Grey's Anatomy season 21: Release date, cast news, and latest information

Picking up after the events of season 20's epic finale, the fallout from Meredith Grey’s (Ellen Pompeo) secret research being discovered continued. There was also a very dramatic kiss, a big return and plenty of twists.

The premiere episode was dedicated to Stephanie Leifer, a programming executive who played a key behind-the-scenes role in bringing Grey's Anatomy to our screens. She passed away in June, aged 56.

Read on for everything you need to know about Grey's Anatomy season 21.

Grey's Anatomy season 21 release date

It has been confirmed that Grey's Anatomy season 21 began airing in the US on ABC at 10pm ET/PT on Thursday 26th September, with new episodes airing weekly at the same time from then on.

Episodes will also become available to watch on Hulu the day after they broadcast on ABC.

The series won't be impacted by industry strikes this time around, so we should expect a full-length season.

However, a UK release date is yet to be confirmed but we do know that the series will likely return to its home on Disney Plus, where the previous 20 seasons are available to stream.

Who stars in Grey's Anatomy season 21?

The main cast members returning for season 21 are as follows:

• Ellen Pompeo as Dr Meredith Grey
• Chandra Wilson as Dr Miranda Bailey
• James Pickens Jr as Dr Richard Webber
• Kevin McKidd as Dr Owen Hunt
• Caterina Scorsone as Dr Amelia Shepherd
• Camilla Luddington as Dr Jo Wilson
• Kim Raver as Dr Teddy Altman
• Jake Borelli as Dr Levi Schmitt
• Chris Carmack as Dr Atticus Lincoln
• Anthony Hill as Dr Winston Ndugu
• Alexis Floyd as Dr Simone Griffith
• Harry Shum Jr as Dr Benson 'Blue' Kwan
• Adelaide Kane as Dr Jules Millin
• Midori Francis as Dr Mika Yasuda
• Niko Terho as Dr Lucas Adams
• Natalie Morales as Dr Monica Beltran
• Jason George as Ben Warren
• Michael Thomas Grant as James

The main cast will see two departures in the next season. Actor Jake Borelli will return for an exit storyline for long-running character Dr Levi Schmitt, while actress Midori Francis will also be leaving the show following an exit storyline for Dr Mika Yasuda, making her the first of the new generation of interns to leave the series.

Both are expected to appear in multiple episodes before they leave next season.

Deadline has also reported that a cost-cutting move will likely see episodic appearances for series veterans reduced in a bid to lower costs, which appears to be the reason for Borelli's exit too.

It's also been announced that Scott Speedman's Dr Nick Marsh has closed a deal to appear in more season 21 episodes, meaning that things could be getting rather serious for him and Meredith.

Natalie Morales (Dr Monica Beltran) has also joined the season 21 recurring cast, having guest starred in season 20 as the new paediatric surgeon.

Additionally, we can likely expect returns for recurring characters including Debbie Allen as Dr Catherine Fox and Jaicy Elliot as Dr Taryn Helm.

According to Deadline, it is expected that Jason George will return to a more prominent role in the show as Ben following the end of the spin-off series Station 19 and Dr Warren's renewed interest in medicine. It has been announced that he will return in a series regular capacity so we'll have to wait and see what's in store for him now.

Adding to the hospital's roster, there is also a cast addition of Grey Sloan's new chaplain James, who will be openly gay, and played by Michael Thomas Grant.

As per ABC's character description (via Deadline): "James joins Grey Sloan as the hospital’s openly gay Episcopal chaplain. He holds a special place in his heart for his younger patients, and his warmth, training and spirituality make him comfortable and confident in any situation.

"In his personal life, James finds himself at a crossroads where he is open to love and taking great leaps of faith."

In the guest star stakes, it's also been confirmed that Kali Rocha will be reprising her role as season 2 character Sydney Heron, 17 years after she was last seen in the medical drama. Set to appear in three episodes of the new season, details about her upcoming character arc remain under wraps for now.

Floriana Lima will also join the cast as a childhood friend of Owen (Kevin McKidd) and Megan Hunt’s (Abigail Spencer), and is set to be introduced in an early October episode.

While we don't know in what capacity, a new promo for the series has also teased the return of Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams).

What will happen in Grey's Anatomy season 21?

Well, there are a number of plot points to continue following the finale of season 20.

Dr Catherine Fox went on a firing spree following multiple clashes, cutting ties with Dr Meredith Grey over her secret Alzheimer's research and then with Meredith's accomplices Dr Amelia Shepherd and Dr Teddy Altman - the latter of whom was fired as Chief of Surgery. Dr Owen Hunt was also fired when he stood up for Teddy when Catherine tried to drop her from a trauma response team to a wildfire.

Meanwhile, the interns were also in a mutiny over the harsh decision made by Dr Fox against Dr Lucas Adams, which did not seem to bother Dr Fox until she faced the potential resignation of Dr Miranda Bailey!

Elsewhere, Dr Richard Webber had also been questioning his career after having a major shaky period following the near-breaking of his sobriety.

Dr Levi Schmitt also considered his career future as he aimed to get on a pediatric medicine fellowship and we know his exit is imminent...

Plus, Dr Jo Wilson discovered she was pregnant with Dr Atticus 'Link' Lincoln's baby - will the pair's family continue to run smoothly?

Finally, romance is in the air for divorcé Dr Winston Ndugu and newcomer Dr Monica Beltran, while Dr Mika Yasuda and Dr Jules Millin shared a near-kiss. Where will things go next? Well, given Yasuda's coming exit, it can't be good...

Is there a trailer for Grey's Anatomy season 21?

There is – and it certainly seems as though it's all out war at Grey Sloan Memorial!

Watch the trailer for yourself below.

Grey's Anatomy seasons 1 to 20 are available to stream on Disney Plus now – sign up to Disney Plus for £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year now. Season 18 is also available on Sky and NOW with new episodes airing on Sky Witness in the UK.

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