Granted that Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith will always be Grey’s Anatomy‘s poster character, the show is able to develop other ongoing storylines in the show, executing a mix of personal storylines and professional challenges. In its latest episode during 2025-2026 TV cycle, “When I Crash,” two doctors were particularly put through the wringer — Jo and Richard, as their fates hang in the balance.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 23 Has Officially Started Its Midseason Hiatus

As Jo’s life is actually in critical condition due to complications in her pregnancy and Richard is officially diagnosed with prostate cancer, there’s increased interest in knowing what lies in front of them. However, in true Grey’s Anatomy fashion, these revelations were designed to be a cliffhanger ending that won’t get resolved for a little while because the show has now officially entered its annual winter break. This means that the medical series won’t be releasing any more new episodes for 2025.
While certain shows started the TV cycle late, the majority of ABC’s scripted projects, including Grey’s Anatomy, started in early October. They have consistently released episodes every week since then, allowing them to quickly roll out 6 outings in total in the last month and a half. ABC then decides to save the rest of its year to 2026.
When Grey’s Anatomy Returns & What To Expect From Season 22, Episode 7
The good news is that Grey’s Anatomy season 22 already has a confirmed return date — January 8, 2026. As frustrating as it is that the show is now on hiatus, this is actually a much better scenario than what happened last year, wherein the medical show, as well as other ABC shows, were off the air for several months, only returning around March 2025 after going on break before December 2024.
Sadly, ABC hasn’t released the official details for Grey’s Anatomy season 22, episode 7, including the title. That said, it’s not difficult to imagine that the outing will pick up not long after where the midseason finale left off, especially since there’s urgency to reveal what happens to Jo. Despite that, the network did share a tease for the upcoming episode, understandably, with a focus on Jo as the attempt to save her and her twins continues.