Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) is set for a "season of love" when "Grey's Anatomy" returns for its 15th outing this fall. But she's also going to have to deal with some family drama, too.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Thatcher Grey (Jeff Perry), Meredith's father, is set to return again. This will mark the character's first appearance on the series since way back in 2011.

Just what Thatcher will be doing this time around -- or how long he's planning on staying -- is currently unknown, though TVLine notes that his reappearance could be tied to an upcoming storyline in which Meredith works on an intensely personal case. ABC chief Channing Dungey told the site earlier this month that this season will feature Mer investigating "a medical condition that is very close to her own family background and history."

Longtime fans of the series know that Meredith's late mother, Ellis (Kate Burton), had Alzheimer's, while Thatcher has dealt with a host of medical issues, including alcoholism, liver disease, and kidney stones. He and Meredith have had a rocky relationship, to put it mildly, so it's likely that his return will signal some additional uncomfortable moments between the pair.

Fans will find out soon enough. Season 15 of "Grey's Anatomy" premieres on ABC on September 27.

[via: Entertainment Weekly, TVLine]