Another major star is returning to reprise their role in Grey's Anatomy. The long-running ABC medical drama has had a rotating ensemble cast over the years, with the only series regulars to have been a part of every season being James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber and Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, though Ellen Pompeo has continued to provide narration for the series as Meredith Grey despite departing the main cast in season 19. Pompeo will also be returning for seven episodes of Grey's Anatomy season 21 alongside other returning stars, including Kali Rocha as Sydney Heron.

People shared an exclusive first look at Grey's Anatomy season 21. The teaser includes glimpses at storylines, such as the fallout of Meredith's resignation and Miranda dealing with the return of Sydney Heron. However, the biggest reveal is the return of Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery, a plastic surgeon who has not been seen on the show since a guest appearance on season 19, episode 5, "When I Get to the Border," in 2022. See the teaser via the official Shondaland YouTube below:

What Avery's Return Means For Grey's Anatomy Season 21

He May Come Bearing Bad News

At the time of writing, it is unknown why Avery has returned to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, for how long he intends to stay, or what repercussions his decision will have on Meredith and the rest of the staff. However, despite his close relationship with Meredith in previous Grey's Anatomy seasons and having been instrumental in helping her move to Boston, he does not necessarily seem happy to see her in the short clip from the trailer. This could potentially indicate that he comes bearing bad news.

Jesse Williams ed the main cast of Grey’s Anatomy in season 7 after playing the character in a recurring capacity in season 6, eventually departing as a series regular at the end of season 17 in 2021.

As for the longevity of his stay, precedent may offer insight into the situation. Williams’ departure from the Grey’s Anatomy cast was amicable, as he left to explore more diverse acting opportunities, including the stage play Take Me Out and the Hulu comedy Only Murders in the Building. Since his exit, he has already made one-episode appearances in season 18 and season 19, which could indicate that his return in season 21 will follow the same pattern and that he may not return for further episodes before the end of the season.

Our Take On Avery's Grey's Anatomy Return

Avery's Happily Ever After May Be In Jeopardy

If Avery does indeed come to Grey's Anatomy with bad news, it may be related to his love interest April Kepner (Sarah Drew). While he has returned to the show without her before, the fact that she is not present in his season 21 return could indicate that his presence at Grey Sloan could be to announce her death. However, the simpler explanation could be that he may have come to act as a mediator between Meredith and his mother Catherine Fox (Debbie Allen), between whom the trailer reveals there is still major friction.

Grey's Anatomy season 21 premieres on ABC on Thursday, September 26.

Source: People & Shondaland