Grey’s Anatomy has been on the air for over two decades, and during that time, it has seen countless beloved characters come and go. Some left too soon, others had their stories cut short, and a few departed under heartbreaking circumstances. As the show continues to evolve with new faces, there’s a growing sense that Grey’s Anatomy would benefit immensely by bringing back some old favorites—even if just for one last hurrah.
Whether it’s for closure, a reunion, or just a reminder of the magic these characters brought to the show, there are a handful of iconic figures who definitely deserve a comeback. So, let’s take a deep dive into the characters that Grey’s Anatomy needs to bring back, at least for one episode.
1. Callie Torres
Callie Torres, portrayed by Sara Ramirez, was a fan-favorite character on Grey’s Anatomy, known for her fiery personality, sense of humor, and unmatched surgical skills. Callie’s relationship with Arizona Robbins was a major storyline for the series, and it’s one that fans were heartbroken to see end.
Callie’s Impact on the Show
Callie’s departure left a gap in the series, especially in the realm of LGBTQ+ representation. Her journey—from being a well-meaning but occasionally reckless doctor to becoming a loving mother and advocate—was a critical part of the show’s success. Plus, her relationship with Arizona was groundbreaking and deeply emotional.
While it’s unclear where Callie has been since her departure, bringing her back could offer closure for her fans, especially regarding her relationship with Arizona and their daughter Sofia. A reunion would allow fans to revisit the beautiful dynamic between the two and explore how they’ve evolved.
2. Lexie Grey
Let’s be honest: Lexie Grey’s death still stings. Her character, portrayed by Chyler Leigh, was on a path of incredible personal growth when her life was tragically cut short in a plane crash. Lexie was Meredith Grey’s younger half-sister, and their relationship added so much heart to the show.
What Lexie’s Return Could Bring
Imagine the emotional reunion between Meredith and Lexie. Meredith has gone through so much since Lexie’s passing—losing Derek, raising her children, and navigating the complexities of life as a single mother and doctor. A return from Lexie, even in a dream sequence or flashback, would provide Meredith with some much-needed emotional closure.
Additionally, Lexie had such a bright future ahead of her as a surgeon. Bringing her back could open the door to further exploring how her career might have unfolded, and how her absence has impacted those who loved her.
3. George O’Malley
George O’Malley’s unexpected and tragic death in Season 6 was a punch to the gut for fans of Grey’s Anatomy. His journey—from being a bumbling intern to becoming a soldier who gave his life for others—was one of the show’s most heartfelt arcs.
The Power of George’s Return
George’s death was heartbreaking, and fans have never quite gotten over it. A return from George would allow the show to honor his legacy and give closure to his relationships with Meredith, Izzie, and the rest of the gang.
Whether it’s a brief flashback or a dream sequence, George’s return could bring back the warmth and humor that defined his character. Plus, he was on track to become one of the best surgeons on the show. What might his career have looked like if he had survived? Grey’s Anatomy could explore that “what if” scenario to great emotional effect.
4. Arizona Robbins
Arizona Robbins, played by Jessica Capshaw, was another character who captured hearts during her time on the show. Arizona’s character arc—going from a bubbly, upbeat pediatric surgeon to a woman who faced the complexities of a life-altering accident—was one of the most compelling on Grey’s Anatomy.
Why Arizona Deserves to Return
Fans were devastated when Arizona left the show after Season 14, especially since her departure was tied to her breakup with Callie. Since then, Arizona’s absence has left a void in both the personal and professional spheres of the hospital. With the addition of new pediatric surgeons and the evolution of other characters, a return from Arizona would allow fans to explore what’s next for her.
Imagine her coming back to offer her surgical expertise in a crisis, or returning for an important family moment involving Sofia or Callie. It would be a chance to bring back the warmth, humor, and optimism Arizona brought to the series.
5. Addison Montgomery
Addison Montgomery, portrayed by Kate Walsh, was a fierce, strong-willed, and highly skilled surgeon who initially came to Seattle Grace as the new addition to the surgical team. Her affair with Derek, and later her own journey into becoming a mother, kept her character interesting and multi-dimensional. While she eventually left Grey’s Anatomy to star in the spin-off Private Practice, her return to Seattle could reignite some much-needed drama.
Addison’s Impact and Why She Should Return
Addison has evolved significantly since her time in Seattle. Her return could offer closure to her unresolved issues with Derek, especially considering how their relationship was strained toward the end. Furthermore, her expertise in OB/GYN could bring an exciting new dynamic to the hospital, especially with the influx of new characters.
As a woman who faced immense personal and professional challenges, Addison could also offer valuable mentorship to the younger surgeons at Grey Sloan. Her return would certainly stir up emotional and professional drama, which would be perfect for a Grey’s Anatomy reboot.
6. Izzie Stevens
Izzie Stevens, played by Katherine Heigl, was one of the show’s original characters who left under controversial circumstances. After her dramatic departure, viewers were left wondering how Izzie’s story would have continued had she stayed on the show. She made a return for a brief moment in Season 16, but her time on screen was far too short.
Izzie’s Return: What Could It Mean?
Izzie’s return could bring fresh emotional drama, especially considering her past relationships with Alex Karev and her complicated journey with cancer. The unresolved tensions in her relationship with Alex could be explored further, especially since Alex has moved on to a new chapter in his life. A return from Izzie would allow the show to resolve any lingering questions about her fate, while giving fans the emotional closure they deserve.
7. April Kepner and Jackson Avery
While Grey’s Anatomy did give us a beautiful exit for April and Jackson, their story didn’t feel entirely finished. They were both pivotal characters during their time on the show, and their complicated relationship, full of ups and downs, had so much potential. Even though they’re both living separate lives now, it would be great to see them back at the hospital.
What April and Jackson’s Return Would Bring
April and Jackson both had moments of personal growth before they left, and their return could provide closure for the fans who loved their dynamic. Whether it’s a reunion between the two or an exploration of their post-relationship lives, bringing them back for at least one episode would allow the writers to tie up loose ends and offer a glimpse of how they’ve changed since leaving.
Conclusion: A Blast From the Past Could Bring New Life to Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy has had its share of departures over the years, but bringing back some of these fan-favorite characters—even for just one episode—would add a nostalgic and emotional layer to the show. These characters each had something unique to offer, whether it was their emotional depth, surgical expertise, or personal growth. By revisiting their stories, Grey’s Anatomy could provide closure for both fans and characters alike, while injecting new energy into the series.
FAQs
1. Why do fans want these characters to return? Fans love these characters because they played pivotal roles in the show’s success. Their personalities, relationships, and struggles left lasting impacts, and a return would give closure and emotional satisfaction to long-time viewers.
2. Will Grey’s Anatomy ever bring back these characters? While there’s no official word, the idea of bringing back beloved characters has been explored in the past. It’s always a possibility, especially if the show wants to recapture some of its past magic.
3. How could these characters return without disrupting the current storyline? Their return could be incorporated into dream sequences, flashbacks, or special events like reunions or medical emergencies. This would allow their stories to intersect with current plots without overshadowing them.
4. Are any of these characters coming back in the near future? At the moment, none of these characters have been confirmed for a return, but with the show’s history of surprise comebacks, anything is possible.
5. What would a return from these characters mean for Grey’s Anatomy’s future? A return would bring excitement and nostalgia, potentially rejuvenating the show and attracting both old and new fans. It would also offer an opportunity for character development and to tie up unresolved storylines.
