In Grey’s Anatomy Season 20, Episode 7, fans were treated to the return of Carina DeLuca (Stefania Spampinato), a beloved character who originally transitioned from Grey’s Anatomy to Station 19. Carina’s return to the medical drama signals the possibility of a larger role for her in the upcoming seasons, especially now that Station 19 has been canceled after seven seasons. As the show winds down, many fans are holding out hope that the Grey’s Anatomy universe could be the perfect place to continue Carina’s story, and her appearance in this recent episode offers a promising hint.
Carina, who was first introduced in Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 as Andrew DeLuca’s sister and later Arizona Robbins’ love interest, became a key character in the Station 19 spinoff when she started dating firefighter Maya Bishop (Danielle Savre). Their relationship, known as “Marina,” quickly gained a following, but Carina’s storyline shifted when she moved to Station 19 as a series regular. While she occasionally returned to Grey’s Anatomy, her primary role was as a major player on the spinoff. With the end of Station 19 in sight, however, this most recent appearance in Grey’s Anatomy could be a sign that Carina’s journey isn’t over, and that her story may evolve in new directions within the medical drama.
In the episode, Carina steps in as an OB/GYN consultant for a case gone wrong, which ties into Jo Wilson’s (Camilla Luddington) decision to focus on OB/GYN in her medical career. The timing is significant, as Jo is set to drop her general surgery specialty to pursue her interest in OB/GYN more fully. This shift could open the door for Carina to return as Jo’s mentor, reuniting them as a professional duo and bringing Carina back to the series in a much-needed capacity. Given Carina’s previous role in guiding Jo through the specialty change, this new phase would allow both characters to explore complex medical cases, while also providing an opportunity to delve deeper into important topics such as reproductive rights, a key theme for both the characters and the series.
With Stefania Spampinato no longer juggling dual roles between Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy, her return to the medical drama seems more feasible than ever. If this connection continues to develop, it could mark a significant evolution for Carina’s character on Grey’s Anatomy, providing her with a new professional arc while also strengthening her existing relationships within the hospital. Given the possibility of more OB/GYN-focused storylines, this could offer the series a chance to tackle ongoing medical and social issues with a fresh perspective.
Additionally, with Ben Warren (Jason George) already making appearances in Grey’s Anatomy Season 20, it seems increasingly likely that Carina could join him, contributing to the expansion of the shared Grey’s Anatomy universe even further. Fans who have followed Carina from her beginnings on Grey’s Anatomy to her time on Station 19 may now get the opportunity to see her return in a new role—one that could open the door to more storylines, personal growth, and emotional depth. As Grey’s Anatomy gears up for Season 21, Carina’s future on the show could bring fresh energy and further solidify her place in the hospital’s legacy.
