Grey's Anatomy Season 22 Renewal Update Confirms Episode Count & Ellen Pompeo's Return

Grey’s Anatomy season 22 has been confirmed, with its episode count and the return of star Ellen Pompeo also revealed. The ABC ratings juggernaut first debuted in March 2005 and has since run 443 episodes, launching the careers of multiple well-known A-listers in the process. Pompeo shone as the main character, Dr. Meredith Grey, playing the leading role in the series for 19 seasons before scaling back her involvement with the show. This has left many wondering what her involvement will be in the upcoming Grey’s Anatomy season 22.

Per Deadline, it has been confirmed that Grey’s Anatomy has been renewed for season 22, whichwill have 18 episodes, matching season 21’s episode count. Legacy star Pompeo is also set to return as Meredith Grey, after scaling back to a recurring on-screen role from season 20, while continuing as executive producer and narrator. How many of those 18 episodes she will appear in remains unknown. Other long-term cast members are also expected to return, after many signed deals last year, while regulars Jake Borelli and Midori Francis will not return after departing last season.

What This Means For Grey’s Anatomy Season 22

This Could Be The Final Season Of The Cultural Behemoth

The cast of Grey’s Anatomy has been vast and diverse over the years, with only three of the original members now remaining - Pompeo, James Pickens Jr., and Chandra Wilson. Pompeo’s scaled-back role led many to believe the star was set to exit the show, but her return for season 22 suggests she is not finished yet. It is unclear whether her role will continue to be a scaled-back recurring one, or if she is due to make more regular appearances, but the show’s veteran cast is also poised for a comeback.

Grey’s Anatomy cast members expected to return for season 22.

Cast Member	Grey's Anatomy Character
Ellen Pompeo	Meredith Grey
James Pickens Jr.	Richard Webber
Chandra Wilson	Miranda Bailey
Kevin McKidd	Owen Hunt
Kim Raver	Teddy Altman
Caterina Scorsone	Amelia Shepherd
Camilla Luddington	Jo Wilson
Chris Carmack	Atticus Lincoln
Alexis Floyd	Simone Griffith
Adelaide Kane	Jules Millin

Whilst Grey’s Anatomy is not the ratings juggernaut it once was, the show remains an important cultural landmark and still continues to resonate with audiences. Season 22 could wind up being the show’s final collection of episodes, and this might mean Pompeo looks to expand her role once again, but this is not definitive. Ultimately, Grey’s Anatomy season 22 will seek to expand on what worked well in season 21, whilst also looking to set up future storylines.

Our Take On Grey’s Anatomy Season 22

The Show Can Get Its Veteran Cast Together For A Great Send-Off

Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey looking serious in Grey's Anatomy season 19

Grey’s Anatomy season 21 marked a return to form for the show in many ways, and there will be hope that season 22 can continue this trend. If the show is ambling toward a conclusion, bringing the veteran cast together for one last season would help send the series off on a high note. ABC's flagship show is displaying few signs of slowing down, but behind the scenes, there may be plans in place to conclude the series sooner rather than later, and bringing Pompeo back in a more regular role would be a good way to bring Grey's Anatomy full circle.

Source: Deadline