Grey’s Anatomy Shock: 2 Stars Exit As 15 Fan-Favorites Make A Historic Return!

 

As Grey’s Anatomy wraps up its emotional twenty-second season, fans are already looking forward to Season 23, which is officially set to premiere in Fall 2026. Remaining in its long-standing Thursday night timeslot at 10 PM, the legendary Shonda Rhimes medical drama is on track to pass a monumental milestone next season: 475 episodes.

However, Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital will look a little different when the show returns. While 15 major stars are expected to return, the shifting realities of the network television industry mean that two beloved, long-running actors will not be coming back.

Here is everything you need to know about the cast changes heading into Season 23.

While losing Teddy and Owen is a heavy blow, ABC has stabilized the ship by ensuring that the vast majority of the current ensemble will return to the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial.

The following 15 stars are expected to back for Season 23:

Ellen Pompeo began taking a decreased presence on Grey’s starting in season 20 and she’ll likely continue with that trend for the 23rd season.

– Advertisement –

Deadline reports that Ellen will continue as executive producer in season 23 and she’s “expected” to appear again as Meredith Grey.

Chandra Wilson is expected to be returning as Miranda Bailey in season 23.

Deadline reports that she has another year on her contract and the outlet does not expect any other departures than the two that have already been announced.

James Pickens Jr. is expected to be returning as Richard Webber in season 23.

Deadline reports that he has another year on her contract and the outlet does not expect any other departures than the two that have already been announced.

Camilla Luddington is expected to be returning as Jo Wilson in season 23.

Deadline reports that she has another year on her contract and the outlet does not expect any other departures than the two that have already been announced.

Caterina Scorsone is expected to be returning as Amelia Shepherd in season 23.

Deadline reports that she has another year on her contract and the outlet does not expect any other departures than the two that have already been announced.

Chris Carmack is expected to be returning as Atticus Lincoln in season 23.

Deadline reports that he has another year on her contract and the outlet does not expect any other departures than the two that have already been announced.

Jason George is expected to be back as Ben Warren in season 23.

There’s no indication right now that he would leave the show anytime soon.

Anthony Hill is expected to be back as Winston Ndugu in season 23.

There’s no indication right now that he would leave the show anytime soon.

While he’s not a series regular on the show, Scott Speedman is likely to be back in his recurring capacity, as he has been for the past few seasons.

Scott also appeared on the ABC show RJ Decker.

Alexis Floyd is expected to be back as Simone Griffith in season 23.

There’s no indication right now that she would leave the show anytime soon.

Harry Shum Jr. is expected to be back as Benson Kwan in season 23.

There’s no indication right now that he would leave the show anytime soon.

Adelaide Kane is expected to be back as Jules Millin in season 23.

There’s no indication right now that he would leave the show anytime soon.

Niko Terho is expected to be back as Lucas Adams in season 23.

There’s no indication right now that he would leave the show anytime soon.

Trevor Jackson is expected to be back as Wes Bryant in season 23.

There’s no indication right now that he would leave the show anytime soon.

Deadline noted in the season 23 renewal news that Debbie Allen remains on the executive producing team and she will return as “director and recurring cast member.”

Debbie has been appearing as Catherine Fox since season 8.

The biggest shockwave of the Season 22 finale centers around the official departure of two series pillars. Due to shifting industry trends, smaller network ensembles, and strict budgetary considerations, ABC made the financial decision to write off a core on-screen couple.

Kevin McKidd confirmed that he is leaving the show after the season 22 finale.

“Grey’s Anatomy has been a huge chapter of my life, creatively and personally, and I’m deeply grateful for everything the show has given me over the years,” Kevin said.

Kim Raver confirmed that she is leaving the show after the season 22 finale.

She said, “Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart.”

Kevin joined in season five and has remained a series regular since. Kim joined in season six and left for several years after season eight, before returning as recurring in season 14 and back to series regular the next season.

Current series showrunner Meg Marinis hinted that they could return to the show in the future.

“While their story is coming to a close, this is never truly a goodbye,” she stated. “We are endlessly grateful for the years, the artistry and the memories they’ve given to the show and we look forward to cheering them on in whatever comes next.”