Grey's AnatomySeason 21 Sneak Peek Teases Jesse Williams' Return as Jackson Avery: 'Welcome Back' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

The wait forGrey’s Anatomyseason 21 is almost over!

As fans may recall, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo, who willappear in seven episodesof the show’s upcomingseason)resigned from her jobat the hospital after Catherine Fox (Debbie Allen) discovered her secret Alzheimer’s research at the end of season 20. Teddy Altman (Kim Raver), Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone) and Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) were also caught in the crosshairs of the controversy.

Now, showrunner Meg Marinis exclusively tells PEOPLE that the upcoming season, which premieres Sept. 26 on ABC, “picks up right where the finale left off and a lot is hanging in the balance.”

“Everyone’s jobs are on the line and on top of that, they’re all grappling with various challenges in their personal lives,” she continues. “I’m excited for fans to see how that all plays out for each of them. As for Meredith, even though she’s had good intentions, she’s crossed a line with Catherine and there will be consequences as a result.”

Ellen Pompeo on “Grey’s Anatomy”.Disney/Ser Baffo

Disney/Ser Baffo

In a new exclusive promo, tension builds among the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial, with a lawsuit, a physical altercation and the reemergence of some old faces.

“Sydney Heron’s back?” Meredith asks Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), who snarkily replies, “Yes, in all her passive-aggressive glory.”

“Welcome back,” Meredith greets him, although he doesn’t look too happy to be there.

The drama continues with Catherine Fox facing off with Bailey, telling her, “You think you’re God’s gift to this hospital? You’re just another doctor.” This statement is met with a slap from Bailey — right across Catherine’s face.

She remains in the hot seat later in the teaser when she tells Meredith and Bailey: “I’m going to sue you!”

“Your lawyers know where to find me,” Meredith snaps back before the trailer comes to an end.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Key Art.ABC

ABC

The image also features Meredith’s boyfriend Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman) alongside Winston Ndugu (Anthony Hill), Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd), Teddy Altman (Kim Raver), Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone) and Monica Beltran (Natalie Morales). Atticus “Link” Lincoln (Chris Carmack) and Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) as well as the new interns — including Benson “Blue” Kwan (Harry Shum Jr.), Simone Griffin (Alexis Floyd) Lucas Adams (Niko Terho) Jules Millin (Adelaide Kane) and Mika Yasuda (Midori Francis) can also be seen.

Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) and returning favoriteJason George, whowill be backonGrey’s Anatomyas doctor-turned-firefighter Ben Warren following the ending ofStation 19, are also featured.

LongtimeGrey’s Anatomyfans will also see the return of Rocha, who played Dr. Sydney Heron in season 2-4 of the series. She stepped in for Bailey while she was on maternity leave and was at odds with Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) over their different medical philosophies.

“Clearly we have some fired attendings,” Marinis toldEntertainment Weekly. “When we last saw Sydney, she was in light blue scrubs as a resident with Bailey. Now she’s an attending, but she’s still the character that delighted fans in those early days.”

“You should expect some funny interactions between Sydney and some of our newer characters who’ve never met her,” she added. “Her ‘healing with love’ philosophy and her kind of quirky nature is a little different for some.”

From left: Jake Borelli, Chris Carmack and Camilla Luddington on “Grey’s Anatomy”.Disney/Ser Baffo

In addition to the returning favorites, there will be a new face at Grey Sloan Memorial for season 21.

PEOPLE can confirm thatA Million Little Thingsalum Floriana Lima will join the series in a returning role. She is set to play Nora, who is a childhood friend of Owen and Megan Hunt’s (Abigail Spencer).

“Nora comes to Grey Sloan when a routine operation at another hospital results in dangerous complications. A devoted mother and recent divorcee, Nora is determined to do whatever it takes to survive so that she can be there for her children and experience the next chapter of her life,” according to an official description.

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Grey’s Anatomyseason 21 premieres Sept. 26 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

source: people.com