'Grey's Anatomy' Renewed for Season 21: Everything to Know

Grey's Anatomy has wrapped its landmark 20th season, but fans need not worry because the show, which is the longest-running medical drama on primetime TV, is coming back for Season 21. 

“The loyalty and love of Grey’s Anatomy fans has propelled us into a historic 21st season, and I could not be more grateful,” creator Shonda Rhimes said. The TV mogul also gave a shoutout to new showrunner Meg Marinis, who's worked on Grey's in some capacity since Season 3 but only just replaced Krista Vernoff as series boss this year. “Meg Marinis’ storytelling is a gift that continues to keep the show vibrant, compelling and alive, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for next season," Rhimes said. 

Although details about the 21st season are scarce, here's what we know so far about the cast and potential release date.

Will there be a Grey's Anatomy Season 21?

Yes! ABC announced on April 2, 2024 that the show will get a 21st season. 

Related: Get a Refresher on 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 20

What is the Grey's Anatomy Season 21 release date?

ABC hasn't confirmed an exact release date for the show just yet, but it will return for the 2024-2025 television season and is likely to premiere in late September or early October, as it has in years past. However, the show will now air in the 10 p.m. timeslot, an hour later than usual. 

How many episodes are in Grey's Anatomy Season 21?

ABC has not provided any confirmation on this front, either, but Deadline reports that the season is expected to include 18 episodes. Season 20 consisted of just 10 episodes, as production was delayed by the Hollywood strikes.  

Who is in the Grey's Anatomy cast for Season 21? 

A lot can happen between now and Season 21, especially since many core cast members are in the midst of renegotiating their contracts and ABC is initiating cost-cutting measures that will likely result in actors appearing in fewer episodes than usual. For now, let's assume the following folks will be back, with a few confirmed exits noted further below. 

Related: Who Will Be the Next Series Regular to Leave 'Grey's Anatomy'?

Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey)

James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webber) 

Kevin McKidd (Owen Hunt) 

Kim Raver (Teddy Altman)

Debbie Allen (Catherine Fox) 

Caterina Scorsone (Amelia Shepherd)

Camilla Luddington (Jo Wilson)

Chris Carmack (Atticus 'Link' Lincoln)

Anthony Hill (Dr. Winston Ndugu)

Harry Shum Jr. (Benson Kwan)

Adelaide Kane (Jules Millin)

Alexis Floyd (Simone Griffin)

Niko Terho (Lucas Adams)

Related: How Every Grey's Anatomy Character Got Written Off the Show

Who from the cast is leaving Grey's Anatomy in Season 21? 

Jake Borelli (Levi Schmitt)

Deadline reports that Jake Borelli, who's played Dr. Levi Schmitt for seven years, will be leaving the show in Season 21. He's in negotiations to return in Season 21 just long enough to wrap up his character's storyline. His exit is said to be reflective of budget cuts. 

Midori Francis (Mika Yasuda)

Deadline reports that Francis will leave Grey's Anatomy after two seasons. She's in negotiations to return for Season 21 to wrap up her character Mika Yasuda's storyline. 

Will Ellen Pompeo be in Grey's Anatomy Season 21?

Pompeo exited the long-running medical drama as a series regular in Season 19, but she hasn't said goodbye to the show for good. Instead, she's stayed on as a producer and narrator, and she pops in when her schedule (and storyline) permits. Although ABC has not confirmed that Pompeo will be back for Season 21, it seems likely she'll be making appearances.

How did Grey's Anatomy Season 20 end?

The season ended with seemingly everyone getting the boot. Hell hath no fury like a Catherine Fox (Debbie Allen) scorned, and the head of the Fox Foundation went on a firing spree after she found out Meredith and Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) went behind her back with Teddy's (Kim Raver) knowledge to continue Alzheimer's research that Catherine had forbidden. By the end of the finale, Teddy, Amelia, Meredith and Owen (Kevin McKidd) were all out of jobs.

To make matters worse, Catherine was set to make a decision about making Lucas (Niko Terho) repeat his intern year. The rest of the interns showed up to the meeting for a Spartacus moment, saying no one wanted to leave him behind. When the motion didn't faze Catherine, Bailey stepped in and threatened to resign as well. The two dominant personalities faced off in a stare-down as the credits rolled.

How to watch Grey's Anatomy Season 21

Grey's Anatomy will air Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET (an hour later than usual) on ABC. Viewers will be able to stream next day on Hulu. 

Next, Ellen Pompeo's Net Worth in 2024 and the Massive 'Grey's Anatomy' Salary She's Giving Up