Things are heating up in Seattle, and we're not talking about the Summer weather. This week, we got all kinds of new tidbits about the landmark 15th season of Grey's Anatomy [1]. Not only do we have a steamy new theme [2] — the new bank of episodes will mark a "Season of Love" — but we also got a premiere date [3] and a confirmation that the first episode will be two hours long! It's a good week to be a Grey's fan. To keep up the excitement, we decided to dig around and figure out who's definitely on board to appear in the new season. Let's go over who's definitely coming back, who's a bit up in the air, and who we're just kind of holding out hope for (*cough* Dr. Marsh [4] *cough*).
Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo)
In January, Pompeo signed a two-year contract [5] with ABC, meaning she's all in on season 15 (and the unconfirmed season 16). She's also officially the highest-paid actress on a TV drama!
Alex Karev (Justin Chambers)
A press release from ABC confirmed Chambers's involvement in season 15, so we'll definitely get an answer to that big cliffhanger [6].
Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson)
ABC's recent press release also confirms Wilson's return as Miranda Bailey.
Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.)
Yep, you guessed it: ABC has confirmed that Richard will be back.
Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd)
McKidd was among the names included in ABC's press release.
Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams)
Oh, Jackson isn't going anywhere.
Teddy Altman (Kim Raver)
She's back! Raver is officially locked in [7] as a series regular for season 15.
Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone)
ABC included Scorsone as a returning cast member in the most recent press blast.
Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington)
Despite the fact that Jo was accepted into an out-of-state program at the end of season 14, Luddington is slated for a season 15 return.
Maggie Pearce (Kelly McCreary)
ABC has confirmed Maggie's return, which means things with Jackson will surely heat up.
Andrew DeLuca (Giacomo Gianniotti)
This gorgeous man is, indeed, returning for season 15.
Carina DeLuca (Stefania Spampinato)
Unfortunately, we don't have direct confirmation that the other DeLuca will be back in season 15. Her fate is especially up in the air since her love interest, Arizona, has left the show. But hey, there's still a chance we'll see her!
The Newest Interns
As for all the new interns [8] we met in season 14? Well, we know that Sam Bello is out of the picture, but there's a pretty good chance we'll see the other five again: that's Dahlia (Sophia Taylor Ali), Glasses aka Levi (Jake Borelli), Casey (Alex Blue Davis), Vik (Rushi Kota), and Taryn (Jaicy Elliot).
Ben Warren (Jason George)
Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be seeing much of Ben on Grey's in season 15. Maybe the odd scene here and there, but he's busy being a firefighter on Station 19!
Dr. Koracick (Greg Germann)
Germann has not been upgraded to a regular for season 15, so chances are slim he'll be around much. But hey, maybe he'll come back as a guest star!
Dr. Marsh (Scott Speedman)
This one's really just wishful thinking. Dear Grey's Anatomy [9], please bring this handsome doctor back!