Justin Chambers quits 'Grey's Anatomy': Medical drama makes no sense without Alex-Meredith friendship

'Grey's Anatomy' won't make sense without Alex Karev and Meredith Grey's friendship.
PUBLISHED JAN 13, 2020
Justin Chambers and Ellen Pompeo (IMDb)
Justin Chambers and Ellen Pompeo (IMDb)

Doctors come and doctors go, but 'Greys Anatomy' goes on forever. Or does it?

The show continued to plough on despite Eric Dane, who played the handsome sleaze Mark Sloane and Chyler Leigh as Lexie Grey, left the show. It somehow found a way to manage after the fiery and razor sharp cardiothoracic surgeon Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) bid goodbye. It struggled after Derek Shephard (Patrick Dempsey) was killed off callously in a car accident. Many fans have parted ways with ABC's medical drama, but the loyal ones were determined to stick on. Yet the latest blow: the rough-around-the-edges Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) will no longer be in the show, not even for a goodbye episode. Chambers has quit with a graceful leaving statement.

Now what? 

Alex Karev has had the most pronounced character development in the past 15 years of the show. From being brash and obnoxious, he grew to be a fan-favorite as he softened after his difficult relationship with Izzy Stevens (Katherine Heigl). He moved forward with Jo, (Camilla Luddington) and stuck by her like a rock-solid support through all her turbulent times. Yet what made him such an adored and cherished character, was his relationship with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo). Apart from good chemistry and understanding, the two had a powerful familial love for each other.

Justin Chambers (Alex Karev) and Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) (IMDb)

After getting off on the wrong foot and having some unpleasant experiences, Meredith and Alex grew to be each other's strong confidantes, who never hid anything from each other. The two were bound by traumatic pasts, troubled presents and bleak futures and had each other's backs throughout, be it wanting a waffle Sunday tradition or making her laugh after a terrible attack at the hospital. Alex has been such a pillar of support for Meredith, that he even told her that she could take out his frustration on him if she ever wanted. And, they're both ready to take the fall for each other. Their friendship has been one of the most enduring elements of the show, and if that's not going to be there, well then 'Grey's Anatomy' wouldn't make much sense at all. The show has anyway been dwindling quite a lot with the storylines lately, and this exit seems to be a nail, if not the final one, in the coffin.

We'll miss you, Alex Karev!

RELATED TOPICS GREY'S ANATOMY (2005)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'One Chicago' shows will be on hiatus until the end of February for the Winter Olympics coverage but 'Chicago PD' has a surprise planned for fans.
12 hours ago
Episode 5 of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ features some exciting Easter eggs that will remind you of 'Game of Thrones'
12 hours ago
‘The Simpsons’ marks a historic milestone by airing its 800th episode as part of a special double bill, highlighting its enduring legacy.
13 hours ago
'A Knight of Seven Kingdoms' Episode 6 preview suggests growing tension between Dunk and Egg after the Trial of Seven.
14 hours ago
Glen Powell teases bold ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ plans as A24 revs up a chilling new chapter
15 hours ago
'Tell Me Lies' Season 3 Finale features secrets spilled, friendships fractured, past mistakes resurface, and here's what exactly happened.
15 hours ago
Janice Dickinson skips the ‘Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,’ but her shadow looms large over Netflix’s documentary series.
15 hours ago
A vanished husband, a fragile deal, and a new chapter loom as ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ returns in 2026, however, one without one fan-favourite.
16 hours ago
'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', created by Ira Parker, has gained popularity quickly as a 'Game of Thrones' prequel show, with Season 1 coming to a close.
17 hours ago
'The Assassin' Season 1 featured Edward sailing under a flag with Kayla Cross and now the major decision by Prime Video will see the show return soon.
18 hours ago