After her controversial exit from the ABC drama, Katherine Heigl returned with her co-stars.
In a nostalgic celebration of television's rich history, the 75th annual Emmy Awards brought together an array of iconic casts, including a special reunion that left Grey's Anatomy fans elated.
After a walk down memory lane, host Anthony Anderson introduced Chandra Wilson, Justin Chambers, Ellen Pompeo, Katherine Heigl and James Pickens to the stage.
"When the first episode of Grey's Anatomy aired in March of 2005," Pompeo read from the teleprompter. "I'm not sure if [series creator] Shonda Rhimes knew that she had created a show that would have a lasting imprint on television and create lifelong friendships."
"Over 400 episodes and counting," Chambers chimed in, "a tribute to everyone who has been a part of our family."
Then it was Heigl's turn to speak, whose remarks referenced her tumultuous exit, which drew a chuckle from her co-stars.
"And, yes, there have been changes over the years, but the one constant is the amazing fanbase," she said.
"You stayed with us through plane crashes, superstorms, earthquakes and a global pandemic," Wilson added. "And as we start our 20th season, we are officially the longest-running primetime medical drama in TV history."
Pickens then thanked the fans for helping the show make TV history.
The chemistry between Heigl's Izzie Stevens and Chambers' Alex Karev in Grey's Anatomy had left an indelible mark on fans, and the prospect of seeing them together again generated immense excitement. While the characters may not be reunited on screen, the actors themselves -- along with Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey), James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webber) and Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey) -- graced the Emmy stage to announce one of the night's prestigious winners.
Controversy around Heigl's role on the show started during the 2008-09 season, when the actress publicly announced that she wouldn't be submitting herself for Emmy consideration that year, saying that she "did not feel that I was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination."
Tensions between Heigl and Grey's creator Shonda Rhimes continued to rise until March 2010, when they reached an agreement to immediately release her from her contract, making the Jan. 21 episode her final appearance on the show as Dr. Izzie Stevens -- until an unexpected cameo in season 16, in an episode marking Chambers' departure from the show.
Ahead of presenting with her co-stars, Heigl spoke to ET on the red carpet and shared her reaction to the group's reunion.
"It's hard," she admits of getting the cast together. "I came in from Utah Sunday and then came here and did a rehearsal with them."
Monday's reunion of this beloved cast added a touch of nostalgia to the Emmys, evoking memories of the medical drama that has captured hearts for years. The chemistry and camaraderie among the Grey's veterans was palpable as they shared the stage, reminding fans of the enduring bond forged during their time on the hit show.
The Grey's Anatomy reunion was just one among many at the 75th Emmy Awards. The star-studded evening also witnessed the return of Lorraine Bracco and Michael Imperioli from The Sopranos, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Carl Anthony Payne II, and Tichina Arnold from Martin, and other iconic casts from shows including Ally McBeal, Saturday Night Live, American Horror Story: Murder House, and the classic Cheers.
A special tribute to the legacy of I Love Lucy added a timeless touch to the evening, promising a full recreation of the famous conveyor belt scene. The anticipation grew as viewers wondered who would step into the iconic roles of Lucille Ball's Lucy and Vivian Vance's Ethel, a secret reserved for the grand Emmy show.
Anderson spoke to ET's Nischelle Turner ahead of his hosting gig, where he revealed that heading up the Emmys has always been a dream of his, and he sees it as a golden opportunity to finally get his hands on a coveted Emmy statuette. The Black-ish star has been nominated an impressive 13 times without clinching a win.
The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, originally set to take place last September, was postponed due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. Hosted by Anthony Anderson at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the ceremony will air live Monday, Jan. 15 at 5 p.m. PT, 8 p.m. ET on Fox, and will be streamed Tuesday, Jan. 16 on Hulu. Keep checking ETonline.com for complete Emmys coverage and for the full winners' list.
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