Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Set Image Reveals First Look At Arizona’s Return

A set photo from Grey’s Anatomy season 20 reveals the return of Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins, with a former co-star sharing a funny callback.

A new set photo from Grey’s Anatomy season 20 reveals the return of Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins. With its premiere date just weeks away, the milestone twentieth installment of Grey’s will welcome some new characters alongside familiar ones. Parks and Recreation alum Natalie Morales and When They See Us actor Freddy Miyares, have joined the ensemble, while Alex Landi will reprise his role as Dr. Nico Kim.

Capshaw shared a photo of her return to Grey’s Anatomy season 20 as Arizona, previewing the possibility that the character will be involved in some medical drama.

In one of the comments, One Tree Hill alum Hilarie Burton leaves an amusing remark. The actor, who played Arizona’s romantic interest Dr. Lauren Boswell, writes: “Girl. Meet you in the break room!”

How Did Arizona Leave Grey’s Anatomy?

Jessica Capshaw’s character was said to have a natural end

Arizona received a memorable Grey’s Anatomy exit. The character survives a plane crash but has to amputate her leg in the process. This is the beginning of the end of her relationship with Callie (Sara Ramirez) – though they both try to move on, Arizona blames Callie for the amputation, and that resentment lingers. A miscarriage worsens their situation, as does infidelity, and the marriage ultimately deteriorates.

Arizona moves to New York and has not appeared since Grey’s Anatomy season 14, making an effort with Callie to rekindle their relationship. Behind the scenes, her departure came as the result of a storytelling decision. Capshaw’s exit was announced along with Sarah Drew’s, who played Dr. April Kepner, with both departures explained as purely creative decisions. Executive producers, including series creator Shonda Rhimes, mentioned that it was possible to see both April and Arizona again in future seasons.

Grey’s Anatomy season 20 will have fewer episodes due to the impact of the Hollywood strikes on scheduling. But for viewers who have been following the show for years, the return will make the upcoming 20th-year milestone even sweeter. It’ll likely offer an update on Callie, as well, clarifying whether the duo were able to fix their relationship.

Grey’s Anatomy season 20 will premiere Thursday, March 14 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.