
As the series dives further into its second decade on the small screen, Grey’s Anatomy sees cast changes on a seemingly yearly basis, and is in a nearly constant state of flux. Though recent seasons have begun to lean heavily on surprise returns of legacy characters, Grey’s has never failed to deliver the fun medical action that kept viewers tuning in throughout the years. While it seems as if Shonda Rhimes’ smash-hit is finally winding down, ABC has opted to renew the series for season 22.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Latest News
ABC Renews Grey’s Anatomy Season 22
Though the update comes as little surprise, the latest news confirms that ABC has renewed Grey’s Anatomy for season 22 and that the new season will be part of ABC’s fall 2025 schedule. The renewal came alongside the pickup of four other ABC shows (9-1-1, The Rookie, Will Trent, and Shifting Gears), and speaks to the strong impact that the medical drama still has on the network.

Grey’s Anatomy had plenty of shocking episodes, but some were more distressing than others in how they delivered unexpected developments.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Is Confirmed
The Medical Drama Is Coming Back For Season 22
The upcoming season will consist of 18 total episodes, which is the same number as season 21
With the status of many popular network TV shows still in limbo, the fate of Grey’s Anatomy season 22 was never really in doubt. As such, ABC renewed the medical drama in April 2025, more than a month before the season 21 finale aired. The upcoming season will consist of 18 total episodes, which is the same number as season 21, though it is a few less than season 19. Season 20 was impacted by the Hollywood strikes of 2023, and was the shortest season since the very first back in 2005.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Cast Details
Who Returns To Grey Sloan?
The cast of Grey’s Anatomy season 22 is difficult to predict, and though there is a roster of familiar faces that will likely return, other returns are less certain. The events of season 21 will inform what happens in season 22, and that goes for the cast as well. Long-time stars like Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Grey have taken a step back, and even surprise returns are much more temporary. However, Pompeo is confirmed to return in season 22.
An update confirms that Pompeo’s Dr. Grey will appear in seven episodes during season 22 (via ScreenRant).
A cliffhanger at the end of season 21 left most of the potential main characters of Grey’s Anatomy season 22 in peril. Though the main cast all have contracts that extend into season 22, the only confirmed characters to be “safe” from that peril are Meredith Grey and Ben Warren (Jason George).
The presumptive cast of Grey’s Anatomy season 22 includes:
Actor | Grey’s Anatomy Role | |
---|---|---|
Chandra Wilson | Miranda Bailey |
|
James Pickens Jr. | Richard Webber |
|
Ellen Pompeo | Meredith Grey |
|
Camilla Luddington | Jo Wilson |
|
Kevin McKidd | Owen Hunt |
|
Caterina Scorsone | Amelia Shepherd |
|
Kim Raver | Teddy Altman |
|
Harry Shum Jr. | Benson “Blue” Kwan |
|
Adelaide Kane | Jules Millin |
|
Niko Terho | Lucas Adams |
|
Alexis Floyd | Simone Griffith |
|
Chris Cormack | Atticus Lincoln |
|
Jaicy Elliot | Taryn Helm |
|
Debbie Allen | Catherine Fox |
|
Natalie Morales | Monica Beltran |
|
Jason George | Ben Warren |
|
Michael Thomas Grant | Chaplain James |
|
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Story Details
More Medical Emergencies Are Expected
When Grey’s Anatomy season 22 premieres, it will have to address what happened at the end of season 21. An explosion rocked the hospital during the season finale. The only characters confirmed by Showrunner Meg Marinis to be safe in her Hollywood Reporter interview are Meredith and Ben. While that does not necessarily mean Marinis is set to kill off a lot of the main characters, it likely means there will be a lot of trauma and injuries for the main cast to deal with in the early storylines of the season.
Dr. Grey’s rebellious decision to release the Alzheimer’s research caused a ripple effect going into season 21, but that storyline will even continue into season 22 as well during Pompeo’s handful of appearances for the season.