The devastating Grey’s Anatomy exit no one saw coming: Kevin McKidd & Kim Raver are OUT!

 

Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver will be leaving Grey’s Anatomy at the end of Season 22.

According to Deadline, their last episode will be the Season 22 finale, which wrapped production this week and is set to air on May 7. The actors were informed they would leaving the medical drama more than a month ago.

McKidd, who plays Dr. Owen Hunt, has been a series regular on Grey’s Anatomy since Season 5 in 2008. Raver, who portrays Dr. Teddy Altman, originally appeared in Seasons 6-8 from 2009 to 2012. She returned as a series regular in Season 15 in 2018 and has remained part of the main cast ever since.

McKidd and Raver’s characters have been intertwined for most of their time on the show. What began as a friendship between two military surgeons eventually evolved into a marriage and a family, only for the most recent season to find them navigating a divorce and co-parenting.

Grey’s Anatomy has yet to be officially renewed for another season, though Deadline reports a renewal is expected.

The outlet reported last month that the next season would likely come with budget cuts, including a reduced episode order compared to the 18-episode runs of the past two seasons.

While the departures of McKidd and Raver could help offset costs, their exits are believed to be a creative decision.

For fans invested in Owen and Teddy’s relationship, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes hinted at a “happy ending” for the pair.

“Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Owen and Teddy’s love story evolve and deepen – two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other,” she said. “It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves.”

McKidd and Raver also addressed their exits via statements.

“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,” McKidd said, according to Us Weekly. “Playing Dr. Owen Hunt and directing on the show have both shaped me enormously, and I’ve had the privilege of working with an extraordinary group of people throughout that time. I’m particularly thankful to Shonda Rhimes for creating Owen, and for the encouragement she gave me as I stepped into directing.”

“As that chapter comes to a close, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead — building new work, telling new stories and taking everything I’ve learned into the next phase of my career,” he added.

“Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart. Sixteen years ago, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers,” Raver wrote in her statement via Instagram. “Since that day, it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life. … To the fans — your unwavering devotion and support are the reason this show remains such a force. Thank you for making this set my place of magic and my home.”

Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Meg Marinis also noted that Raver and McKidd could return in the future for guest appearances.

“While their story is coming to a close, this is never truly a goodbye,” Marinis said. “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.”

Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Episodes are available next day on Hulu.