With Grey's Anatomy Season 20 Delayed, These 4 Characters Won't Be Back

Let's face it, this fall and winter won't be the same without Grey's Anatomy. Dedicated fans who have grown accustomed to spending every Thursday night from late September through May for the past 18 years with the beloved Grey Sloan Memorial residents are feeling the end of an era.

Even though the show is not over and Season 20 is happening, the Hollywood strikes have delayed its production and premiere for the first time in history. On top of that, there are four major characters who are unlikely to return to the series next season and will be sorely missed by fans.

Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo)

The biggest loss for all Grey's Anatomy fans is, of course, the titular character, Meredith Grey. After 19 years on the project, Ellen Pompeo announced her departure from the show earlier this year.

Fans will still hear Pompeo's voice narrating upcoming episodes, but it's very likely that we won't be seeing her on screen. Even though the show's creators promised Pompeo cameos in future installments, due to the strikes, Season 20 will most likely be shortened and will not have time to explore Meredith's new career path at the Catherine Fox Foundation.

SAG Strike Destroys Grey's Anatomy 18-Year Tradition After Season 20 DelayBesides, the actress took on another project at Hulu when she left, so after the strikes are over, she will have to focus on that first, which will leave her little time to appear in Season 20. But we can still hope, right?

Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman)

Meredith's exit certainly raises the question of whether Nick will appear in Season 20. At the end of last season, he confessed his love to Meredith and went to Boston with her. So if the show skips the Boston storyline, it is likely that Nick will stay behind the camera too.

Also, Scott Speedman was not among the announced cast members who signed new deals with ABC.

Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams)

After leaving Grey's Anatomy in Season 17, everyone's favorite handsome doctor has made occasional appearances, including in Season 19 when he lured Meredith to Boston.

His return in Season 20 will depend on whether the creators decide to delve into the life of the Catherine Fox Foundation, which is unlikely given the shortened number of upcoming episodes.

Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary)

Another major character who left Grey Sloan last season was Meredith's maternal half-sister Maggie, who found a job in Chicago. Of course, with her husband Winston set to return in Season 20, we will hear from Maggie, but it is unlikely that we'll see her on screen. Looks like fans will have to make do with texts and phone calls between the spouses.