There's some great news for Grey's Anatomy fans, and many celebrations are in order! ABC continues to have the bragging rights of being the home to TV's longest-running primetime medical drama as the network has officially renewed Grey's Anatomy for season 23. But there's even better news to share with fans along with the renewal, which they will for sure love best.
Throughout its two decades and counting on the air, Grey's has said goodbye to its fair share of characters and cast members. So much so that only three characters and cast members who have been with the show since the first season are remaining. Following season 22, Kim Raver and Kevin Kidd are set to leave the series and complete Teddy and Owen's storylines. But those are the only exits fans will need to emotionally prepare for.
Ellen Pompeo expected to return for Grey's Anatomy season 23
According to Deadline's reporting, additional cast exits ahead of Grey's Anatomy season 23 aren't expected, though ABC still has through the end of June to negotiate contract extensions with the cast. However, key cast members Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Camilla Luddington, and Caterina Scorsone reportedly still have one year left on their current deals.
The best part of the news is that there's no mention at all about Ellen Pompeo leaving the series, further reducing her screentime, or anything of the sort. Pompeo's once again expected to return as an executive producer, the narrator, and for a limited number of episodes as Meredith Grey. Still, exact details about Pompeo's involvement are by far the most-wanted each season.
In addition to Wilson, Pickens Jr., and Pompeo, the rest of season 22's cast are expected to return in season 23: Jason George, Chris Carmack, Anthony Hill, Alexis Floyd Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Midori Francis, Niko Terho, and Trevor Jackson
The episode count hasn't been confirmed
As of the Grey's Anatomy season 23 renewal, ABC also didn't divulge how many episodes there will be in the upcoming season. Compared to its early seasons, which produced between 22 and 24 episodes per season (even up to 27 episodes!), the show has significantly reduced its output in the wake of the pandemic and dual Hollywood labor strikes. The past two seasons have had 18 episodes.
Deadline previously suggested that budget cuts could impact Grey's Anatomy season 23, which would mean a reduced episode count from even the new 18-episode maximum. The total number of episodes fans can expect in the next season will be revealed at a later date, but perhaps after Raver and McKidd's departures, the episode count won't be effected.
No matter how many episodes season 23 will contain, the series is steadily inching toward another major milestone. Next fall's season will likely help the show push past its 480 episode marker, bringing it that much closer to 500 episodes. There's no telling how long the show could go on for, but given its success on streaming, the sky's clearly the limit for TV's most enduring modern classic.
The Grey's Anatomy season 22 finale airs on Thursday, May 7 at 10/9c on ABC.