Grey’s Anatomy season 20 will see the return of a major former cast member. The medical soap, created by Shonda Rhimes, has seen its share of exits over two decades. But as many actors have left the series for a variety of reasons, more than a few have found their way back in the form of guest appearances.
That tradition will continue, with Deadline confirming that the milestone Grey’s Anatomy season 20 will include Jessica Capshaw, who will reprise her beloved role as Dr. Arizona Robbins. Along with Capshaw, Alex Landi will also be back as Dr. Nico Kim. Newcomers to the ensemble, Parks and Recreation alum Natalie Morales and When They See Us actor Freddy Miyares, have likewise been cast.
Why Did Jessica Capshaw Leave Grey’s Anatomy (& What Happened To Arizona?)
It was announced in 2018 that Capshaw would be leaving Grey’s Anatomy after season 14. Capshaw played Arizona for ten seasons at that point, with nine of them as a regular cast member. Capshaw’s exit was announced with Sarah Drew, who played Dr. April Kepner, and the reason for their departures was that it was creatively driven. Executive producers, including Rhimes, mentioned that it was possible to see April and Arizona again. But for the time being, the two had reached the end of their stories.
Arizona received a significant exit. The character survives a plane crash but has to amputate her leg in the process. This is the beginning of the end of her memorable relationship with Callie (Sara Ramirez). Though they both try to move on, Arizona blames Callie for the amputation, and that resentment lingers. A miscarriage worsens their situation, and the marriage ultimately deteriorates.
Arizona moves to New York and has not appeared since Grey’s Anatomy season 14. But one of the strengths of a long-running show is that it knows when to bring back familiar faces. Considering Capshaw’s character was a fan favorite, it sounds like the seminal ABC soap is poised to deliver on her return.
