"Grey's Anatomy" season 12 is coming up and it will be the first time that the series will not have Patrick Dempsey's Dr. Derek Shepherd on board. His character was killed off last season and both ABC and series creator Shonda Rhimes are reportedly looking for a "name actor in his 30's to 40's" to replace him as, presumably, the new love interest for Dr. Meredith Grey.
Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) may be the main character but if the rumors are true, then she may not even be in her own series after this season. According to a report from Fashion Style, season 12 might focus on the character's Alzheimer's in an effort to let Pompeo exit "Grey's Anatomy."
Back in season 9, Grey popped positive when they were running a test for Alzheimer's. She inherited the same gene from her mother who suffered from Alzheimer's Disease until her death in season 3. Since then, Meredith has been shown to contemplate about the likelihood of her Alzheimer's suddenly starting up and affecting her.
According to the report, Rhimes confirmed that season 12 is not going to be the last season of the show. However, Pompeo's contract would expire with this season so unless she signs for an extension, then it is possible that the writers would kill off the character by putting more focus on complications due to her disease.
If this is true, then season 13 would be a "Grey's Anatomy" show without Dr. Grey unless they do a time-jump and introduce Meredith's children as the new interns of the show, so the story would come full circle.
Other than a new male character being brought in to replace Dempsey, Jason George is being promoted from guest star to series regular for season 12. George portrays Ben Warren, is a surgical resident and attending anesthesiologist on the show and is also the husband of Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson).
"Grey's Anatomy" season 12 premieres this fall.
