Grey’s Anatomy is about to bid farewell to two of its longest-tenured cast members as season 22 comes to a close. In a shocking announcement, ABC has revealed Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd will be exiting the long-running medical drama at the end of its current season and will make their final appearances in the season 22 finale.
McKidd first joined the Grey’s Anatomy cast in season 5, originating the role of Dr. Owen Hunt. Meanwhile Raver would join the cast as Dr. Teddy Altman the following year in season 6. While McKidd has remained on the show since his initial debut, Raver stepped away from the series after season 8 before returning to the series in season 14.
The decisions are a result of creative changes in the series with both McKidd and Raver being informed that the series would be writing them out in the season finale. The good news is that it appears the door will be left open for the pair to return in the future, hinting that they’ll survive whatever the finale throws Grey Sloan Memorial’s way.
It’s hard to imagine Grey’s Anatomy without Owen and Teddy, but it does seem fitting that the pair will be exiting the show together. This seems to hint that perhaps they’ll leave town together, which we’re sure fans of the longtime couple will be appreciative of.
Following news of their exits, both Raver and McKidd have taken to social media to break their silence on their unexpected exits. For both stars, closing this chapter on their careers is difficult, but they leave the show thankful for the impact the show has had and for all those behind the show who they've worked with over the years.
"18 seasons. 18 years. That’s a fair stretch of a man’s life. I came over just hoping to get a shot… and somehow found a home. A family. A place that’s shaped me more than I probably realise yet. Playing Owen Hunt has been one of the great privileges of my career, in front of the camera and behind it. I’m deeply grateful to Shonda Rhimes for trusting me with him," McKidd reflected of his journey as Owen Hunt.
"It’s time to build something of my own from the ground up. To tell new stories, and take everything I’ve learned here into the next chapter. I’m really proud of what we’ve built," he continued. "To the crew, you’re the heart of it. My love and deep thanks. To the cast, I love you all. To all the writers, especially Meg Marinis, your skill and talent are what make this all happen. Thank you. Kim, Linda, Jeanne, Tai, Shawn, and everyone I haven’t mentioned, my warm love and thanks to you too.And finally, to the fans, thank you for sticking with us, for caring as much as you have."
Raver echoed many of McKidd’s sentiments, calling it an incredible privilege to be a part of the show.
“Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart. Sixteen years ago, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers. Since that day, it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life,” Raver wrote.
“I am especially grateful to our current showrunner, Meg Marinis, for her leadership and heart, and I want to honor the immense talent of the showrunners who came before her, including Krista Vernoff, whose guidance helped shape Teddy’s journey through the years,” she continued. “I feel so fortunate to have worked under the brilliance of Debbie Allen, who not only mentored me but welcomed me into the Director’s chair. To my amazingly talented castmates and our formidable, tireless crew: playing in this arena with you has been a joy, and I will carry this company in my heart always.To the fans, your unwavering devotion and support are the reason this show remains such a force. Thank you for making this set my place of magic and my home.”
We'll see how Grey's Anatomy writes Owen and Teddy out of the show, and it'll be interesting to see who might step in to take over as chief upon Teddy's exit. There are several episodes still left this season, so hopefully the show will begin to build to their exits rather than writing them out of the series abruptly in the finale.