AceShowbiz - "Grey's Anatomy", ABC's stalwart medical drama, continues to evolve. As it gears up for its 21st season, the show will introduce Michael Thomas Grant as James, the hospital's new, openly gay Episcopal chaplain. Grant, well-known for his role as Leif Donnelly on "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist", will add a new layer of depth to the Grey Sloan Memorial dynamic when his character debuts in the season's second episode.

James' warmth, spirituality, and training make him a natural fit for the role, particularly as he holds a special place in his heart for younger patients. His presence is not only a nod to the ongoing diversification of the cast but also a beacon of hope and faith for those in dire situations. As reported by Deadline and TVLine, "James finds himself at a crossroads where he is open to love and taking great leaps of faith," setting the stage for potential romantic intrigue.

Grant's addition comes as Grey's Anatomy bids farewell to two other LGBTQ+ characters, Jake Borelli's Dr. Levi Schmitt and Midori Francis' Dr. Mika Yasuda. Borelli, who joined the cast in season 14, saw his storyline wrap up after Levi's struggle with his career aspirations in the season 20 finale. Similarly, Francis exited after joining in season 19. Their departures create a poignant vacuum that Grant's character may partially fill.

In addition to Grant, another notable return is Jason George, whose character, Ben Warren, will return following the series finale of "Station 19". Ben's resurgence in the medical world hints at riveting new developments. Meanwhile, fans can also look forward to seeing Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey for seven episodes this season, bringing yet another familiar face back into the fold. Meredith's dramatic resignation from the Fox Foundation and the subsequent firing of Amelia, Teddy, and Owen in the season 20 finale, dropped jaws and will undoubtedly create ripple effects in the new season.

With Grey's Anatomy premiering on September 26 and all past seasons available on Netflix, now is the prime time for fans old and new to dive into the universe of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Whether it's rewatching beloved episodes or catching up on missed moments, it's clear that season 21 is poised to offer a blend of heart, drama, and unforgettable medical emergencies.