'Grey's Anatomy' season 13 air date, plot spoilers: Cristina Yang coming back? S13 to focus on original characters

Many are still wondering if fan-favorite character Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) is returning to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in "Grey's Anatomy" season 13.

Ever since Yang moved to Switzerland to head Burke's (Isaiah Washington) hospital, devastated fans have been hoping that the brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon will step back inside the halls of Grey Sloan — even for just an episode or two. However, many have doubted the possibility of this occurring, especially as her return could wreak havoc on Owen (Kevin McKidd) and Amelia's (Caterina Scorsone) new marriage.

Nonetheless, the upcoming 13th season of "Grey's Anatomy" seems to be the perfect setting for a Dr. Yang return, what with its reported focus on the show's original series regulars.

In a recent interview with TV Guide, "Grey's Anatomy" actress Kelly McCreary, who plays Maggie Pierce in the long-running medical drama, said that the new season will be going back to basics and will shift the focus back to its remaining original core characters, namely Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), and Richard Webber (James Pickens, Jr.).

"After such a long period of time and so many new people coming in and out, they remain the foundational characters of the show," McCreary said. She then continued, saying, "We're gonna be spending some more time with them to check in with where they are."

"One of the things I'm looking forward to most is the focus on ... those old, established relationships and those characters," the actress added.

While there have been no official season 13 casting announcements featuring original characters just yet, it should be noted that Oh has previously said that she is open to returning to "Grey's Anatomy," should the opportunity present itself.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter after her "Grey's Anatomy" exit, the actress recounted how she and "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes talked about a possible return.

"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,'" she said.

"Grey's Anatomy" season 13 debuts on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.