ABC Renews Grey’s Anatomy for Season 23 Despite Cast Departures
ABC has made a decision regarding the return of Grey’s Anatomy for season 23 following several unexpected cast departures.
Variety confirmed on Monday, March 30, that the acclaimed medical drama has been renewed. This announcement came just days after both Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver revealed their exit from the series.
“Grey’s Anatomy has been a significant chapter in my life, both creatively and personally, and I’m incredibly thankful for all that the show has offered me over the years,” McKidd, 53, stated on Wednesday, March 25. “Taking on the role of Dr. Owen Hunt and directing episodes has profoundly shaped me, and I have been fortunate to work with an extraordinary team of people throughout this journey. I’m especially grateful to Shonda Rhimes for bringing Owen to life and for her support as I ventured into directing.”
He added: “As this chapter closes, I look forward to what lies ahead—creating new work, telling fresh stories, and applying everything I’ve learned in the next phase of my career.”
Raver, 57, also shared her thoughts on this development.
“Portraying Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a special and cherished place in my heart. Sixteen years ago, I had the remarkable opportunity to take on this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers,” she expressed in her own statement. “Since then, it has been a true pleasure to bring Shonda’s iconic words and our brilliant writers’ vision to life. … To the fans—your unwavering loyalty and support are why this show continues to thrive. Thank you for making this set my magical place and home.”
Creator Shonda Rhimes hinted at how the season will conclude for Teddy (Raver) and Owen (McKidd).
“Throughout the years, we have had the honor of witnessing the evolution and deepening of Owen and Teddy’s love story—two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other. It is both bittersweet and joyful to grant this couple the happy ending they deserve,” she teased in her statement. “Kevin and Kim infuse extraordinary talent, nuance, and heart into their portrayals of Owen and Teddy. Their contributions have left an indelible impact on Grey’s Anatomy, both in front of and behind the scenes. I’m immensely grateful to have had the chance to work with them and witness their brilliance.”
She concluded: “While we will all miss seeing them in the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial each day, I am eager to see where Kim’s and Kevin’s journeys will lead them next.”
Deadline reported that McKidd and Raver were informed over a month ago about their departure from Grey’s Anatomy, with their final episode airing as the season 22 finale, which has recently wrapped production and is set to broadcast on May 7.
Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
