The familiar faces of "Grey's Anatomy" season 18 will be back in scrubs, and ABC has released the first promo for the upcoming season, warning fans to "brace yourselves for one hell of a comeback." The show welcomes back Abigail Spencer and Kate Walsh. Perhaps more past stars will make an appearance.

"Grey's Anatomy" Season 18 is a sequel to the long-running medical drama. After all these years, the show is still bringing big ratings to ABC. It is the network's top drama in the 18-49 demo in total viewers and advertiser favorites. Grey's Anatomy is also the #1 show in the demo ratings among all broadcast networks.

Season 18 of "Grey's Anatomy" was in limbo for several months due to negotiations between ABC and the talent. However, lead actress Ellen Pompeo signed a deal (which likely includes a significant pay raise) and fellow cast members Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. ABC also ordered season 5 of the spin-off series "Station 19." ordered.

Here is everything we know so far about Grey's Anatomy season 18. Click here to watch "Grey's Anatomy" Season 18 Episode 6.

ABC has set a release date for Grey's Anatomy Season 18 for Thursday, September 30.

This almost coincides with the premiere of previous seasons. Season 17 debuted a little later than usual due to COVID-related production delays. However, previous seasons had been released in late September.

The premiere episode will be a crossover event with Station 19.

The first teaser trailer for season 18 of Grey's Anatomy begins with Elise Grey telling her daughter Meredith, "You survived the unthinkable." But what is Mel going to do now that she has recovered from COVID-19?

The rest of the promo features a glimpse of Abigail Spencer as Owen's sister Megan Hunt. However, it does not appear that she is the one who is being heralded as "ridiculously resurrected." Who is coming to turn Grey Sloan Memorial upside down?

The cast of Grey's Anatomy season 18 will be led by Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Grey, chief of general surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle.

Pompeo signed a contract that would have given her a raise over the $20 million annual salary she had earned in the previous several seasons.

Two original cast members of Grey's Anatomy also signed contracts to return: Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, the chief of surgery, and James Pickens Jr. as Dr. Richard Webber. And Kate Walsh, whose "Private Practice" just announced that they will return as Addison Forbes Montgomery, a role that has been talked about since the show went off the air.

They join three actors already confirmed for season 18: Kevin McKidd as Dr. Owen Hunt, Kim Raver as Dr. Teddy Altman, and Camilla Luddington as Dr. Joe Wilson.

Three key actors will not be returning for Season 18, the first being Jesse Williams as Dr. Jackson Avery. Williams has announced that he will leave the show after 12 seasons. It has been written that Jackson will take over the family foundation in Boston and leave with his ex-wife April Kepner and daughter Harriet.

The second was Giacomo Gianniotti as Dr. Andrew DeLuca, who died in the March episode.

The third is Greg Germann as Dr. Tom Kolatic. However, he may make a cameo or regular appearance in the future.

Other "Grey's Anatomy" cast members who may return include:

Since Barnoff is still directing both "Grey's" and "Station 19," fans will likely be able to see Ben Warren (surgeon, now firefighter, We will see more crossovers, including Jason George as Miranda Bailey's husband).

Season 17 featured former cast members such as Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, T.R. Knight as Dr. George O'Malley, Chyler Lee as Dr. Lexie Gray, and Eric Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan. However, their deceased characters were part of Meredith's COVID-burned dream, so expect no more cameos in "Grey's Anatomy" Season 18.

ABC's renewal announcement did not specify the number of episodes, but it is speculated that it will be at least 20.

This year's Grey's Anatomy will air only 17 episodes in a season shortened by the pandemic. However, all previous seasons have consisted of at least 20 episodes (season 16 had 21 episodes, season 15 had 25 episodes, etc.).

Season 18 of Grey's Anatomy will be available on Netflix, but not for some time.

Season 17 is currently available on Netflix after being released in July.

Typically, Netflix delivers the latest season of "Grey's Anatomy" one month after it ends. Season 18 premiered in late September 2021 and will likely run through May 2022, giving Netflix a release date of June 2022.