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.
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.
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.”
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.
There’s No Season Premiere Date Yet
But with (knock wood) no strikes delaying the start of production, Season 21 should kick off as most previous ones have, in the fall in late September or early October.
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.).
