With many characters being eliminated, 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 11 was a dark one. Now, Shonda Rhimes has assured the fans can expect something lighter when the long-running medical drama television series returns to ABC later this month.

Christian Today reports that most recent spoilers for 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 12 claims that the critically-acclaimed drama will have a three-month time jump following the upsetting death of Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey). A report in Variety states that the show will feature a lighter mood compared to the depressing atmosphere in Season 11. In addition, the storyline of the upcoming season will also delve into more romance.

Meanwhile, Debbie Allen, the actress who plays the role of the newly married Dr. Catherine Avery, said that her character will have a stimulating relationship with Dr. Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr).

"We'll just say that we are giving new life to sexy over 50," she said, adding, "We have a very hot relationship. Richard has got her busy."

However, some other characters, in addition to the newly-wed couple, will make the screen sizzle. Variety claims that a source told them that there will be more flirting and sexy scenes the upcoming season.

According to the recent spoilers, fans should watch out for some other couples, including Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) and Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington), who took a decision to live together in their new loft. In addition, Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) and Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone) will weigh their feelings if they want to remain friends or start being friends with benefits as they will begin to be physically intimate with each other. Moreover, former lovers Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) will begin to see other new people.

But as expected, romance will not be a priority for Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), especially following the shocking death of her husband Derek. On the other hand, the series creator Shonda Rhimes said that will reportedly have a personal rebirth.

Addressing the audience at the Television Critics Association summer press tour, Rhimes said, "I think Meredith is in a rebirth and she's evolving. I'm watching the character do what the character's doing and I'll see where it goes. I'm not going to say we're definitely not doing it, because I could be wrong, but that's not my plan right now. You can't just drop a guy in and be like, 'There he is!'"

'Grey's Anatomy' Season 12 will premiere on Thursday, Sept. 24, on ABC.