (who, coincidentally, replaced him years ago on ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ before they co-starred in the follow-up TV movie to the show) stepping in.

    Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter in 'The Residence'. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.
    Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter in ‘The Residence’. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.

    Wynter might seem like a character Esposito has become very known for playing –– icy, analytical and quietly arrogant, but he proves to be a refreshing change from that mode, with some more layers (even if his death kicks off the central mystery).

    Of the considerable supporting cast, highlights include Al Franken, playing the senator leading the hearing into the investigation, the ever-reliable Eliza Coupe who steals scenes as Senator Bix, who is eager to get to the truth of the matter, and Mel Rodriguez, playing Bruce Geller, the chief engineer who had no great love for Wynter, but does fall for another member of the household staff.

    Jason Lee is good value as Tripp Morgan, the President’s scruffy, lazy, salt-obsessed and light-fingered brother, bringing just the right level of sibling rivalry to the show, while Jane Curtin makes a meal of the role as the President’s mother-in-law who loves a drink, but hates noise.

    Oh, and kudos to pop legend Kylie Minogue for being so game to make fun of herself in a couple of episodes.

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney, Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger in 'The Residence'. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney, Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger in ‘The Residence’. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.

    With its quirky score and offbeat central figure, you could effectively call this ‘Only Murders in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’ (yes, yes, we know… the residence is part of the White House proper, just go with it.)

    This latest Shondaland offering has a solid cast, a great mystery and a watchable story that keeps you guessing.

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    What’s the plot of ‘The Residence’?

    Set in “upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs” of the White House, Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), an eccentric detective, arrives on the premises in order to solve a murder which happened during a state dinner. During the investigation, interpersonal conflicts between 157 personnel of the residence start to unfold.

    Who stars in ‘The Residence’?

    (L to R) Edwina Findley as Sheila Cannon, Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp in 'The Residence'. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Edwina Findley as Sheila Cannon, Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp in ‘The Residence’. Photo: Jessica Brooks/Netflix © 2024.

    List of Uzo Aduba Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Uzo Aduba Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ to End After Season 6 on ABC

    ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ to End After Season 6 on ABC

    ABC

    The case is closed and class is dismissed — “How to Get Away With Murder” is ending after its upcoming sixth season on ABC.

    The final season of the Shonda Rhimes-produced dramawill follow Annalise Keating (Emmy winner Viola Davis) and her students in their final semester of law school. According to ABC’s description, “The deception, fear and guilt binding Professor Keating to her students prove deadlier than ever.”

    “HTGAWM” premiered in September 2014, joining “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” to form the Shondaland Thursday night block known as “TGIT. Davis took home the Best Actress Emmy the next year for her searing performance.

    “Viola Davis made television history with her unforgettable portrayal of iconic female antihero Annalise Keating,” ABC entertainment president Karey Burke said in a statement. “I am eternally grateful to her, [creator] Pete Nowalk and Shondaland for creating and bringing to life such a smart, sophisticated and groundbreaking series that has long been an integral part of Thursday nights on ABC.”

    Nowalk added, “For me, Annalise Keating’s journey has always had a clear ending. Knowing I have 15 episodes left to finish her story, and the chance to give all the characters their own killer endings, is a gift rarely given to a series creator and I’m grateful to ABC and ABC Studios for the opportunity and creative freedom.

    “I am so thankful to the brilliant cast, writers and crew for dedicating themselves to the most rewarding experience of my career over the last six years. I also want to thank our fans. The only reason this show exists is because of your loyalty and enthusiasm. I can’t wait for you all to see how it ends, with twists and turns and all the craziness we love to create every Thursday night. Buckle up.”

    ABC also released a sneak peek of Season 6, which flashes back to shocking moments from the past five seasons:

  • Julie Andrews to Voice Gossip Writer in Shonda Rhimes’ Upcoming Netflix Drama

    20th Century Fox

    XOXO, it’s Julie Andrews.

    The iconic actress is joining the cast of Shonda Rhimes’ upcoming Netflix show. The untitled, eight-episode period drama is an adaptation of Julia Quinn’s bestselling Bridgerton novel series.

    The story takes place in the sexy, lavish and competitive world of London high society circa 1813. According to Netflix’s description, the series whirls from the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the aristocratic palaces of Park Lane and beyond, and unveils a seductive, sumptuous world replete with intricate rules and dramatic power struggles, where no one is truly ever on steady ground.

    Andrews will be the voice of Lady Whistledown, an anonymous and mysterious gossip writer whose mix of social commentary and scathing insults send Regency London into an all-out frenzy.

    At the heart of the show is the powerful Bridgerton family. Comprised of eight close-knit siblings, this funny, witty, daring and clever group must navigate the upper ten thousand’s marriage mart in search of romance, adventure and love.

    Andrews, of course, is the legendary star of “Mary Poppins” and “Sound of Music.” She has stuck mostly to voice work in recent years, lending her distinctive timbre to “Aquaman” and “Despicable Me 3.”

  • ABC Renews ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘Station 19,’ ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ and Cancels ‘For the People’

    ABC Renews ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘Station 19,’ ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ and Cancels ‘For the People’

    ABC

    ABC is signing up for more TGIT.

    The network has renewed Thursday night dramas “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Station 19,” and “How to Get Away With Murder,” all from Shonda Rhimes’ production company Shondaland.

    However, ABC is cancelling the legal drama “For the People” after two seasons.

    “Grey’s Anatomy” received renewals for both Seasons 16 and 17. This year, it surpassed “ER” as the longest-running primetime medical drama in TV history in number of episodes (341 to 331 for the NBC staple). Now, it will become the longest-running medical drama in number of seasons (17 vs. “ER’s” 15).

    The firefighter drama “Station 19” has held steady in the ratings in its second season. A recent crossover with “Grey’s Anatomy” proved a success. “Grey’s Anatomy” showrunner Krista Vernoff will also oversee “Station 19” beginning next season.

    “HTGAWM, ” which stars Viola Davis as hard-charging lawyer/professor Annalise Keating, will return for a sixth season.

  • Shonda Rhimes Reveals She’s TV’s Highest-Paid Showrunner in Emotional Speech

    Shonda Rhimes Reveals She’s TV’s Highest-Paid Showrunner in Emotional Speech

    Shondaland

    Shonda Rhimes is finally ready to brag about herself — and she hopes her personal success can inspire other women to celebrate both their own, and each other’s, accomplishments.

    During an emotional speech delivered at Elle magazine’s 25th annual Women in Hollywood celebration on Monday, Rhimes reflected on her recent move from longtime home ABC to streaming giant Netflix. Though reports at the time suggested her lucrative deal with the service was in the neighborhood of $100 million, Rhimes revealed that that number was incorrect– and the real sum (which she declined to name) gave her a prestigious title.

    “I am the highest-paid showrunner in television,” Rhimes declared, earning a standing ovation.

    The producer admitted that for a long time, she was embarrassed to brag about herself, a problem she shares with many other women. That’s because women who talk about their accomplishments are often attacked for doing so, Rhimes said, pointing to “Grey’s Anatomy” star Ellen Pompeo as an example. Pompeo was widely criticized after revealing her status as the highest-paid dramatic actress on television — and even blamed by fans for forcing out “Grey’s” stars Sarah Drew and Jessica Capshaw thanks to her salary.

    Men, meanwhile, are allowed to broadcast their achievements, Rhimes said, a double standard that applied to another Women in Hollywood attendee, Ryan Murphy, whom Rhimes called “amazingly talented.” Like Rhimes, Murphy inked a whopping nine-figure contract with Netflix; but unlike Rhimes, Murphy “shouted his salary to the world and he did this gorgeous cover shoot and photo for The Hollywood Reporter,” she said, “and he deserved every minute of it.”

    The showrunner continued:

    “When I made a deal with Netflix, I let them interview my salary wrong in the press, and then I did as few interviews as possible and I put my head down and worked. In other words, I hid. I’m getting this award for inspiring other women; how can I inspire anyone if I’m hiding?”

    […]

    “My point is that we need to set an example, because I am awesome and we are awesome which is another way of saying we have power. We are powerful women and when we say we have power, what we are really saying is that we deserve to have power. We deserve whatever good thing it is that we are getting. Demanding what you deserve can feel like a radical act.”

    Rhimes closed her remarks by urging her fellow attendees to support one another.

    “Come together, work together, brag together, be powerful together, and whenever we can we should be lifting one another up,” she said, “because lifting someone up is what lifts us.”

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

  • Ellen Pompeo Hints ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Will End After Season 16

    Ellen Pompeo Hints ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Will End After Season 16

    Grey's Anatomy
    ABC

    The End is nigh!

    Ellen Pompeo just gave the heaviest hint yet to Entertainment Weekly that “Grey’s Anatomy” might end once her new two-year contract is up after Season 16.

    Season 15 premieres next Thursday as The Season of Love. “Grey’s” is on several covers of Entertainment Weekly, with the cast dishing on the new season.

    Shonda Rhimes has made it clear there is no “Grey’s” to her without Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey. And Pompeo just said this to EW when asked if she sees herself continuing on “Grey’s” past next year’s Season 16:

    “I’m clearly not prepared right now to make any formal announcement about what my future is on the show, but I am really feeling like we have told the majority of the stories that we can tell. It’s about time that I mix it up. I’m definitely looking for a change.”

    Oof. Can’t say the show *should* last forever, but still. Oof. The End will hurt.

    Just to be clear: They’d better bring back Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) for the finale. Call her agent NOW.

    Grey's Anatomy GIF
    ABC

    Back in May, Pompeo had given this hint to Us Weekly:

    “There is an end and it’s nearing. I want to be more involved in my kids’ lives as they get older. And they need me more, and this world is such a crazy place.”

    Fair enough.

    Shonda Rhimes has moved her Shondaland empire to Netflix, but she told The Hollywood Reporter last year that it will be her decision when to end “Grey’s Anatomy.” The ABC series is still doing very well in ratings, thanks in part to new fans finding the show on Netflix. But that’s also when she told THR that “Grey’s” doesn’t exist to her without Ellen Pompeo.

    There was also this ominous exchange:

    Have there been any talks about how much longer Ellen is interested in doing the show?

    RHIMES: No comment.

    That was last year.

    Shonda Rhimes more recently told EW she’s written the end of the show at least six times, when she thought their time would be up.

    “But we just don’t end. Every time I thought, ‘This is how the show should end,’ we’ve gone past those moments, so I’ve stopped trying. I have no idea now.”

    It’s possible they’re now busy putting a plan in place for how to close up shop, and maybe it will come after Season 16.

    But there are still at least two more seasons ahead! They start with the two-hour Season 15 premiere this coming Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

    [Via: TVLine]

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  • ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Tried to Get Sara Ramirez Back for Season 14 Finale: ‘CBS Has a Hold on Her’

    ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Tried to Get Sara Ramirez Back for Season 14 Finale: ‘CBS Has a Hold on Her’

    Grey's Anatomy, Callie, Arizona
    ABC

    What a missed opportunity.

    “Grey’s Anatomy” tried to get Sara Ramirez‘s Callie back for Arizona’s (Jessica Capshaw) goodbye in the Season 14 finale.

    Season 15 is now filming, and creator Shonda Rhimes had an Ask Me Anything Instagram Story Q&A addressing several “Grey’s” questions.

    One fan asked if they planned to bring back Callie back anytime soon.

    In her answer, Shonda whispered conspiratorially:

    “Let me tell you something. This is between us. We tried. CBS has a hold of her. Because she’s on another show, and we can’t get her. But we love her. Always. This is her home. Come home Callie.”

    Sara Ramirez is now starring on CBS’ “Madam Secretary,” which she joined last year.

    Although Shonda didn’t mention when they tried to get Sara/Callie back, TVLine confirmed with sources that it was for the Season 14 finale. They wanted Callie back for Arizona’s final episode. That would’ve been nice, to see Callie again, instead of just seeing her texts.

    It’s especially frustrating since Season 15 is giving us a new Ortho God, and that should always be Callie!

    Shonda Rhimes also answered that if she could bring back any “Grey’s” character it would be George. She also talked about wanting to bring back Addison, but “I can’t bring back people who don’t exist in terms of availability. Kate’s busy, people!”

    There’s some confusion about Meredith Grey finding love again in Season 15 or not. Shonda said she hopes Meredith finds love again someday, and maybe it’ll be even better the second time around. But she said we’d have to ask Krista Vernoff. She’s the showrunner now, and she recently addressed ABC boss Channing Dungey’s quotes on Meredith Grey. Apparently Mer WILL have a new romance in The Season of Love.

    But seriously. Follow Shonda on Instagram and watch the Story Q&A. It’s good.

    “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 15 will have a two-hour premiere on Thursday, September 27 on ABC.

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  • Shonda Rhimes Reveals Seven More New Netflix Series: Get the Details

    Shonda Rhimes Reveals Seven More New Netflix Series: Get the Details

    Shonda Rhimes
    Shonda Rhimes on Instagram

    Shondaland is up and running fast over at Netflix!

    Last year, Shonda Rhimes left ABC Studios for a lucrative multi-year deal at Netflix.

    Last month, she revealed her first project would be writing a series based on the New York Magazine story “How Anna Delvey Tricked New York’s Party People,” following the true story of a woman who conned high society.

    On Friday, Shonda revealed seven more upcoming series:

    You can follow that thread, or read breakdowns via The Hollywood Reporter:

    • An untitled Bridgerton project, based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels, is a feminist take on Regency England romance, unveiling the glittering, wealthy, sexual, painful, funny and sometimes lonely lives of the women and men in London’s high society marriage mart as told through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family. Scandal’s Chris Van Dusen will adapt, executive produce and showrun the drama.

    • Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is a docuseries that reunites Rhimes with Grey’s Anatomy recurring player, exec producer and director Debbie Allen. The show is a reimagining of Allen’s holiday ballet. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s award-winning interpretation of the classic ballet The Nutcracker. Scandal director Oliver Bokelberg will serve as producer, cinematographer and helm the series.

    • Pico & Sepulveda is a series set in Mexican California during the 1840s that takes its title from the well-known Los Angeles intersection of the same name. Emmy winner Janet Leahy will create and exec produce the series, which is set against the surreal and sensual backdrop of the then-Mexican state of California, and will track the end of an idyllic era there as American forces threaten brutality and war at the border to claim this breathtaking land for their own.

    • Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change. Netflix and Shondaland have acquired the rights to Ellen Pao’s groundbreaking memoir detailing her life and career, including the lawsuit she brought against her former employer that sparked intense media scrutiny, shook Silicon Valley to its boys club core and presaged the Time’s Up movement. 

    • The Residence is based on the 2015 nonfiction book by Kate Andersen Brower about the private lives of U.S. presidents, their families and White House staff. The title puts Rhimes back into the political arena after wrapping seven seasons of ABC’s D.C.-set soap Scandal in April. Netflix and Shondaland acquired the rights to the nonfiction book of the same name. Additional details, including a writer, were not immediately available.

    • Sunshine Scouts is a darkly comic, ironic and twisty show about foul-mouthed teenage girls who are trapped at the end of the world. Writer-director Jill Alexander created the series and also serves as a co-exec producer. The half-hour series is Shondaland’s first comedy to get the green light following multiple pilot and script orders on broadcast. This was a longtime goal for Beers at Shondaland. The comedy is described as an apocalyptic disaster spares a ragtag group of teenage girls at sleepaway camp who must then summon their moxie and survival skills to weather the fallout and ensure all that remains of humanity abides by the Sunshine Scout Law.

    • The Warmth of Other Suns is based on the 2010 Pulitzer-winning nonfiction book by Isabel Wilkerson that explores the flight of African Americans from the Jim Crow South to the North and the West. Playwright and actress Anna Deavere Smith, who stars in Rhimes’ sophomore ABC drama For the People, will adapt the book and exec produce.

    Stay tuned for details on when those series will premiere on Netflix. Meanwhile, Shondaland is still producing “Grey’s Anatomy,” which starts filming Season 15 this week for its premiere this September on ABC.

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  • Ellen Pompeo Says ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ End ‘Is Nearing’

    Meredith Grey will put down her scalpel for good — and it’ll be sooner than later.

    “Grey’s Anatomy” is still going strong in its 14th season, and star Ellen Pompeo signed a massive, mega-bucks deal to return for Seasons 15 and 16. But after that? It could be the right time to shut down the ABC drama.

    Pompeo recently told Us Weekly, “There is an end and it’s nearing.”

    “I want to be more involved in my kids’ lives as they get older,” she said. “And they need me more, and this world is such a crazy place.”

    The show has undergone many changes in the past few years with the departures of various cast members (including two more veterans at the end of this season). And while Meredith Grey continues to kick medical ass, Pompeo can foresee a time to hang up those surgical scrubs.

    “We’re getting there. Shonda and I will make that decision together,” she said.

    “I think that one of the biggest lessons that this show has taught me and being on this show for so long has taught me, is that relationships do change. And they do grow. They take work. Like any marriage, friendship. You gotta put in the work,” she continued.

    “You have to accept other people’s flaws, and accept your own flaws and try to change and be a better person. But I think everything is worth the time and effort. And things get better.”

  • ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Stars Jessica Capshaw, Sarah Drew Leaving After Season 14

    “Grey’s Anatomy” is going through a big change — again.

    Longtime cast members Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew will exit the show after the ABC drama’s current 14th season. Capshaw has played Dr. Arizona Robbins for 10 seasons, while Drew’s Dr. April Kepner has been around for nine.

    Deadline reports the decision was made by “Grey’s Anatomy” producers, who can choose at the beginning of the season whether or not to pick up each series regular’s option. No other major cast members are set to depart.

    While “Grey’s Anatomy” hasn’t been picked up by ABC for Season 15, the show is nearly a lock, especially after star Ellen Pompeo signed a blockbuster two-year deal that pays her as much as $20 million per year.

    However, it seems the decision to write out Capshaw and Drew were not financial, but creative.

    As showrunner Krista Vernoff said in a statement, “The characters of Arizona and April are permanently woven into the fabric of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ thanks to the extraordinary work of Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew. As writers, our job is to follow the stories where they want to go and sometimes that means saying goodbye to characters we love. It has been a joy and a privilege to work with these phenomenally talented actresses.”

    Creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes added, “It’s always hard for me to say goodbye to any of my characters. Both Arizona Robbins and April Kepner are not only beloved but iconic — both the LBGTQ and devout Christian communities are underrepresented on TV. I will be forever grateful to both Jessica and Sarah for bringing these characters to life with such vibrant performance and for inspiring women around the globe. They will always be a part of our Shondaland family.”

    Both Capshaw and Drew responded to the news on Twitter, thanking the producers and fans: