The Ultimate Shift: Who Could Steal the Spotlight from Meredith in Grey's Anatomy?

This article includes conversations and references about the misuse and addiction of alcohol.

Following the announcement of Ellen Pompeo's departure from Grey's Anatomy after 19 years, there was considerable speculation about which character would now assume the role of voice narration with Meredith's absence. Throughout the series, Meredith's narration always served a crucial purpose, offering viewers important life lessons and sharing how various experiences shaped and transformed her into the skilled surgeon she is today. However, she wasn't the sole character to fulfill the role of narrator on the show.

8 Winston Ndugu

: Exploring the narrative depth of Grey Sloan Memorial's ensemble, various characters like Derek Shepherd, Cristina Yang, Jackson Avery, and Callie Torres have stepped into Meredith's shoes at times, sharing their own insightful perspectives on significant events. Although Meredith would typically resume her voiceover duties in the following episode, her departure now presents a golden opportunity for the writers to delve into the arcs of other prominent characters. With an array of worthy candidates, the options for assuming this role are abundant.

Given Winston's relatively short time on the show compared to other characters, he emerges as a strong potential replacement for Meredith, particularly due to his mysterious nature. Now that Winston has taken on the role of Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial, he is determined to prove himself as one of the top surgeons in the country over the next few years. This dedication ensures that fans can anticipate his involvement in numerous intricate cases and surgeries.

7 Jo Wilson

Given the considerable responsibility that entails assuming the role of a department head, it would be intriguing to gain insights from Winston and learn about his adaptation to this newfound position. In Season 20, there is an opportunity to further explore Winston's personal life, observing his contemplation of his and Maggie's tumultuous relationship, as well as any contemplation he may have regarding reconciliation with his estranged father.

Jo Wilson is an excellent candidate to take on the role of the primary narrator. Season 18 alluded to Jo being the ideal replacement for Meredith, particularly with the show delving deeper into the field of OB/GYN. Additionally, the writers purposefully created more parallels between Jo and Meredith, with Jo frequently facing daunting challenges and grappling with her emotions for Link. Now navigating her residency, a budding romance, and parenthood, Jo will undoubtedly have much to contemplate in the upcoming Season 20.

6 Teddy Altman

Season 19 of Grey's Anatomy left Teddy Altman in a suspenseful situation, as her life hung in the balance following a sudden collapse in the operating room. Although reports confirm Kim Raver's contract renewal for season 20, ensuring Teddy's recovery, this near-death experience is bound to have a profound impact on her perspective and decision-making. As the newly appointed Chief of Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial, Teddy's pivotal role as the narrator would effectively capture her thoughts and emotions, allowing viewers to delve into her transformative journey.

5 Amelia Shepherd

Amidst Kai and Meredith going their separate ways, Maggie embarking on a fresh career in Chicago, and the potential sullied reputation of Derek's legacy, Amelia has faced a multitude of adjustments. Undoubtedly, these significant occurrences will inevitably shape her character trajectory in season 20. Nevertheless, fervent fans eagerly anticipate and embrace these changes.

4 Owen Hunt

Given that Amelia won't be seen on screen alongside Kai, Meredith, and Maggie anymore, this opens up the opportunity for her to prioritize her own well-being. Perhaps she will even find herself dedicating more time to her nephew, Lucas, now that he's at Grey Sloan Memorial. If the writers choose to explore this direction, it wouldn't be surprising to witness Amelia assuming the voiceover role previously held by Meredith.

With Teddy's life at stake following her collapse in the operating room during the season 19 finale, Owen will also encounter significant challenges ahead. While it is probable that Teddy will retain her position as the Chief of Surgery, the cardiothoracic surgeon might necessitate a period of recuperation. Consequently, Owen could potentially assume the role of interim Chief of Surgery.

However, this time around, Owen's tenure as Chief could be significantly different due to the potential challenges he may encounter in maintaining a work-life balance. Additionally, he might find himself grappling with the aftermath of Teddy's ordeal. Considering these factors, a compelling approach would be to incorporate an Owen voiceover, enabling viewers to witness the lessons he has acquired this time and how these momentous events may have brought about a transformation.

3 Any Of The Season 19 Interns

With the introduction of a new batch of interns in season 19, the possibility of replacing Meredith with one of them becomes quite apparent. Lucas, Simone, Jules, Mika, and Benson have brought a breath of fresh air with their passion for surgery and competitive nature, reminiscent of Team M.A.G.I.C's early days. However, their stories have proven that they still have a lot to learn. Undoubtedly, the upcoming seasons will present similar challenges for the new interns, leaving viewers curious about the epiphanies they will eventually experience.

2 Richard Webber

1 Miranda Bailey

Grey's Anatomy's finest general surgeon, Richard Webber, has the potential to become the main narrator of the show. This possibility arises from the indication that the writers are developing an extensive storyline for him in season 20. In the season 19 finale, Richard was one of the individuals who narrowly escaped a plane crash en route to Boston. While everyone was deeply affected, Webber's ongoing struggles with alcohol addiction resurfaced as he confessed that the incident almost led to a relapse. If the writers of Grey's Anatomy choose to delve further into Richard's challenges, it would be fitting for him to narrate certain episodes and share his own remarkable journey.

With over 400 episodes under her belt and being one of the few actors to have been on the show since season 1, Miranda Bailey is the perfect fit for the role of the show's main narrator. Initially, Bailey played a crucial role in Meredith's journey, molding her into the esteemed surgeon she is today. However, as the writers delved deeper into Bailey's own life and personality, she emerged as a character in her own right.

Over the past few years, viewers have witnessed Bailey's decision to prioritize her reproductive health clinic over her surgical career, all the while actively advocating for reproductive rights. As a remarkable accomplishment, her research has earned her recognition as one of the esteemed recipients of the Catherine Fox award on Grey's Anatomy. Excitement builds among fans as they anticipate the intriguing direction Bailey's storyline will take and wonder about her future aspirations.