Grey’s Anatomy Season 21: Everything We Know So Far
The premiere of Season 21 of Grey’s Anatomy is still months away, but already, intel is trickling down faster than saline through an IV.
You would think that the drama behind the scenes this time around couldn’t possibly compete with that which accompanied Season 20. After all, how do you top both writers’ and actors’ strikes, a super-small episode count and the surprise cancellation of sister show Station 19? But Season 21’s backstage shockers have begun being revealed, and it isn’t looking like they are going to stop (or even slow down!) anytime soon.
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What do we know thus far? Read on, and TVLine will fill you in on who’s back on the creative team, who’s returning as a series regular, who’s scrubbing out and even why we’re all going to need to push back our bedtimes by an hour.
We’ve Got a Premiere Date
Season 21 will kick off on Thursday, Sept. 26 — but there’s a twist. Isn’t there always?
Grey’s Anatomy Has a New Time Slot
Season 21 will air not at 9/8c on Thursdays but at 10/9c following 9-1-1 (at 8/7) and Ryan Murphy’s new medical drama, Dr. Odyssey (starring Joshua Jackson as a cruise-ship M.D.).
Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Finale Recap
Meg Marinis Is Returning as Showrunner
Marinis, who has been with Grey’s Anatomy since Season 3, took over the reins from Krista Vernoff in Season 20. The new boss’ “storytelling is a gift that continues to keep the show vibrant, compelling and alive,” said series creator Shonda Rhimes when the pick-up was announced. “I can’t wait to see what she has in store for next season.”
Ellen Pompeo Is Doing at Least Seven Episodes
In July, TVLine confirmed that the OG was set to appear in seven of Season 21’s 18 episodes. What’s more, she could end up scrubbing in for as many as 14 shows.
Scott Speedman Is Doing Five Episodes
Makes sense, right? With Meredith appearing more often, significant other Nick will also have an increased presence in Season 21.
Jake Borelli Is Schmitt Outta Luck as Levi
Before Season 20 was even finished, the fan favorite’s exit was announced. Borelli, who over seven seasons had evolved awkward “Glasses” into Grey Sloan’s confident co-chief resident, is expected to return briefly in Season 21 to wrap up the storyline for his character, who had lately taken a keen interest in a pediatric fellowship.
Midori Francis Is Leaving, Too
The scene-stealing Sex Lives of College Girls alum joined Grey’s Anatomy in Season 19 as Mika Yasuda, a standout among Grey Sloan’s motley crew of new residents. Alas, after a too-brief romance with unlucky-in-love boss Helm and a near-kiss with pal Jules, the intern’s imminent departure was announced in May. Like Borelli, Francis is expected to guest-star in Season 21 for long enough to give her alter ego a proper sendoff.
The Long-Running Vets Are in Jeopardy
Cost-cutting measures implemented in order to ensure a renewal for Season 21 may mean that some regulars will appear less frequently. Which ones and how much less frequently? Those questions remain unanswered… for now.
Jason George Is Scrubbing Back In
The Station 19 leading man, who crossed over Grey’s Anatomy doc Ben Warren to the already-much-missed spinoff, will be returning to Grey Sloan so that his character can complete his surgical residency. (Cue Bailey’s sigh of relief!) Not only that, but George will be a Season 21 series regular.
The Hospital’s Getting a New Chaplain
In August, TVLine learned exclusively that Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist alum Michael Thomas Grant, who played Leif, had been cast as James, Grey Sloan’s “openly gay Episcopal chaplain,” ABC said at the time. “He holds a special place in his heart for his younger patients, and his warmth, training and spirituality make him comfortable and confident in any situation. In his personal life, James finds himself at a crossroads where he is open to love and taking great leaps of faith.”
Grey Sloan’s Getting a Blast From the (Distant) Past
Seventeen years after she last appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Kali Rocha booked a three-episode return engagement as Dr. Sydney Heron. You’ll recall that the endlessly perky then-resident was introduced as a sub for Bailey during her Season 2 maternity leave.
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