Ellen Pompeo Returns for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 21

July 10 (UPI) — Doctor Meredith Grey is set to return for seven episodes in the upcoming season of Grey’s Anatomy.

Grey, portrayed by Ellen Pompeo, had a more limited presence at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital starting in Season 19, appearing in only eight episodes.

While Pompeo continued her role as the show’s executive producer and narrator, she took a step back to work on the eight-part Hulu series Natalia. In Natalia, she plays a woman whose adopted child has dwarfism and poses a threat to her family. This show is based on a true story.

In Season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy, Pompeo made only a few appearances.

This marks a significant shift from the earlier seasons when Meredith Grey was featured in up to 25 episodes per season.

The show, which premiered in 2005, has made Pompeo one of the highest-paid women in television. In 2020 alone, she earned around $19 million.

“I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you have all shown me, Meredith Grey, and the show for 19 seasons,” she expressed on Instagram back in 2022. “I love you madly and appreciate you right back. This isn’t your first time on the rollercoaster… You know the show must go on and I’ll definitely be back to visit.”

The next season, announced in April, is set to be released in the fall. A specific release date has not yet been announced.