Grey’s Anatomy‘s recent flurry of on-screen firings has left the hospital in dire need of new staff members, making the return of a former star likely. Catherine Fox did the unthinkable by firing countless Grey Sloan Memorial doctors, including Teddy and Owen Hunt, at the end of Grey’s Anatomy season 20. Given the show’s rich tapestry of past characters, there’s one who should return to usher in Grey’s Anatomy season 21 and beyond.

The long-running drama has had countless cast members over the years, but few have made as much impact on the show as the person who should be in line for a permanent comeback. The actor in question has already headlined a spinoff and returned for one of the show’s most important storylines in recent years. As a result, it’s hard to imagine the character not being high up on the creatives’ wishlist.

Kate Walsh’s Addison Montgomery Return In Grey’s Anatomy Seems Inevitable

Addison Has Many Connections

Kate Walsh’s Addison Montgomery has been a scene-stealer since the Grey’s Anatomy season 1 finale when she arrived at the hospital and asked Meredith if she was sleeping with her husband. The character’s success paved the way for Walsh to headline Private Practice for six seasons, which outshone the original series at times. Based on what Grey’s Anatomy season 20 set up, it would make sense for Addison to return to the main series.

When the series ended in 2013, Walsh’s time with the franchise seemed over, but she returned as a recurring player in Grey’s Anatomy seasons 18 and 19. Her return was beautiful because it showed her relationship with Meredith in a great spot, despite the pair initially starting as love rivals. The best part of Addison’s return was that she revealed that her life had changed considerably since the spinoff ended, teasing plenty of storyline potential should she return to the show full-time.

Addison is well-known for her cosmic wit, and it would be fun to see her go toe-to-toe with Catherine if the two clashed about things at the hospital. Given her connections to the origins of Grey’s Anatomy, Kate Walsh could also be the perfect replacement for Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith.

Kate Walsh Should Lead Grey’s Anatomy Season 21

Grey’s Anatomy Needs A New Lead

Grey’s Anatomy has struggled creatively to move on from Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey. Pompeo departed as a series regular during Grey’s Anatomy season 19 but has returned countless times since. Unfortunately, the show has relied too heavily on these inconsistent encores. Walsh’s popularity and history with the show and its spinoff should be enough to have the show consider making her the new lead.

Addison is a fantastic, multi-layered character with a lot to give. Many plots are drying up because some characters have been kept on the show too long, meaning it would be the perfect time to refocus Grey’s Anatomy around Addison. It would mean opening the door to more character returns down the line, including people from Private Practice.

With Grey’s Anatomy entering season 21, the creatives must consider the best options to keep the show fresh and exciting because it’s still struggling to move on from Meredith. Having Addison front and center would also make Meredith’s sporadic returns more worthwhile because they’ve carved out a close bond since Derek’s death. It would be a stroke of casting genius and the best way to give Grey’s Anatomy a new lease of life.