Twenty-one seasons is sufficient to make your head spin, is not it?
Gray’s Anatomy, considered one of TV’s longest-running successes and a record-breaker in its personal proper, will enter its twenty first season this fall.
Discuss job safety, at the least for the present’s most senior forged members.
However as you’ll be able to think about, working a present over the course of practically twenty years means loads of adjustments should be made to maintain issues recent.
Between storylines coming to a pure finish and forged members leaving on their very own, every season of Shonda Rhimes’ smash hit has include forged shakeups.
To this point, we all know that a few beloved characters will not be sticking round for the long run: Jake Borelli and Midori Francis have confirmed they are going to be exiting the present, so we’re saying goodbye to Levi Schmidt and Mika Yasuda.
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We’re anticipating a return to an extended season this yr after season 20 was minimize in half resulting from manufacturing delays ensuing from Hollywood strikes.
And with a number of massive cliffhangers looming over us for the reason that Gray’s Anatomy Season 20 finale, the following installment has loads of floor to cowl.
Within the meantime, we’re looking on the forged returning for Season 21, beginning with those that have been with us for the reason that Gray’s Anatomy sequence premiere.
Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Gray
Because the present’s namesake, Meredith has been the primary character and main staple on the present since day one.
The present has developed quite a bit lately, making her into extra of a background character, and permitting new generations of medical doctors to shine.
Reality be informed, we’re not completely sure how a lot of Meredith we’ll be seeing in Season 21.
Ellen Pompeo has lengthy since left the present as a sequence common, exhibiting up in far fewer episodes than regular since that bombshell announcement.
However one thing tells me that we’ll preserve seeing her face across the hospital.
Contemplating her identify is in each the present’s title and on the hospital’s signal, it appears a little bit unbelievable that we might ever actually say goodbye.
Final season, she and her boyfriend Nick (Scott Speedman) lastly appeared to determine their points out, deciding within the finale to purchase a house and quiet down in Boston.
It is the glad ending we have at all times needed for her after all the things she’s been by, so even when it means she’ll spend much less time in Seattle, we’re simply glad she’s thriving.
Pompeo is ready to star in a brand new Hulu authentic known as Natalia, following the true story of a household who adopted a baby that they started to suspect was really an grownup.
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Relying on Pompeo’s schedule, likelihood is excessive that Meredith will likely be away a bit extra subsequent season.
Hopefully, there’s nonetheless loads of time for her to point out up when she must.
Given the drama with Catherine Fox final season, it appears extremely seemingly that Meredith must step in to clean some issues over.
Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey
Gray’s Anatomy would possibly survive with out its titular character, however there isn’t any universe the place it might do with out the unimaginable Miranda Bailey.
One of many solely authentic forged members remaining, Chandra Wilson has at all times introduced her A-game to this function, stealing the scene each time she’s on display.
Miranda is an attending and the previous Chief of Surgical procedure who took a step all the way down to concentrate on her household and well-being.
She and her husband, Ben Warren (who has spent the final six years starring on Gray’s Anatomy spinoff, Station 19) share three youngsters.
Because of the Station 19 sequence finale, we all know that their oldest two boys will go on to graduate from school and their daughter will develop as much as be part of the identical firehouse that Warren has simply left.
However regardless of figuring out that the household may have an exquisite future, it is nonetheless thrilling to know that their tales will likely be centered again on Gray’s Anatomy.
Bailey has been struggling quite a bit, particularly these days, with fears about Ben getting damage on the job, and it is made it tough for her to focus at work.
Her massive mission nowadays has been whipping the brand new intern class into form, of which she’s accomplished a wonderful job.
Now that the interns have handed their exams, we won’t wait to see what Miranda does subsequent.
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The finale confirmed her laying all of it on the road to threaten to go away if Catherine fired considered one of her interns, so tensions are already excessive.
Since Ben will return to the hospital to complete his surgical residency now that Station 19 has come to an finish, we have now to surprise how working collectively will impression their relationship.
It has made issues difficult for the 2 of them up to now, so we’ll see how issues play out as they return to work within the fall.
James Pickens Jr. as Dr. Richard Webber
Ah, Dr. Webber. He is a fan favourite, to make certain, and the most effective characters on the present.
However is that this man ever going to retire?
It looks like he could also be going through some kind of cognitive decline, which could really push him to put down his scalpel for good.
However on condition that his spouse is spiraling into some literal villain and he is seemingly going to should take care of the fallout, Webber may have loads to concentrate on exterior of the working room.
Plus, he is at all times been a instructor and mentor for the reason that present started, so we anticipate to see him embody that function a bit extra going ahead, too.
After saying goodbye to his daughter, Maggie, when Kelly McCreary left the present throughout Season 19, Richard has been in want of household connection. Let’s hope he will get it in Season 21!
Jason George as Dr. Ben Warren
The physician is in!
In a transfer that shocked actually nobody, ABC introduced that Jason George can be returning to Gray Sloan after Station 19 closed its doorways for the final time.
We could not be happier to have Dr. Warren again on the hospital.
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He’ll want to complete his residency, however he’ll slide proper again into place because the “dad” of the group, bringing with him years of expertise he now has as a primary responder.
His presence may even do wonders for Miranda’s peace of thoughts, and perhaps his friendship with Webber will get a pleasant renaissance that we’ve not seen shortly.
I am totally ready that Ben may have a tough time initially with the transition, however I am additionally thrilled that we get to maintain this piece of Station 19 near our hearts over at Gray Sloan.
Kevin McKidd as Dr. Owen Hunt
If Owen Hunt has no haters, then I’m lifeless.
I’ve by no means been capable of forgive this man for the way he handled Cristina Yang.
Particularly, when he screamed at her at a child’s birthday celebration for having had an abortion on Gray’s Anatomy Season 8 Episode 12.
Sorry, not sorry; I maintain a grudge.
He’ll be again for extra shenanigans along with his spouse, Teddy, who can be the worst, and sadly for us all, we’ll should put up with regardless of the writers have in retailer for the 2 of them.
I’ll proceed to carry out hope that it is one thing diabolical, and we’ll get to say goodbye to this man for good.
Kim Raver as Dr. Teddy Altman
Teddy has been by quite a bit, I will give her that.
Having misplaced not one, however two, relationships to tragic deaths, it is onerous to not really feel some sympathy for her. Her greatest good friend and secret lover died on 9/11, and later she misplaced her husband tragically throughout surgical procedure.
However she nonetheless has a protracted historical past of dishonest on her companions, and that is a tough tablet to swallow.
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Now that she and Owen appear to lastly be in a very good place with their relationship, perhaps the 2 of them can trip off into the sundown collectively and by no means return.
Season 21 ought to deliver some pleasure for each of them after Catherine unceremoniously fired them due to their involvement with Meredith’s secret analysis.
Time will inform whether or not their careers will likely be saved or if they’re going to be choosing up shifts on the free clinic subsequent season.
Caterina Scorsone as Dr. Amelia Shepherd
Amelia Shepherd is a criminally underrated character on Gray’s Anatomy.
Her story began on the Gray’s universe’s first spinoff, Personal Apply, the place she labored alongside Dr. Addison Montgomery in a co-op medical follow in Los Angeles.
Her backstory is devastating: a recovering addict who misplaced her father to a violent crime, her fiance to an overdose, and her new child child to a uncommon mind abnormality, Amelia ultimately moved to Seattle to be nearer to her brother, Derek, and his household.
Then she misplaced Derek, too, prompting her to ship one of many saddest strains in Gray’s Anatomy historical past.
Each man I’ve ever beloved has died, together with my child. So thanks, universe.
Amelia
Prior to now few seasons, Amelia has been unfortunate in love however has given delivery to an exquisite youngster she shares with Atticus Lincoln.
Season 20 teased a relationship with newcomer Monica Beltran, however who is aware of if that can really go anyplace given the state of the present’s LGBTQ+ illustration.
Debbie Allen as Dr. Catherine Fox
Catherine is in her villain period, and we’re undecided what to make of it.
Season 20 ended with the boss of all bosses slashing employment out from beneath most of her greatest medical doctors.
She then got here face-to-face with Bailey and a room stuffed with interns telling her that they’d stroll out if she fired Lucas, which she deliberate to do.
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In Season 21, we’re questioning if Catherine will get a redemption arc, or if she’ll proceed to spiral.
There’s additionally the truth that she’s residing with most cancers, so will the writers deliver that again to the forefront of her story?
It will be attention-grabbing to see how she handles herself going ahead, and what function her husband, Richard Webber, will play in all of it.
Camilla Luddington as Dr. Jo Wilson
Poor Jo has been by it, hasn’t she?
Deserted at a firehouse as an toddler, abused by her first husband, and deserted once more by her second husband (we’ll by no means forgive you for that, Alex Karev), Jo appears to lastly have the life she deserves.
She’s fortunately partnered up along with her greatest good friend, Hyperlink, and the 2 of them type a candy blended household: Jo’s daughter, Luna, and the son Hyperlink shares with Amelia, Scout.
After a being pregnant scare and in the end deciding to attend on having extra youngsters, the Season 20 finale revealed that Jo is, in actual fact, pregnant.
Generally you must surprise if there’s nothing extra attention-grabbing a present can do with a feminine character. It is both traumatize her or get her pregnant.
Anyway, hopefully, this implies Carina DeLuca (who can be pregnant!) will make an look as her OBGYN all through the season.
Chris Carmack as Dr. Atticus “Hyperlink” Lincoln
Survivor of childhood most cancers, golden retriever in a person’s physique, lovable himbo: we love to like Hyperlink.
His relationships on the present have been difficult, however he is often been a fairly unimaginable companion.
Even now, he maintains a very good co-parenting relationship with Amelia whereas shacking up with Jo and elevating their children collectively.
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After all, he does not but know that child #3 is on the horizon, however we won’t think about him having a adverse response to that information, even when it takes him a minute to get used to the concept.
Gray’s Anatomy is not precisely identified for giving ladies good and uncomplicated pregnancies, so if I needed to guess, I would say Hyperlink may have his work minimize out for him as a assist companion to Jo throughout her being pregnant.
Will he suggest to Jo and at last get the wedding he is at all times needed? We’re rooting for you, child.
Anthony Hill as Dr. Winston Ndugu
If I am being sincere, I am stunned Winston hasn’t already been written out of the present.
His relationship with Maggie Pierce was good for some drama, however with out her, he is providing little to the present.
In Season 20, he related with Beltran, which was a disappointment for these of us who hoped to see Beltran with Amelia.
Suffice it to say that no matter course the writers take Winston in going ahead is more likely to both be boring or annoying.
Hopefully, they’ll discover a approach to make him much less sulky and extra of an individual that different folks need to be round.
His friendship with Richard will most likely be vital going ahead, relying on what we’re about to see the latter undergo, so we’ll hope for some character enchancment for Winston.
Adelaide Kane as Dr. Jules Millin
If Adelaide Kane seems to be acquainted to you, you might have seen her face on TikTok.
Her rise from social media star to Gray’s Anatomy common has been fast and thrilling.
We all know comparatively little about her character’s backstory.
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She has a brother who pretends to be a health care provider however is definitely a fraud preying on susceptible folks on the web, and she or he was raised by hippies who left a lot of the “adulting” to their daughter.
Millin has confirmed herself to be a very good good friend and a succesful physician.
Season 20 hinted briefly at a romance between Jules and fellow intern Yasuda, however since Yasuda’s time at Gray Sloan is coming to an finish, we do not anticipate a lot to come back from that.
Niko Terho as Dr. Lucas Adams
Can anybody say, “nepo child?”
Okay, positive, we love Lucas, but it surely’s true: he is the son of one of many late Dr. Derek Shepherd’s sisters.
All we all know is that his mother just isn’t Amelia, but it surely hasn’t been revealed but which sister is his mom.
Lucas is in a little bit of a pickle after his actions led to a affected person’s demise final season. Consequently, Catherine is within the strategy of firing him when the finale ends.
However Lucas has made himself invaluable to his colleagues in additional methods than one, and so they all present as much as assist him — together with Dr. Bailey.
On Gray’s Anatomy Season 19 Episode 17, Dr. Marsh appears to informally diagnose Lucas with ADHD, however nothing has come of that revelation but. Will the writers deliver that again to focus as Lucas strikes ahead into his profession?
Harry Shum Jr. as Dr. Benson “Blue” Kwan
Talking of psychological well being, Dr. Kwan revealed throughout Season 20 that he is handled melancholy and suicidal ideations, which was an enormous second for his character.
Blue is an attention-grabbing character with a posh historical past.
Having needed to concentrate on caring for his mom, he was unable to attend medical faculty in the US and as a substitute went to a much less prestigious faculty exterior the nation.
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He has held some disgrace about that however in the end confirmed that he does not remorse deciding to prioritize his household.
The most important occasion up to now with this character occurred throughout the finale after we came upon that his ex-fiance is within the hospital and has no clue who he is because of reminiscence loss.
Followers are clamoring to search out out extra about that relationship, and it appears inevitable that Season 21 will dive into it.
Alexis Floyd as Dr. Simone Griffith
Griffith’s historical past at Gray Sloan goes all the way in which again to her delivery.
The younger physician was born on the hospital and sadly misplaced her mom throughout childbirth.
She was raised by her grandmother, who now suffers from Alzheimer’s, and Simone has bonded with Meredith a bit over their shared trauma.
Griffith has had a tumultuous on-again-off-again relationship with Lucas, and she or he in the end left her fiance due to her conflicted emotions for her colleague.
Whether or not Simucas is supposed to be is not clear but, however let’s hope somebody comes up with a greater couple identify if they’re.
Heading into the brand new season, there will likely be loads of drama to go round for all of our younger medical doctors.
Natalie Morales as Dr. Monica Beltran
One in every of Season 20’s most fun new forged additions was Natalie Morales.
You’ve got seen her in smash hits like Parks and Recreation, Useless to Me, and White Collar.
She joined Gray’s Anatomy as Dr. Monica Beltran, a lately divorced member of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood and Gray Sloan’s latest Chief of Pediatric Surgical procedure.
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Early in her time on the present, it appeared like there can be an enemies-to-lovers storyline between Beltran and Amelia, however that appeared to be placed on maintain after Beltran turned down Amelia’s request for a date.
As an alternative, Beltran has been hooking up with Winston, who has lastly come to phrases along with his break up from Maggie.
Who Beltran will find yourself with stays a thriller, however we’re excited to search out out (so long as it is Amelia).
Scott Speedman as Dr. Nick Marsh
It took a very long time for Meredith Gray to search out love after shedding her husband, but it surely appears she lastly has.
Nick began as an organ transplant affected person whom Meredith handled and initially shared a reference to, however they went their separate methods for fairly some time.
He ultimately returned, and the 2 have had some drama, however Season 20 confirmed them figuring issues out.
Nick has adopted Meredith throughout the nation greater than as soon as as she pursued her profession targets, but it surely seems to be like they is perhaps lastly able to quiet down in Boston for good.
Scott Speedman is ready to star in Teacup, a horror sequence coming to Peacock, and we do not but know what meaning for his Gray’s Anatomy Character.
If we needed to guess, he and Meredith will make a few minor appearances all through Season 21, leaving loads of time for Pompeo and Speedman to concentrate on different tasks.
Jaicy Elliot as Dr. Taryn Helm
Regardless of having comparatively little private drama as of late, Dr. Helm remains to be a staple on Gray’s Anatomy.
Elliot has been on the present as Helm since Season 14, and her character has been well liked by most followers.
Throughout Season 20, although, she acted largely as background filler for different characters.
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Her relationship with intern Mika Yasuda (which was completely inappropriate contemplating Helm’s place as Chief Resident) fizzled out.
Helm appeared on Station 19 a couple of instances, even getting the dignity of telling Dr. Carina DeLuca that her IVF cycle labored.
We’ll see if Season 21 is kinder to Helm — perhaps the writers will give her one thing extra thrilling to do subsequent yr.
With such a full forged and contemplating the budget-saving measures that some networks are taking, we could not see our favourite characters as typically as we might like.
The brand new regular is taking some getting used to.
However we’re excited to see the place Season 21 takes these medical doctors, particularly the remaining interns-turned-residents of the M.A.G.Y.Okay. class.
Keep tuned for extra information from us, and we’ll let you already know what we discover out from ABC about subsequent season!
Within the meantime, tell us within the feedback which characters you are most trying ahead to in Season 21 and who you would do with out.
Haley Whitmire White is a employees author for TV Fanatic.
