Summary

• ABC has confirmed Grey's Anatomy season 21, continuing its impressive run.
• The main cast of season 21 will likely remain intact, with potential returns of legacy characters.
• The future storyline of Grey's Anatomy season 21 remains uncertain, promising more twists and medical emergencies.

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.

Stream On Hulu

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Latest News

ABC Hands Down A Swift Renewal Order

Just weeks after the landmark 20th season premiered, the latest news confirms that ABC has renewed Grey's Anatomy for season 21. Continuing the already impressive run, the network decided to continue Grey's as it still hauls in massive numbers of viewers, despite two decades on the air. Creator Shonda Rhimes spoke on the subject of the show's renewal, praising new showrunner Meg Marinis in the process. Read Rhimes' full comments below:

The loyalty and love of Grey’s Anatomy fans has propelled us into a historic 21st season, and I could not be more grateful. 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.

Grey's Anatomy season 20 currently airs Thursdays at 9pm ET on ABC.

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Is Confirmed

ABC Has Already Renewed The Show While Season 20 Is Still Airing

In a move that isn't surprising at all, ABC opted to renew Grey's Anatomy for season 21, just a few weeks after season 20 premiered. The decision is something of a no-brainer, and the tectonic changes between season 19 and season 20 have done little to diminish the show's gargantuan fanbase. Since season 21 hasn't been announced as the final season, it can be assumed ABC has plans for more.

Since season 21 hasn't been announced as the final season, it can be assumed ABC has plans for more.

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Cast

Will 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 likely remain largely intact to preserve continuity. Ellen Pompeo's season 19 departure was a massive change, and her sporadic cameo appearances will likely slow down as the show moves forward without her. Though a major death or shocking departure is always possible, season 21 will look a lot like season 20 in terms of its main cast. The only confirmed change is Scott Speedman's exit as Dr. Nick Marsh, who is leaving the series as his character moves to Boston with Meredith.

Season 20 features a few returns such as Jessica Capshaw reprising her role as Dr. Arizona Robbins and Alex Landi as Dr. Nico Kim, but it is unclear if they will stay on for season 21. Other returns are possible, and Grey's Anatomy has seemingly been bringing back legacy characters to help soften the blow of Ellen Pompeo's departure from the series.

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

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Story

What Happens Next?

At this juncture, it is impossible to predict what will happen in Grey's Anatomy season 21 since season 20 hasn't concluded yet. The long-running medical drama has never shied away from shocking cliffhangers to end its seasons, and don't expect season 20 to be any different. However, despite uncertainty in the overarching plots for now, it's guaranteed that Grey's Anatomy season 21 will feature plenty of shocking medical emergencies, a handful of workplace romances, and a considerable number of twists to continue the show's long tradition of keeping viewers on their toes.