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

Though the update comes as little surprise, the latest news confirms that 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. Season 22 will consist of 18 episodes, the same number as season 21.

A recent update has confirmed that Pompeo's Dr. Grey will appear in seven episodes during season 22 (via ScreenRant)

Grey's Anatomy Season 22 Is Confirmed

The Medical Drama Is Coming Back For Season 22

The 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 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.

Grey's Anatomy season 21 debuted on September 26, 2024.

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:

Grey's Anatomy Season 22 Story Details

More Medical Emergencies Are Expected

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.