Ellen Pompeo Marks Her Return as Meredith Grey in Grey's Anatomy Season 20 First Look (Exclusive)

The upcoming season will be the first in which Pompeo will not appear as a series regular

After nearly two decades of medical miracles and dramatic twists, more shocks are in store for Gray Sloan Memorial at Grey’s Anatomy20th season.

In an exclusive first look at the upcoming installment, shared with PEOPLE, Ellen Pompeo returns as Meredith Gray for the landmark hit medical drama.

“How long do I have to wait?” Meredith asks before the scene cuts to a cadre of surgical interns getting ready for the new day. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go,” calls Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson).

Ellen Pompeo is shown as Meredith Gray in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 20 teaser.

ABC

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As she walks the halls of the hospital, Miranda tells Meredith, “The interns are in trouble.”

The teaser picks up where season 19 left off and gives a little insight into the cliffhangers that left fans wondering about the fate of their favorite characters in last year’s finale.

(L-R) Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey and Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Gray in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.

ABC

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Jo Wilson (Camila Luddington) and Atticus Lincoln aka Link (Chris Carmack) are on the verge of a new romance, Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) struggles with his sobriety, and Simone Griffith (Alexis Floyd) tells Lucas Adams (Niko Terho) they “they need to talk about what happened” after their relationship.

When Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) collapses during surgery after complaining of a toothache, Winston Ndugu (Anthony Hill) reveals that “Dr. Altman is in critical condition.”

Kim Raver as Teddy Altman in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.

ABC

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The long-running medical drama, which was renewed for a 20th season in March 2023, will undergo major changes.

Season 20 will be the first in which Pompeo will not be a series regular. The actress already had a reduced role in season 19, but will remain an executive producer on the show going forward, in addition to providing the opening and closing voice for each episode.

In a meal of DiversityIn the series Actors on Actors, Pompeo opened up about his ex Grey’s actress Katherine Heigl on the future of her character.

Ellen Pompeo, Alexis Floyd and Niko Tehro in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.

Liliane Lathan/ABC/Getty

“I hope to show up next year, if I can find some time,” she said. “It’s not a complete goodbye. And I think we have an interesting story to tell.”

Pompeo is not the only one fans will miss in the upcoming season. In March, Kelly McCreary, who took over the role of Meredith’s half-sister Maggie Pierce, announced her departure from Grey’s Anatomy after becoming a series regular in season 11.

Everything you need to know about ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 20

“After nine seasons, I’m saying goodbye to Maggie Pierce and her Gray Sloan family. It’s been a tremendous honor to be a part of such a legendary television institution as Grey’s Anatomyshe said in a statement. “I will always be grateful to Shonda Rhimes, Kristi Vernoff and ABC for the opportunity, and to the incredible fans for their passionate support.”

“To spend nine years exploring a character inside and out while reaching a global audience with compelling stories is a rare gift,” McCreary continued. “It has given me the opportunity to work with, learn from, and be inspired by countless brilliant artists in front of and behind the camera.”

She added: “Playing Maggie Pierce has been one of the true joys of my life and I leave with deep gratitude for every step of this journey. I’m excited for this next chapter and what the future holds.”

20th season Grey’s Anatomy premieres March 14 at 9:00 PM ET on ABC.

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