Deadline reports that all five longtime, fan-favorite cast members will be returning for season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy on ABC. Grey’s Anatomy‘s renewals are always followed up by negotiations with series regulars. Negotiations can sometimes last until summer, but these deals wrapped relatively quickly.
Returning will be the last two original cast members remaining, James Pickens Jr. (Yellowstone, Just Wright) and Chandra Wilson (Station 19, Jack and Jill), who play Richard and Bailey, respectively. Also returning are Kevin McKidd (Rome, Six Four), who has played Owen since season five, Kim Raver (Lipstick Jungle, Third Watch), who has played Teddy since season six, Camilla Luddington (Californication, True Blood), who has played Jo since nine, and Caterina Scorsone (Missing, Private Practice), who has played Amelia as a regular since season 10. Scorsone and Luddingtonboth recurred as guest stars for a season before becoming series regulars.
The return of some of Grey’s Anatomy‘s longtime cast members will provide continuity through season 20 after a transitional 19th season. Season 19 included the departure of the show’s lead, Ellen Pompeo (Catch Me If You Can, Old School), showrunner Krista Vernoff (Charmed, Shameless), and long-time cast member Kelly McCreary (Ollie’s Pack, Harvey Girls Forever!).
Season 19 also included the addition of five new cast members, Harry Shum Jr. (Glee, Shadowhunters), Midori Francis (The Birch, Dash & Lily), Alexis Floyd (The Bold Type, Inventing Anna), Niko Terho (The Thing About Harry, Station 19), and Adelaide Kane (Teen Wolf, Once Upon a Time). All new cast members are expected to return, according to Deadline.
Despite all the changes and loss of the titular character, Grey’s Anatomy still ranked as ABC’s number one entertainment series in delayed multi-platform viewing this season and number one entertainment series.
The door is still left open for Pompeo’s Meredith Grey to return in the future.
Grey’s Anatomy first aired on March 27, 2005 on ABC. Season 19’s two-part finale aired on March 18.