Get ready, Grey’s Anatomy fans—season 21 is about to drop, and the drama at Grey Sloan Memorial is more intense than ever. ABC has just released a teaser trailer for the upcoming season, giving fans a sneak peek at what’s to come. From surprise returns to explosive confrontations, it’s clear that tensions are at an all-time high.
Season 20 ended with a massive cliffhanger as Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone), and Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) found themselves in hot water over secret Alzheimer’s research. Catherine Fox (Debbie Allen) discovered the clandestine project, leaving everyone’s jobs on the line. According to showrunner Meg Marinis, the new season picks up right where the finale left off, with characters facing both professional and personal challenges. “Everyone’s jobs are on the line,” she told PEOPLE. “And even though Meredith had good intentions, there will be consequences.”
The teaser doesn’t shy away from high-stakes drama. Longtime fans will be excited to see familiar faces like Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) returning. However, it seems his homecoming is anything but joyous. Meanwhile, Catherine Fox squares off with Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), leading to one of the season’s most shocking moments—Bailey slaps Catherine after a heated exchange. “You think you’re God’s gift to this hospital?” Catherine taunts, only for Bailey to reply with a resounding slap across her face.
But that’s not all. Sydney Heron (Kali Rocha), a resident from the show’s earlier seasons, is also back. Known for her quirky “heal with love” philosophy, she’s now an attending physician, and her reappearance brings a mix of tension and humor to the hospital’s halls.
While the trailer focuses on the escalating conflict between Meredith, Catherine, and Bailey, fans can expect more familiar faces this season. Scott Speedman returns as Nick Marsh, Meredith’s love interest, while Jason George reprises his role as Ben Warren. Additionally, A Million Little Things alum Floriana Lima will join the cast as Nora, a childhood friend of Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) whose life is thrown into turmoil after a routine surgery goes wrong.
As Grey’s Anatomy enters its 21st season, the ensemble cast continues to evolve. Ellen Pompeo will appear as Meredith Grey in a limited capacity, while Chandra Wilson returns as Miranda Bailey, a staple since season one. Kevin McKidd reprises his role as Owen Hunt, alongside Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, and Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd. James Pickens Jr. remains a steady presence as Richard Webber, and Debbie Allen’s Catherine Fox will once again stir up trouble at Grey Sloan. Jesse Williams also returns as Jackson Avery, and Scott Speedman is back as Nick Marsh. Rounding out the cast are Anthony Hill as Winston Ndugu, Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson, and Harry Shum Jr. as Benson “Blue” Kwan, one of the new interns introduced in season 20.
In anticipation of the season premiere, ABC also revealed new key art featuring Meredith Grey front and center. Surrounded by other Grey Sloan staples like Miranda Bailey, Richard Webber, and Catherine Fox, the image captures the hospital’s tense atmosphere as the doctors prepare for another season of life-or-death decisions.
With lawsuits, physical altercations, and old faces returning to stir the pot, Grey’s Anatomy’s upcoming season promises to deliver the classic drama fans have come to expect. Alongside medical crises, viewers can expect personal stories to unfold as the characters juggle their complicated relationships with one another.
Grey’s Anatomy season 21 premieres on September 26 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. Whether you’re tuning in for the medical mysteries or the personal drama, it’s clear this season is not one to miss.