Grey's Anatomy arrivals and departures — all the latest cast changes

Kim Raver and James Pickens Jr. as Teddy and Richard smiling at the hospital in Grey's Anatomy season 19
Kim Raver and James Pickens Jr., Grey's Anatomy (Image credit: ABC/Eric McCandless)

Continuing its run as the longest-running medical drama in primetime in the US, Grey’s Anatomy season 21 kicks off another run for the popular series. 

It's natural for a show with this much time under its belt to see its fair share of casting shakeups. Over the years fans have had to say painful goodbyes to Sandra Oh's Cristina Yang, Patrick Dempsey's Derek Shepherd, Alex Karev's Justin Chambers and the list goes on. However, in the face of all the departures, the show has also seen some great casting additions, such as Kevin McKidd's Owen Hunt, Camilla Luddington's Jo Wilson and Debbie Allen's Catherine Fox. 

With a new season of Grey’s Anatomy upon us, we're looking at what casting news lies ahead. Here's what we know. 

Who's coming to Grey’s Anatomy?

Floriana Lima

Floriana Lima in A Million Little Pieces

Floriana Lima, A Millon Little Pieces (Image credit: ABC)

A Million Little Things actor Floriana Lima is joining Grey's Anatomy in a recurring role as Nora, a childhood friend of Owen's. Lima first makes an appearance in the episode airing on October 3, as her character will be in need of some medical advice. 

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams and Sarah Drew as Jackson and April on Grey's Anatomy

Jesse Williams and Sarah Drew in Grey's Anatomy (Image credit: ABC)

Fan-favorite Jackson Avery returns when Jesse Williams pops up in the season 21 premiere. It looks like Meredith is hoping to get his advice on how to smooth things over with his mother Catherine. 

Kali Rocha

Kali Rocha as Dr. Sydney Heron in Grey's Anatomy season 21

Kali Rocha, Grey's Anatomy (Image credit: Disney)

Dr. Sydney Heron hasn't been seen on the show's canvas in 17 years, but Kali Rocha is set to bring her back to the fold. Deadline reports the actress is scheduled to appear in three episodes, apparently starting with the season 21 premiere. 

Ellen Pompeo

Ellen Pompeo as Meredith smiling in the Grey's Anatomy season 20 finale

Ellen Pompeo in Grey's Anatomy (Image credit: Disney/Anne Marie Fox)

Ellen Pompeo is again scheduled to make appearances as Meredith Grey in season 21 after exiting the show as a series regular in season 19. According to Deadline, she’s expected to be featured in at least seven new episodes. 

Scott Speedman

Ellen Pompeo and Scott Speedman as Dr. Grey and Dr. Marsh in Grey's Anatomy

Ellen Pompeo and Scott Speedman in Grey's Anatomy (Image credit: ABC/Liliane Lathan)

Scott Speedman is reprising his role as Nick Marsh, which is great news for those fans of the character's romantic pairing with Meredith. Again reported by Deadline, he's scheduled to appear in at least five new episodes. 

Jason George

Jason George and Chandra Wilson as Ben and Miranda laughing in formal wear in Station 19 season 6

Jason George and Chandra Wilson in Station 19 (Image credit: ABC/Tina Thorpe)

Jason George returns to his original stomping grounds in season 21 as Ben Warren. For seven seasons, he helped lead the way on Station 19, and at the conclusion of Station 19 season 7, it was announced he'd be rejoining the medical drama as a series regular. 

Who's leaving Grey’s Anatomy?

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli as Schmitt at the bar in Grey's Anatomy season 21

Jake Borelli in Grey's Anatomy (Image credit: Disney/Ser Baffo)

It was announced at the end of season 20 that Jake Borelli would be exiting the role of Dr. Levi Schmitt, aka Glasses. Borelli is wrapping his time with the series sometime during season 21. 

Midori Francis 

Midori Francis as Dr. Mika Yasuda in Grey's Anatomy season 21

Midori Francis in Grey's Anatomy (Image credit: Disney/Ser Baffo)

Midori Francis, who plays Dr. Mika Yasuda, is back to conclude her Grey’s Anatomy run in season 21. Her departure was announced prior to the start of the new season. 

Grey’s Anatomy airs live in the US on ABC, with new episodes becoming available to stream the day after they air on Hulu. In the UK, new episodes stream on Disney Plus

Terrell Smith

Terrell Smith has a diverse writing background having penned material for a wide array of clients including the federal government and Bravo television personalities.  When he’s not writing as Terrell, he’s writing under his pseudonym Tavion Scott, creating scripts for his audio drama podcasts. Terrell is a huge fan of great storytelling when it comes to television and film. Some of his favorite shows include The CrownWandaVision, Abbot Elementary and Godfather of HarlemAnd a fun fact is he's completely dialed into the TLC 90 Day Fiancé universe.