Stalwart medical drama Grey’s Anatomy has become a fixture on the small screen across its two-decade run on the air thus far, and that run continues into season 22 as well. Created by TV maven Shonda Rhimes, the long-running series follows the doctors and staff of the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle, Washington. Tasked with tackling an increasingly bombastic series of medical emergencies, the team at Grey Sloan must also balance their personal lives with their hectic work schedule. Though medical dramas are nothing new, Grey’s Anatomy broke the mold and continues to do so 20 years later.
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
James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber and Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey in Grey’s Anatomy season 21 episode 3Custom
Though the update comes as little surprise, the latest news confirms that ABC has renewed Grey’s Anatomy for season 22. 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. The renewal also came with the news that Ellen Pompeo is returning to reprise her role as Dr. Meredith Grey, though it’s unclear how many episodes she will appear in. Season 22 will consist of 18 episodes, the same number as season 21.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Is Confirmed
The Medical Drama Is Coming Back For Season 22
Debbie Allen as Catherine Fox in Grey’s Anatomy season 21’s teaser trailer pointing angrily offscreen
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 is set to air. 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.
Production details for Grey’s Anatomy season 22 haven’t been announced yet, but it’s assumed that the show is gunning for a fall 2025 release. Except for seasons 1 and 20, every season of Grey’s has arrived between September and November, and it’s unlikely that ABC would shift the series to midseason since it still pulls excellent ratings. It will likely remain a crown jewel in ABC’s fall slate for as long as it stays on the air.
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 some capacity in season 22.
Despite all that, regulars like Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey and James Pickins Jr. as Richard Webber should be expected back, though the latter might finally retire after all. Mika Yasuda (Midori Francis) and Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) will be leaving during season 21, meaning the roster of young doctors will be even smaller in season 22. This means more new faces will likely be added between seasons, though nothing is confirmed yet.
The presumptive cast of Grey’s Anatomy season 22 includes:
Debbie Allen as Catherine Fox and Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey in Grey’s Anatomy season 21’s trailer-1
James Pickens Jr.
James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber in Grey’s Anatomy season 16
Ellen Pompeo
Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Giving a Close Lipped Smile in Grey’s Anatomy
Matthew Morrison as Paul Stadler and Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson in Grey’s Anatomy season 14, episode 9
Kevin McKidd
Kevin McKidd As Owen Hunt In Grey’s Anatomy Color Edited.jpg
Caterina Scorsone
Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone) looks shocked while speaking with Catherine and Meredith in the Grey’s Anatomy season 20 finale
Kim Raver
Teddy Altman looks concerned in Grey’s Anatomy
Harry Shum Jr.
Harry Shum Jr. As Benson Blue Kwan In Grey’s Anatomy Season 19
Jules Millin And Atticus “Link” Lincoln In Grey’s Anatomy
Niko Terho As Lucas Adams In Grey’s Anatomy
Alexis Floyd As Simone Griffith Looking Scared In Grey’s Anatomy
Debbie Allen as Catherine Fox in Grey’s Anatomy season 20, episode 10-1
Natalie Morales As Monica Beltran Looking At Scans In Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Story Details
More Medical Emergencies Are Expected
Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey and Debbie Allen as Catherine Fox in Grey’s Anatomy season 20’s finaleCustom
Predicting what happens in Grey’s Anatomy season 22 is difficult because it will likely play off of what happens at the end of season 21. Dr. Grey’s rebellious decision to release the Alzheimer’s research caused a ripple effect going into season 21, but that storyline will likely be resolved before the season is out. Though the overarching storyline is unpredictable, it’s to be expected that the next seasons of Grey’s Anatomy will see the staff take on new emergencies, and deal with the trials and tribulations of hospital work.
