Grey’s Anatomy Season 23: All the Major Characters Leaving and Returning to the Hit Medical Drama

As Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 wraps up on May 7, fans are already looking ahead to Season 23 and wondering which familiar faces will remain at Grey Sloan Memorial. One of the biggest questions has been whether Ellen Pompeo plans to leave the long-running drama completely or reduce her involvement further, but so far, there has been no indication that she plans to do either. Pompeo is still expected to continue as an executive producer and the show’s narrator, while also returning for a limited number of appearances as Dr. Meredith Grey.

Chandra Wilson remains one of the few original stars still holding down the fort on Grey’s Anatomy, and at this point, she is expected to return for Season 23. Wilson has been part of the medical drama since the show first premiered back in 2005, playing the tough but respected Dr. Miranda Bailey from day one. Over the years, Bailey has become one of the most recognizable characters in the series, with Wilson staying a steady presence through countless cast exits and major changes at Grey Sloan Memorial.

James Pickens Jr is also expected to return for Season 23 of Grey’s Anatomy as Dr Richard Webber. Pickens has been with the medical drama since the very first episode and remains one of the show’s longest-running cast members. His possible return comes after the actor faced a serious health issue in real life. In late 2025, Pickens revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer the previous year after a routine PSA blood test during an annual checkup. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early, and he later underwent successful robotic surgery.

Caterina Scorsone is still believed to return to Grey’s Anatomy despite taking a step back during Season 22. Her character, Dr. Amelia Shepherd, temporarily left work and went on sabbatical while mourning the death of Monica Beltran, played by Natalie Morales. Reports later stated that Scorsone’s reduced screen time would continue through the end of 2025. The move was reportedly connected to budget-related decisions behind the scenes rather than a permanent exit, so fans should still expect Amelia to remain part of the Grey’s Anatomy world moving ahead.

After tying the knot in Season 21, Jo Wilson and Atticus ‘Link’ Lincoln became one of the more stable couples on Grey's Anatomy. Their storyline continued in Season 22 when Jo welcomed twins, making it unlikely that Camilla Luddington will be stepping away from the series anytime soon. Fans have also spent quite some time worrying that Chris Carmack could leave the medical drama, but there has been no indication of an exit so far. Because of that, many viewers are hoping to see both Jo and Link continue their family journey in Season 23.

There has been no indication that Jason George plans to leave the show, so fans are likely to see Dr. Ben Warren back as a series regular in Season 23. Anthony Hill also appears likely to continue as Dr. Winston Ndugu, especially after Winston recently found a new romantic connection with Jules Millin, played by Adelaide Kane. Meanwhile, Alexis Floyd is also believed to be returning as Dr. Simone Griffith.

Adelaide Kane is likely to return for the upcoming season as Dr. Jules Millin. Niko Terho is also widely believed to be coming back as Dr. Lucas Adams. Although final contract details are reportedly still being worked out after the show secured its renewal for the 2026–2027 television season, both actors are seen as key members of the newer generation of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial.

Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver are officially leaving Grey’s Anatomy following the Season 22 finale. ABC confirmed back in March that both longtime cast members would exit the series as regulars after spending years portraying Dr. Owen Hunt and Dr. Teddy Altman. Their characters became one of the medical drama’s most talked-about and complicated couples over the years, surviving countless ups and downs at Grey Sloan Memorial. With their departure taking place in the May 7 finale, viewers should not expect Owen or Teddy to return as part of the main cast in Season 23.

Harry Shum Jr. may have an uncertain future on Grey's Anatomy after Season 22 placed Dr. Benson ‘Blue’ Kwan at the center of a big medical scandal. Kwan secretly gave patient Quinn Durston an experimental hydrogel treatment that had not been approved by the FDA, hoping to save her life despite lacking consent to proceed. The decision turned into a serious legal and ethical issue, triggering an investigation by the hospital’s Institutional Review Board. Although Dr. Miranda Bailey initially attempted to shield him, Dr. Richard Webber eventually uncovered the truth and fired Kwan before the season finale.