‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Surprise: Jessica Capshaw Returning in Season 20

Jessica Capshaw is checking back into Grey Sloan.

The actress, who spent 10 seasons playing Dr. Arizona Robbins from 2009-2018, is returning to reprise her role in the upcoming 20th season of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Capshaw will be joined by Alex Landi, who returns as Dr. Nico Kim, and franchise newcomers Natalie Morales and Freddy Miyares as guest stars in the milestone season of the Shonda Rhimes-produced medical drama. Additional guest stars are expected to be announced as the show inches closer toward its strikes-delayed return on March 14 at 9 p.m.

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Capshaw exited Grey’s in 2018, at the end of its 14th season when Arizona moved from Seattle to New York so her daughter, Sofia, could be in the same city with her other mother, Callie (former series regular Sara Ramirez), as the fan-favorite former couple “Calzona” appeared poised for a reunion. 

Capshaw was written out alongside Sarah Drew (April). Both actresses have since returned to Grey’s as the series has made it a point to provide closures for some of its most beloved characters. At the time of their exits, producers said their departures were creative decisions, though sources maintained both Capshaw and Drew attempted to negotiate a higher payday together.

Morales (Dead to Me, Self-Reliance) will play Monica Beltran, a pediatric surgeon whose pragmatism and level-headedness have made her one of the best in her field. Her willingness to push boundaries can be admirable and aggravating, but it’s always aimed at providing top-quality care to her patients.

Miyares (DMZ, Evil, When They See Us, The L Word: Gen Q) will be credited as a recurring guest star and play Dorian, an intelligent, warm and likable patient who is involved in a serious accident and is struggling with his future.

Meg Marinis takes over the role of showrunner from Krista Vernoff for season 20 of Grey’s. Marinis has been with Grey’s Anatomy since its third season and has worked her way up since beginning her tenure there as a writer’s production assistant. She then worked as a writers assistant and medical researcher before moving up the chain of command to executive producer, a title she’s held for the past four seasons. Marinis has written more than 25 episodes of the show.

Here’s a teaser for the new season:

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