WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Grey's Anatomy season 15 finale that may influence your enjoyment in discovering the plotlines. Read at your own risk.
The cast and crew of Grey's Anatomy season 16 are officially back on the set this August. And they haven't wasted any time letting the fans know that they have started filming the new season.
According to People, stars Caterina Scorsone (as Dr. Amelia Shepherd), Debbie Allen (as Dr. Catherine Avery), Giacomo Gianniotti (as Dr. Andrew DeLuca) and Jake Borelli (Dr. Levi Schmitt) posted different photos on social media to confirm that they are now working on Grey's Anatomy season 16. Gianniotti even shared a photo next to his character's love interest, Meredith Grey, played by the star of the series, Ellen Pompeo.
But with Grey's Anatomy season 16 now actively rolling, fans wonder if Jesse Williams (as Jackson Avery) will return. Viewers will recall the fate of his character was left hanging in the finale of Grey's Anatomy season 15 last May. Amid the thick and dark fog, Maggie (played by Kelly McCrear) was calling out for Jackson but there was no reply.
At that time, showrunner Krista Vernoff told the press that the writers are still not sure where the storyline will take Williams' character next season. The actor was signed on to star in the Broadway play "Take Me Out," which will begin its run in April 2020 but there will be a rigid rehearsal schedule ahead. It took a while for the network to come up with the good deal that will keep the Williams in the cast.
In June, however, ABC confirmed via Deadline that Williams' renewed his contract with Grey's Anatomy season 16 as well as season 17. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Jackson will still be in the upcoming releases and even in the next season.
But there is a catch to Williams coming back for Grey's Anatomy season 16. With his schedule in the Broadway production, the actor will likely have a limited appearance in the new season.
It's not clear, however, if the show will feature less of Jackson in the early episodes of Grey's Anatomy season 16 or much later in the midseason run. It all boils down to the actor's schedule, as he will have to travel to the West and East coast for his work commitments.
Grey's Anatomy season 16 is set to premiere on ABC on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8:00 p.m.
