Grey’s Anatomy won’t be undergoing a dramatic cast change anytime soon. While ABC has yet to officially renew the show for season 11, four long-time actors have signed two-year contract extensions that will keep them on Grey’s Anatomy for potential 11th and 12th seasons.

Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens, Jr. and Sara Ramirez all signed up for two more seasons, joining Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey, who negotiated similar deals earlier this year. This keeps the remaining original stars intact following Sandra Oh’s eminent departure at the end of season 10.

The most intriguing part of these new announcements is Justin Chambers. Alex Karev recently abandoned Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital for a lucrative job in a private practice. With Chambers sticking around for the possibility of two more seasons, it seems doubtful that Alex will stay away for long.

Also in the mix is the possibility that Caterina Scorsone, who plays Derek’s sister Amelia, may by joining the show full-time, but nothing has been decided. Amelia turned up for the final episodes of season 10 and the show seems to be making room for her to become a permanent resident of Seattle.

While the extensions mean those six actors will definitely be back, we also know that Gaius Charles and Tessa Ferrer (who play residents Shane Ross and Leah Murphy) will not be returning.

ABC Has yet to renew Grey’s Anatomy for season 11, but these new contracts certainly make it seem inevitable.

(Image courtesy of ABC)

John Kubicek

Senior Writer, BuddyTV

John watches nearly every show on TV, but he specializes in sci-fi/fantasy like The Vampire DiariesSupernatural and True Blood. However, he can also be found writing about everything from Survivor and Glee to One Tree Hill and Smallville.