Fans, scrub in—Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 is officially confirmed for its Fall return on October 9, 2025, airing Thursdays at 10 PM ET/PT on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu. With only two cast members fully confirmed so far, negotiations are underway for several others, and rumors about the show’s possible end, Season 22 promises major changes for Grey Sloan Memorial.
What’s Coming Next
ABC renewed the series in April 2025, continuing its reign as the longest-running medical drama on primetime television. Executive producer Betsy Beers highlights that the show’s strength lies in its mix of new personalities, evolving conflicts, and compelling high-stakes medical plots. The first episode alone promises emotional payoff from Season 21’s hospital explosion cliffhanger.
The Season 21 finale ended with dramatic chaos—most notably the exploding surgical floor, a callback to past “Grey’s” disasters. Showrunner Meg Marinis confirmed it was deliberate, aligning sentimental callbacks with suspenseful new storytelling.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Cast & Returning Favorites
Though only two regulars—Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey) and James Pickens Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber)—are confirmed to return for all episodes, many more have deals to return, including Kevin McKidd, Kim Raver, Camilla Luddington, Caterina Scorsone, Jason George, Chris Carmack, Anthony Hill, Alexis Floyd, Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, and Niko Terho.
Ellen Pompeo will remain involved as narrator and executive producer, appearing in approximately seven episodes, though she isn’t a full-time regular.
Lucas and the Shepherd Family Connection
One of the most talked-about storylines involves Lucas Adams, who has been seen by many fans as a potential “replacement Derek.” Season 22 may finally address his deeper connection to the Shepherd family, which could tie into Meredith Grey’s legacy and bring more emotional weight to his arc.
Season 21’s Explosive Ending
The Season 21 finale’s bombing left many characters’ fates up in the air—including fan-favorite Dr. Link (Chris Carmack). In interviews, Carmack remains vague about his return, emphasizing that options are still open.
Additionally, Piper Perabo’s character, Jenna—the frantic mom behind the hostage crisis—is a wild card. Perabo teased to TV Insider that conversations with writers suggest her escape may not have been final.
Cast Reflections
After 20 years on the show, Chandra Wilson admitted to People that she’s only watched up through Season 3—and plans to catch up “for herself.” Her comments underscore the cast’s sentimental connection after two decades at Grey Sloan.
Is Grey’s Anatomy Ending?
A major question on every fan’s mind: Will Season 22 be the last? While ABC has not officially confirmed an ending, fan theories and insider reports suggest that the show could be moving toward its conclusion. Some believe the current contract negotiations and storyline shifts are laying the groundwork for a final season.
And yes—theories are already brewing. Some fans predict the show could end with Meredith developing Alzheimer’s and discovering a cure… to ultimately use on herself.
What Lies Ahead for Grey’s Anatomy Season 22?
With new cast shake-ups, legacy storylines, and speculation about the series’ future, Season 22 is shaping up to be one of the most important in Grey’s Anatomy history. Whether it’s the beginning of the end or just another reinvention of the hit drama, one thing is clear: Grey’s Anatomy still has fans hooked after more than two decades.
- More episodes, more storytelling: Season 22 will consist of 18 episodes and surpass 450 total episodes.
- Streaming access: Catch nightly episodes on ABC; stream the next day on Hulu. International fans may find Season 22 on Disney+.
- Returning arcs: Expect romantic tensions (like Teddy/Owen or Lucas/Simone), medical emergencies, and revealing storylines about who survived the explosion.
Keep following BuddyTV for exclusive recaps, character breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes from Grey Sloan as Season 22 unfolds.
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