In news that may surprise fans, Grey's Anatomy is set to welcome a character long since seen. In fact, viewers have not laid eyes on him in seven seasons. All of that is about to change, thanks to Grey's Anatomy Season 15. Meredith's father, Thatcher Grey, is making his way back to the medical drama. And, actor Jeff Perry will reprise the role, which he originated on the series thirteen seasons ago in Season 2. Thatcher (and Perry) was last seen in Season 7.
Jeff Perry's return follows his role as Cyrus on Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes' political drama Scandal. With Perry returning as Thatcher, fans can presumably prepare to see Meredith's relationship with her father explored further. News of his return was exclusively reported by EW, which said no details surrounding Thatcher's return are currently known. Meaning the story that brings Thatcher back to Grey's Anatomy will be open for fans to speculate about for a while to come.
We're also not sure just how soon into Season 15 he will make his return, but there could be story on-screen that helps lead up to it. Through her father, Meredith shares her late sister Lexie and Molly. Meredith is Thatcher's child from his first marriage to Ellis. They divorced, and he married Susan, with whom he shares his latter two daughters.
Despite their strained relationship, which is due to Thatcher abandoning her as a child, Meredith gave a part of her liver to her father to save his life. Given his history of health challenges, it is within the realm of story possibility that he is coming back as the result of another health issue.
With Meredith a widow and Thatcher a widower, perhaps they will work through their feelings as part of Grey's Anatomy's "Season of Love." Meredith is said to be getting a serious love interest in Season 15. Maybe she wants to introduce him to Thatcher? Meredith and her father have not exactly had a strong relationship. Perhaps Season 15 will see them make headway in that regard.
Since we do not know how many episodes Meredith's dad will be back for, it is hard to tell if this is a one-episode check-in or a multi-episode arc. Father and daughter have a lot to discuss with seven seasons of drama having unfolded in between the time they last shared the screen together.
You can find out how it shakes out when Grey's Anatomy returns for Season 15 with a 2-hour season premiere, which will air Thursday, September 27 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. For new television to watch while you wait for the return of Grey's Anatomy, check out CinemaBlend's summer premiere guide. For other new television shows set to arrive alongside the long-running drama, check out CinemaBlend's guide to TV's fall premieres.
