ABC's Grey's Anatomy officially brings on its first non-binary doctor for season 18. Though some suspected that the previous COVID-heavy season of Grey's Anatomy would be the last for the long-running medical drama, but Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and the other doctors at Grey Sloan are still going strong. Grey's Anatomy is 4 episodes into season 18, and it's already included thrilling returns and new cast members. So far, though, nothing has quite managed to surpass season 17's jaw-dropping reprisals, which included past stars like Patrick Dempsey (as Derek Shepherd) and Chyler Leigh (as Lexi Grey).

Grey's Anatomy season 18 has already brought back Meredith's late mother Ellis Grey (Kate Burton) and past series regular Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh). It's also served up some new twists for Meredith, as she's spent the first few episodes being wooed by a hospital in Minnesota that's eager for her to join them for an important Parkinson's study. Through that study, she's met Dr. Kai Bradley, a brilliant non-binary doctor played by E.R. Fightmaster. They've only appeared in two episodes so far, but they will be sticking around Grey's Anatomy for a little bit.

Related: So Many Grey's Anatomy Characters Returning In S18 Hints At The Show Ending

Per Variety, ABC has announced Fightmaster will have a recurring role in Grey's Anatomy season 18, making them the show's first non-binary cast member. They will next be seen in the November 11 episode, which will be their first of several more installments before December's midseason break. Fightmaster's most recent screen credits are recurring roles on Work in Progress and Hulu's Shrill. As for Dr. Bradley, they're described as "dedicated to their craft and extremely talented at what they do. Confident as hell and able to make even the most detailed and mundane science seem exciting and cool, Kai and Amelia bond over their shared love of medicine and the brain."

Dr Kai Bradley smiling softly in Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy is no stranger to diverse characters, as over the years it has held one of the most inclusive casts on television. In addition to spotlighting several characters of color, it's featured multiple LGBTQ+ couples, the most popular being the pairing of Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw). Introducing a non-binary character is just the next step forward for Grey's Anatomy, and though having them on only a recurring basis might not seem like a lot, that already puts the show farther ahead than so many others. Recent years have seen shows like Billions and Star Trek: Discovery introduce non-binary characters, and hopefully more will follow.

Grey's Anatomy season 18 recently welcomed a new cast member in Scott Speedman, who returned to the show after first guest starring years ago. This is a cast that is ever-evolving, so fans shouldn't be surprised if more changes take place within the course of the season. The news about Fightmaster is exciting, and viewers will get to see them wooing Meredith some more in the coming weeks.

More: Grey's Anatomy Ending: Zola Saves Meredith Theory Explained

Grey's Anatomy season 18 continues Thursday, November 11 on ABC.

Source: Variety