Comprehensive Overview of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 20: All You Need to Know

After nearly two decades of medical marvels and twists and turns, Grey’s Anatomy is returning for its 20th season.

The long-running medical drama, which was renewed for a 20th season in March 2023 after wrapping its 19th season in May 2023, will see some major changes.

Season 20 will be the first not to feature Meredith Grey, portrayed by Ellen Pompeo, as a series regular. The actress already had a scaled-back role in season 19, but will remain as an executive producer on the series moving forward, in addition to providing the opening and closing voiceover for each episode.

In an installment of Variety’s Actors on Actors series, the actress opened up to her former Grey’s costar Katherine Heigl about the future of her character.

“I will be making some appearances hopefully next year, if I can find some time,” she said. “It’s not a complete goodbye. And I think we’ve got an interesting story to tell.”

Read ahead for everything to know about Grey’s Anatomy season 20.

Who is in the cast of Grey’s Anatomy season 20?

Many cast members from earlier seasons are expected to return for season 20, including the final two original cast members, James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber and Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, who says she has no plans to depart the show until the very end, no matter how long it takes.

“I used to say, ‘I’m there until the wheels fall off until the very, very end, and it can’t last that much longer, right?’ And then we keep going,” Wilson told PEOPLE exclusively at a Grey’s Anatomy PaleyFest event in April 2023. “For now, I’m challenging myself to be there until the very last episode, the very last day, the very last scene.”

She added, “I said it, so now I’ve got to get there.”

Other confirmed returning stars include Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd and Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson.

Who is leaving the cast of Grey’s Anatomy in season 20?

As for who is leaving the show, both of Ellis Grey’s daughters will not be returning as series regulars in season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy. In addition to Ellen Pompeo stepping back from her longtime role of Meredith Grey, her on-screen half-sister Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) who became a series regular in season 11, will also exit the show.

“After nine seasons, I am saying goodbye to Maggie Pierce and her Grey Sloan family. It has been a tremendous honor to be a part of such a legendary television institution as Grey’s Anatomy,” she said in a statement. “I will always be grateful to Shonda Rhimes, Krista 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 impactful stories, is a rare gift,” McCreary continued. “It has afforded me an opportunity to collaborate with, learn from, and be inspired by countless brilliant artists both 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 profound gratitude for every step of this journey. I am excited for this next chapter, and what the future holds.”

How many episodes will Grey’s Anatomy season 20 be?

It has not been confirmed how many episodes season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy will be. Aside from season 1 which had just 9 episodes, previous seasons have ranged between 17 and 27 episodes in length. Seasons 18 and 19 were 20 episodes each.

Has ABC released a first look at Grey’s Anatomy season 20?

A trailer for season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy has not been released yet. In the meantime, check out this touching moment from the season 19 finale.