Per Deadline, it has been confirmed that Grey’s Anatomy has been renewed for season 22, which will have 18 episodes, matching season 21’s episode count. Legacy star Pompeo is also set to return as Meredith Grey, after scaling back to a recurring on-screen role from season 20, while continuing as executive producer and narrator. How many of those 18 episodes she will appear in remains unknown. Other long-term cast are also expected to return, after many signed deals last year, while regulars Jake Borelli and Midori Francis will not return after departing last season.
What This Means For Grey’s Anatomy Season 22
This Could Be The Final Season Of The Cultural Behemoth
The cast of Grey’s Anatomy has been vast and diverse over the years, with only three of the original now remaining - Pompeo, James Pickens Jr., and Chandra Wilson. Pompeo’s scaled-back role led many to believe the star was set to exit the show, but her return for season 22 suggests she is not finished yet. It is unclear whether her role will continue to be a scaled-back recurring one, or if she is due to make more regular appearances, but the show’s veteran cast is also poised for a comeback.
Grey’s Anatomy cast expected to return for season 22.
Cast Member |
Grey's Anatomy Character |
Ellen Pompeo |
Meredith Grey |
James Pickens Jr. |
Richard Webber |
Chandra Wilson |
Miranda Bailey |
Kevin McKidd |
Owen Hunt |
Kim Raver |
Teddy Altman |
Caterina Scorsone |
Amelia Shepherd |
Camilla Luddington |
Jo Wilson |
Chris Carmack |
Atticus Lincoln |
Alexis Floyd |
Simone Griffith |
Adelaide Kane |
Jules Millin |
Whilst Grey’s Anatomy is not the ratings juggernaut it once was, the show remains an important cultural landmark and still continues to resonate with audiences. Season 22 could wind up being the show’s final collection of episodes, and this might mean Pompeo looks to expand her role once again, but this is not definitive. Ultimately, Grey’s Anatomy season 22 will seek to expand on what worked well in season 21, whilst also looking to set up future storylines.
Our Take On Grey’s Anatomy Season 22
The Show Can Get Its Veteran Cast Together For A Great Send-Off
Grey’s Anatomy season 21 marked a return to form for the show in many ways, and there will be hope that season 22 can continue this trend. If the show is ambling toward a conclusion, bringing the veteran cast together for one last season would help send the series off on a high note. ABC's flagship show is displaying few signs of slowing down, but behind the scenes, there may be plans in place to conclude the series sooner rather than later, and bringing Pompeo back in a more regular role would be a good way to bring Grey's Anatomy full circle.
Source: Deadline

Grey's Anatomy is a medical drama series revolving around surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show features the professional and personal lives of these medical professionals, led initially by Dr. Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the series highlights the complexities of medical cases while delving into the interpersonal relationships among the hospital staff.
- Cast
- Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Justin Chambers, Kevin McKidd, Jesse Williams, Bokhee An, Camilla Luddington, Patrick Dempsey, Sara Ramirez, Jessica Capshaw, Kate Walsh, Greg Germann, Isaiah Washington, Aniela Gumbs, Martin Henderson, Payton Silver, Gaius Charles, Tessa Ferrer, Stefania Spampinato, Alex Landi, Scott Speedman, Mark Saul, Nicole Rubio, Richard Flood, Ryder Goodstadt, Steven W. Bailey, Adelaide Kane, Alexis Floyd, Harry Shum Jr., Midori Francis, Niko Terho
- Directors
- Rob Corn, Kevin McKidd, Debbie Allen, Chandra Wilson, Allison Liddi-Brown, Jeannot Szwarc, Tony Phelan
- Writers
- Shonda Rhimes, Julie Wong, Jen Klein, Tameson Duffy, Meg Marinis
- Main Genre
- Drama
- Creator(s)
- Shonda Rhimes, Michelle Lirtzman
- Seasons
- 21
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