Ellen Pompeo Returns in a Major Role for Grey’s Anatomy Season 21

The iconic character of Meredith Grey will make a grand return in Season 21 of Grey’s Anatomy. Ellen Pompeo, who has portrayed Meredith since the show’s inception, is slated to appear in seven of the 18 episodes of the new season, according to Deadline and confirmed by TVLine. There is also potential for this number to extend to as many as 14 episodes.

POMpeo had stepped back from her full-time role during the midpoint of Season 19, as Meredith Grey moved to Boston with her children. Scott Speedman’s character, Nick Marsh, who had an on-again/off-again relationship with Meredith, eventually followed her to Boston. Despite stepping back from full-time acting, Pompeo continued her contributions as the narrator and executive producer of the show. During the shortened Season 20, which was affected by the writers’ and actors’ strikes, she appeared in five of the 10 produced episodes.

The news of Pompeo’s increased presence in Season 21 coincides with potential significant changes in the cast. Jake Borelli (Levi Schmitt) and Midori Francis (Mika Yasuda) have been reported to return only to conclude their characters’ story arcs. Moreover, the series’ long-standing actors, including Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey), James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webber), Kevin McKidd (Owen Hunt), Kim Raver (Teddy Altman), Caterina Scorsone (Amelia), and Camilla Luddington (Jo Wilson), have yet to sign new contracts.

On a positive note, Jason George will make a comeback, reprising his Station 19 character, Ben Warren, on Grey’s Anatomy. Originally a surgical resident-turned-firefighter, Ben Warren will return as a series regular, not just a guest star, in Season 21.

Grey’s Anatomy holds the title of being the longest-running primetime medical drama in U.S. television history, an impressive milestone it achieved in 2019. Furthermore, it is the longest-running primetime series in ABC’s history.

Source: Deadline, TVLine