Ellen Pompeo will be in Grey's Anatomy season 20 but for how many episodes?

Just how much of Meredith Grey will be in season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy? Find out how often Ellen Pompeo will be in the upcoming season!

It’s always hard to imagine Grey’s Anatomy without Meredith Grey. Ellen Pompeo has been the key character of the show since it debuted in early 2005, with Meredith falling in love, enduring loss, embracing motherhood, becoming a boss, and more. 

Season 17 saw Pompeo taking a smaller role, with Meredith written as suffering from COVID-19 effects and a coma where she met various past characters played by Patrick Dempsey, Chyler Leigh, and more. Season 19 had Pompeo limiting her role with Meredith written as heading up a new study in Seattle. It was indicated Pompeo might not even appear in season 20, especially when the Hollywood strikes delayed the production.

It looks like Pompeo will be back, but how much of Meredith will we see in season 20?

How many episodes of season 20 is Ellen Pompeo in?

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Pompeo is expected to appear in at least four episodes of season 20, with the possibility of more. It does make sense that Pompeo will be brought back as Meredith, as having her skip the landmark 20th season of the series didn’t seem right.

Given season 20 will only be 10 episodes, her appearance in at least four episodes means she'll be in a good portion of the season. Pompeo won’t be alone, as Jessica Capshaw will be making a return appearance as Dr. Arizona Robbins.

There’s no word on what Meredith’s story may be as she was still working on a groundbreaking Alzheimer’s treatment while balancing a romance with Nick (Scott Speedman). At least fans can be assured the key Grey in Grey’s Anatomy won’t skip season 20, and hopefully, there is some good news for the character.

Grey’s Anatomy season 20 premieres Thursday March 14 at 9/8c on ABC.