Grey’s Anatomy season 21 is adding a new chaplain, as two main cast members are departing. It was recently confirmed that original star, narrator, and executive producer Ellen Pompeo would appear in at least seven episodes of Grey’s Anatomy season 21, with that number expected to increase. She’ll be joined by a new face, with some character details already revealed.
TVLine reports that the upcoming season is adding a new recurring chaplain. The character is openly gay and described as a superhero fanboy. The addition of a new chaplain, generally someone trained to provide spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and staff, comes ahead of the announced exits of Mika Yasuda (Midori Francis) and Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli).
The Latest On Cast Changes In Grey’s Anatomy, Explained
The Ensemble Is Shifting Once Again.
Grey’s Anatomy season 21, which premieres Thursday, September 26 at 10 PM EST on ABC, is also maintaining its inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters after losing both Mika and Levi.
Borelli’s exit was first reported in May. The actor had been a part of Grey’s for seven years, with five of those as a series regular. He will depart following the conclusion of Schmitt’s storyline, which is expected to wrap up after several episodes. The change in the cast comes as part of a larger shift for the ABC medical drama, with other actors potentially appearing in fewer episodes during the upcoming season as part of budget cuts.
Along with the confirmed exit of Schmitt, who is reconsidering his options after not doing well enough on a crucial test in the Grey’s Anatomy season 20 finale, there is the pending leave of Francis. The actor had been with the long-running series for the past two seasons and, in the most recent finale, Mika Yasuda looked ready to embark on the next step in her relationship with best friend Jules (Adelaide Kane). Francis’ departure is amicable, as the actor is looking to turn her focus to other projects, and it was reported that she will also appear in a few episodes to close out her character’s story.
Long-time viewers know that cast changes are nothing new to the veteran ABC franchise. But it also fits a current and larger broadcast TV trend, with fellow popular series like FBI and FBI: Most Wanted also looking to cast reductions as a way to keep costs down. But in a way that is specific to the medical soap opera, it has often leaned on new character additions to keep the story fresh. Grey’s Anatomy season 21, which premieres Thursday, September 26 at 10 PM EST on ABC, is also maintaining its inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters after losing both Mika and Levi.