'Grey's Anatomy' Season 12: Creator Shonda Rhimes, Ellen Pompeo Talk How New Season Will Differ Sans Patrick Dempsey's McDreamy; PLUS Is Sandra Oh's Cristina Yang Dropping By Grey Sloan Memorial?

ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" will enter Season 12 without fan-favorite and Meredith Grey's other half, McDreamy, portrayed by Patrick Dempsey.

Nevertheless, the show must move on and continue where it left off in the last season. Shonda Rhimes, "Grey's Anatomy" creator talked about how the new season will differ from Season 11 and told The Hollywood Reporter that Season 12 will be lighter. She said, "We had a table read last week in which I have never heard the entire room laugh that much — I want to say since season one — the entire room was laughing and everybody broke into applause when we were done reading."

"It was a nice feeling to be so light again but in a way that didn't feel like we were trying so hard; it felt natural. I missed the banter and the fun of that. I missed their quickness and lightness," Rhimes added.

"Grey's Anatomy" leading lady Ellen Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey, also shared her thoughts about the upcoming Season 12. She said, "It feels a lot different. Every time we lose someone big — when we lost Sandra Oh — when we lose anybody — it's a big shift. But a show that runs this long, you welcome those big changes."

"It makes everything feel so much different and that's what we're looking for in season 12. We're looking for things to not stay the same. They have to stay the same to some extent but you welcome change because that's what inspires the writers, that's what inspires the actors. Change is necessary for growth."

Pompeo also revealed that she's dedicated to "doing the story justice" as a tribute to devoted fans and will not approach her role differently for "Grey's Anatomy" Season 12.

The actress stated, "I almost feel like Kobe Bryant every season - just because I have three [championship] rings - I don't have any Emmys - but because I have 12 seasons, I can't rest or get comfortable. You have to keep trying your hardest, running your fastest, working out your hardest, doing your best. You have to keep topping yourself."

Meanwhile, "Grey's Anatomy" alum Sandra Oh reunited with co-star Kevin McKidd and posted a snap of the reunion on Twitter which she captioned: "me & @TheRealKMcKidd at his belated bday dinner. May u catch Brave New Waves all this year dearest friend," as per E! News.

Relatively, fans were asking for her return to the show especially that Meredith needs her more than ever after the death of her husband. International Business Times reported that neither Shonda Rhimes nor Sandra Oh herself has given any comments about the possibility of her character dropping by at Grey Sloan Memorial.

But she did talk to The Hollywood Reporter about making a comeback before the ABC hit TV series goes off the air.

She remarked, “I told her, ‘If you guys want to finish it out however you want to finish it out, I'd be more than happy to come back. And if it doesn't fit in that way, I totally understand. I just want you to know that I'm available.’ Who knows! I might be doing something fabulous and it might not work out but I did say, ‘Yes, of course I would.’”

Well, guess fans will have to tune in on the events that will happen in “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 12 when it premieres on Sept. 24, Thursday, on ABC.

Real Time Analytics