Grey's Anatomy is one of the longest shows on TV. The medical drama has been airing for nearly two decades and is currently on its 19th season.
Considering its main character, Meredith Grey (played by Ellen Pompeo), left the show in the middle of this season, many can't help but wonder if there will be a succeeding season.
There are also some who believe the next season could be the show's final season. And with that, there are rumors that some of the original doctors from the show will be making a comeback.
Specifically, fan-made posts have circulated on social media suggesting that three original doctors will be returning for the final season. This article will answer if there's any truth to these reports.
Will There Be a Grey’s Anatomy Season 20?
For starters, let's talk about one of the most anticipated announcements regarding the show: will there be a Grey's Anatomy Season 20?
The good news is that on March 24, 2023, the show was officially renewed for a 20th season. This announcement means that Grey's Anatomy continues its reign as the medical drama that has been running the longest in TV history.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Grey's Anatomy Season 20 will have a new showrunner, Meg Marinis. The executive producer will be replacing Krista Vernoff.
Marinis has been part of the Grey's Anatomy family since the third season when she worked as a writer's assistant and medical researcher. Through the years, she received several promotions until finally getting the executive producer role four years ago.
Is Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Its Final Season?
As of this writing, there has been no announcement whether Grey's Anatomy will be ending soon.
In fact, the show welcomed a new batch of interns for Grey's Anatomy Season 19, which breathes new life to the show. By introducing these new characters, the showrunners have lots of potential storylines to explore in succeeding seasons.
And even if Pompeo has left the show, she is confident that it will be "just fine" without her as Meredith Grey. Anyway, she's still an executive producer and does the voiceover for the show.
"It’s my heart and soul, and I’ll never truly be gone as long as that show’s on the air.”
Will Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Bring Back Cristina, Alex, or Izzie?
Even though the show is now on its 19th season, fans can't help but wish their favorite original characters will return to the show. So when a post made the rounds on social media, we can't help but wish the same.
But is there any truth to that post? Will Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers, or Katherine Heigl be back to reprise their roles in Grey's Anatomy Season 20? Here's what we know.
Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang
Since her departure from Grey's Anatomy in 2014, Oh has spoken on the topic in several interviews already. At that time, her response to The Hollywood Reporter was:
"I told [Shonda Rhimes], if you guys want to finish it out however you want to finish it out, I'd be more than happy to come back. And if it doesn't fit in that way, I totally understand. I just want you to know that I'm available."
In a 2018 interview with Variety, Oh answered:
“I’m just going to say no. I’m just going to put that down there because it’s been four years since then, and I’ve really got to try and create much more of that separation. Even though I could just talk on and on and on about that show and what I feel like I learned from it and continue learning from it. It was so special, lightning in a bottle that’s lasted for over a decade.”
She also told Good Housekeeping in 2019 that she has "moved on."
Justin Chambers as Alex Karev
Back in February 1, 2023, Justin Chambers shared a photo of a cup of coffee with a Grey's Anatomy Season 19 sleeve around it on his Instagram. This prompted avid fans to speculate that the actor will be reprising his role as Alex Karev in the show.
Chambers left the show in 2019. He told Us magazine:
“There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and a character that’s defined so much of my life. For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time.”
So no, Chambers is not returning to Grey's Anatomy anytime soon.
Katherine Heigl as Izzie Stevens
And finally, we have Katherine Heigl, who starred in the show as Izzie Stevens. Even though her character is still alive, it's unlikely that she will be coming back for the show anytime soon.
In fact, there was some issue between Heigl and Grey's Anatomy creator, Shonda Rhimes, in the past. Although Heigl expresses her interest in returning to the show, Rhimes said:
"It was really nice to hear her appreciating the show. We are on a track we have been planning, and the idea of changing that track is not something we are interested in right now."
In another interview with TV Guide, Rhymes said:
"There are no Heigls in this situation… I don't put up with [expletive] or nasty people. I don't have time for it."
It's unlikely that Heigl will be coming back to Grey's Anatomy.
Who Is Left in Grey’s Anatomy?
With Pompeo's exit, the original cast members remaining in Grey's Anatomy Season 19 include Chandra Wilson (as Dr. Miranda Bailey) and James Pickens Jr. (as Dr. Richard Webber).
The other older characters who are left in the show include the following:
- Kevin McKidd (as Dr. Owen Hunt)
- Kim Raver (as Dr. Teddy Altman)
- Camilla Luddington (as Dr. Jo Wilson)
- Caterina Scorsone (as Dr. Amelia Shepherd)
- Kelly McCreary (as Dr. Maggie Pierce)
- Kate Walsh (as Dr. Addison Montgomery)
- Jesse Williams (as Dr. Jackson Avery)
Meanwhile, you can check out the new interns who joined Grey's Anatomy Season 19 here:
RELATED: What Episode Does Meredith Leave Grey’s Anatomy?
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