Debbie Allen: Season 14 of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Will Be ‘More Breezy and Fun’

Grey’s Anatomy – Ellen Pompeo, Kevin McKidd, Martin Henderson
Mitch Haaseth/ABC
ELLEN POMPEO, KEVIN MCKIDD, MARTIN HENDERSON

Time to lighten up, people! Season 14 of Grey’s Anatomy picks right up from the devastating fire that decimated much of Grey Sloan Memorial last May. “With a whole wing compromised, part of the hospital is shut down, but everyone’s still trying to function,” says executive producer Debbie Allen (who also plays Dr. Catherine Avery). “That will lead to a hell of a lot of tension—of the laugh-out-loud variety. We want this season to be more breezy and fun, reminiscent of the way the series started out.”

Fan favorite Kim Raver returns as heart surgeon Teddy Altman, and Abigail Spencer steps into the role of Owen’s (Kevin McKidd) long-presumed-dead sister, Megan. Her miraculous survival is fab news for ex-fiancé Riggs (Martin Henderson) but a real drag for Riggs’s current paramour, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo). New to the hospital is hell-raiser Carina DeLuca (Stefania Spampinato), sister of surgical intern Andrew (Giacomo Gianniotti). “Carina is an Italian bombshell involved in a very controversial medical research program,” Allen says. “It will put her at the center of attention in a high-profile way.”

A romantic triangle involving doctors Jackson (Jesse Williams), April (Sarah Drew) and Maggie (Kelly McCreary) will “send a lot of sparks flying in a lot of different directions,” Allen promises. “Yeah, Jackson and Maggie are step-siblings, but they’re not related by blood. We’re not doing Game of Thrones here!”

Grey’s Anatomy, Season Premiere, Sept. 28, 8/7c, ABC