ABC announced Grey’s would be back for Season 20 on March 24. The news came with a shake-up, as executive producer Meg Marinis will take over as showrunner from Krista Vernoff. Vernoff announced she would be exiting the series at the end of the season earlier in 2023.
Of course, the biggest question is whether Pompeo will return as Meredith Grey. Despite her character’s exit in Season 19, Pompeo is remaining part of the show as an executive producer, and will continue to provide voice-over narration for the new episodes.
And although Pompeo won’t be seen much in Season 20, she will bring Meredith back for at least a couple appearances. Debbie Allen, who plays Dr. Catherine Fox and is also an EP on the medical drama, confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that Meredith will appear in at least two Season 20 episodes. “She’s in the first episode, and she’s in the one I’m gonna direct,” Allen confirmed.
Grey’s Anatomy 20×01 Promo (HD) – Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Episode 1 Teaser Trailer, Preview
You’ll See Lots Of Familiar Faces
Pompeo’s exit may take up all the headlines, but two other actors on the series have also been with the show since the series debut in 2005: James Pickens Jr. as Dr. Richard Webber and Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey. And they will keep on keeping on for Season 20.
As for the rest of the extensive Grey’s Anatomy cast, many of whom return for cameos or guest spots in several episodes at a time, it’s hard to know which of the old crew will be back for Season 20. Season 19 has featured everyone from the long-awaited return of Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Montgomery to the recently-exited Jesse Williams as Dr. Jackson Avery.
However, the current ensemble roster will for sure be back. That includes Kevin McKidd as Dr. Owen Hunt, Caterina Scorsone as Dr. Amelia Shepherd, Camilla Luddington as Dr. Jo Wilson, Kelly McCreary as Dr. Maggie Pierce, Kim Raver as Dr. Teddy Altman, Jake Borelli as Dr. Levi Schmitt, Chris Carmack as Dr. Atticus “Link” Lincoln, and Anthony Hill as Dr. Winston Ndugu.
The newbie roster of characters who joined this season are also returning, as the show shifts to focus on this new generation. They include Alexis Floyd as Dr. Simone Griffith, Harry Shum Jr. as Dr. Blue Kwan, Adelaide Kane as Dr. Jules Millin, Midori Francis as Dr. Mika Yasuda, and Niko Terho as Dr. Lucas Adams.
It’s Premiering Soon
The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes slightly delayed the season, but once they concluded, ABC confirmed Season 20 will premiere on Thursday, March 14.
