Grey’s Anatomy Season 21: Release Date, Cast, Story, Trailer & Everything We Know

After the premiere of the show's landmark 20th season, all eyes look to the future as Grey's Anatomy season 21 has already been announced. Debuting in 2005, the smash-hit ABC medical drama follows the doctors and nurses of a fictional hospital in Seattle as they respond to all sorts of health emergencies while still trying to balance their complicated personal lives. Even though the series has undergone major changes since its debut, it still dominates the ratings and is a bona fide TV institution year after year.

The popularity has grown beyond the main series and three Grey's Anatomy spinoffs have expanded the world of the Shonda Rhimes-created program. Though the series has seen changes from the outset, season 20 marks the biggest change of all as star Ellen Pompeo has largely stepped away from the show after playing the role of Dr. Meredith Grey for the first 19 seasons. While Pompeo isn't gone for good, her departure is the biggest test of Grey's Anatomy's staying power, and season 20 ushers in a new era. Proving it's popularity, Grey's Anatomy season 21 is coming soon.

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Latest News

Another Trailer Is Revealed

Custom Image by Antonella Gugliersi.

With the landmark 21st season set to return soon, the latest news comes in the form of another trailer for Grey's Anatomy season 21. The 30-second teaser continues to focus on the tension between Catherine and the rest of the hospital, which culminates in a slap from Miranda. In what is perhaps the most intriguing reveal from the teaser, Jesse Williams will return as Jackson Avery, who was last seen in season 19. The reason for Avery's return isn't explained, and it's unclear if he's only coming back for another cameo or if he will stick around longer this time.

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Release Date

Season 21 Premieres In September

Custom image by Brennan Klein

Showing off the fast-paced schedule that network TV keeps for the most anticipated shows, ABC has already scheduled the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy season 21. The pillar of procedural TV is slated to return on Thursday, September 26, at 10pm. Grey's lost its old timeslot of 9pm to Ryan Murphy's new medical drama, Doctor Odyssey.

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Cast

Dr. Grey & The Rest Of The Staff Return In Season 21?

Despite shakeups in the cast across seasons 19 and 20, the cast of Grey's Anatomy season 21 will remain largely intact. Though she departed as a full-time cast member after season 19, Ellen Pompeo will appear in 7 episodes of season 21 as Dr. Grey. The main change is Scott Speedman's exit as Dr. Nick Marsh, who is leaving the series as his character moves to Boston with Meredith. Mika Yasuda (Midori Francis) and Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) are also confirmed to be exiting the series this season.

One confirmed newcomer for season 21 is the return of Jason George as Dr. Ben Warren. George left Grey's to star in the spinoff, Station 19, back in 2018, but will be a series regular once again following the spinoff's cancelation. Kali Rocha will return as Sydney Heron for the first time in 17 years, appearing in three episodes. Floriana Lima has joined the cast as Nora, a single mom with a connection to Owen. Jesse Williams will return as Jackson Avery in season 21, though the scope of his role is unknown.

The cast of Grey's Anatomy season 21 will include:

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Story

Major Cliffhangers After Season 20

As expected, the ending of Grey's Anatomy season 20 was turbulent and filled with twists, and it sets up a lot of drama for season 21. Perhaps most shockingly, Meredith turned in her resignation and allowed the NIH to publish Alzheimer's research. This decision will have massive fallout going forward, and could even be the true swan song for the long-running character. Likewise, Catherine firing Teddy, Owen, and Amelia will probably not sit well with the rest of the hospital, especially after Teddy's heroics during surgery. Unsurprisingly, Grey's Anatomy season 21 is shaping up to be the most explosive outing in years.

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Trailer

See The Season 21 Trailers Below

Custom image by Nick Bythrow

As the September release date draws closer, a trailer for Grey's Anatomy season 21 has been dropped. Catching up with the events of season 20's shocking finale, Catherine Fox is on the warpath, and she isn't happy about Dr. Grey's choice to release the medical research. Elsewhere in the hospital, the usual emergencies are still taking place, including a botched bungee jump which lands the daredevil in critical condition.

Another promo for Grey's Anatomy season 21 was revealed in September 2024, and it highlights the growing tension within the hospital. Catherine Fox continues her reign of terror which culminates in a confrontation between herself and Miranda. After a stinging insult from Fox, Miranda slaps the administrator and is threatened with a lawsuit. In a shocking twist, the teaser also reveals that Jesse Williams will be back as Jackson Avery in season 21.

Grey's Anatomy Season 21: Further News & Info

Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Review: Fast-Paced Premiere Continues The Medical Drama's Promising New Era

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Renewed To Extend Historic TV Record

Station 19 Star Coyly Teases A Potential Grey's Anatomy Return

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Loses Original ABC Timeslot To Ryan Murphy's New Medical Show

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Loses A Longtime Cast Member, Other Stars Face Reduced Roles

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Release Date Confirmed At ABC

Why Dr. Mark Sloan Star Has No Plans For Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Return In New Comments

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Adds New Chaplain, Character Details Revealed

Station 19 Cameos In Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Addressed By Showrunner

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Will Feature Original Character's Return 17 Years After Their Exit

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Cast Update Confirms New Character's Promoted Role In Upcoming Episodes

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Story Update Reveals New Details About Character's Return After 17 Years

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Trailer Previews Station 19 Character's Return & Aftermath Of Season 20 Finale

Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Casts Character From Owen Hunt’s Past In Recurring Role

Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Images Reveal Meredith’s Return & Preview 2 Character Exits