Shonda Rhimes Reveals the Real Reason Callie Didn't Return to Grey's Anatomy

Are you sitting down, Grey's Anatomy fans? Because we have some sad news: April (Sarah Drew) and Arizona's (Jessica Capshaw) bittersweet sendoff in the most recent season finale of Grey's Anatomy almost featured the return of Sara Ramirez, but CBS prevented her surprise cameo from coming to fruition.

During a Q&A with fans via Instagram Story, Grey's boss Shonda Rhimes revealed she tried to bring back Ramirez, who left the long-running medical drama in Season 12, for a quick cameo. However, things fell apart due to the actress's commitment to the CBS White House drama Madam Secretary.

"Let me tell you something: we tried," Rhimes said in an Instagram video. "CBS has a hold of her because she's on another show, and we can't get her. But we love her. Always. This is her home. Come home, Callie."

The Season 14 finale, which TV Line confirmed is the episode Rhimes planned for Callie's comeback, saw April receive her happy ending, marrying Matthew (Justin Bruening) in an impromptu wedding at the site of Alex (Justin Chambers) and Jo's (Camilla Luddington) disastrous ceremony. Although Callie couldn't be there in person, she did appear in the finale via a text message to Arizona in which she expressed her excitement that Arizona was headed to New York City. "I can't wait to see you!" Callie wrote. The sweet exchange marked a full-circle moment for the former couple, who parted ways on tumultuous terms after a bitter court battle ended with Arizona receiving full custody of their daughter Sofia.

Rhimes also revealed that she'd like to see Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery back on Grey's Anatomy, but again, that cameo is unlikely due to Kate Walsh's busy schedule. "I can't bring back people who don't exist in terms of availability. Kate's busy, people!" Rhimes said.

Walsh currently stars as Olivia Baker, the mother of the deceased Hannah Baker, on the Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why. She will next be seen starring opposite Chicago Med's Colin Donnell in the romantic comedy Sell By. It is due out later this year, so maybe don't hold your breath about that Grey's cameo.

(Full disclosure: TV Guide is owned by CBS.)