Grey’s Anatomy Will Say Goodbye to Two Core Cast Members in Season Finale
grey’s anatomy will lose two core cast members—Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver—when season 22 concludes with its finale. The departures close intertwined storylines that have run for years on the medical drama. The final episode for both actors airs Thursday, May 7, at 10: 00 p. m. ET.
Grey’s Anatomy departures and finale details
Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver are leaving the series at the end of the currently airing 22nd season; production on season 22 has wrapped. The season still has three episodes scheduled before the finale, airing March 26, April 2 and April 30. McKidd first joined the show in season five in 2008 and has directed 48 episodes to date; he will direct his final episode with the season finale. Raver joined the series in 2009 in a recurring role, was promoted to series regular later that sixth season, left after three seasons, returned in 2017’s season 14 and has been a series regular since 2018’s season 15. Raver has directed three episodes over the course of the series.
On-screen the co-departure echoes long-running story beats. McKidd’s Owen Hunt and Raver’s Teddy Altman began as best friends from prior Army service, moved into a romantic arc after Teddy’s return in season 14, married in season 18, had two children and then finalized their divorce at the start of this season. Teddy’s character has also survived multiple near-death storylines.
Immediate reactions
Showrunner Meg Marinis framed the exits as a chapter closing but not an absolute end: “While their story is coming to a close, this is never truly a goodbye, ” she said. Kevin McKidd reflected on his time on the show: “Grey’s Anatomy has been a huge chapter of my life, creatively and personally, and I’m deeply grateful for everything the show has given me over the years. As that chapter comes to a close, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead — building new work, telling new stories, and taking everything I’ve learned into the next phase of my career. ” He added that playing Dr. Owen Hunt and directing on the show have shaped him, and he thanked creator Shonda Rhimes for creating the role and supporting his directing.
Kim Raver also issued a statement about her role: “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. 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”—a remark that closes mid-statement in the available text.
What’s next — for the characters and the series
Creator Shonda Rhimes has hinted the beloved doctors may receive a positive send-off as their storylines conclude. The exits come amid a long history of major cast departures on the series, and these two exits are being staged together because the characters’ arcs are deeply entwined. Fans and industry observers should watch the remaining episodes airing March 26, April 2 and April 30 and then the finale on May 7 at 10: 00 p. m. ET for how the writers resolve Owen and Teddy’s storyline.
As Grey’s Anatomy moves past these departures, expect reflections from the creative team and potential shifts in focus for upcoming seasons; McKidd has signaled he will pursue new projects and directing opportunities after his final episode. The finale on May 7 at 10: 00 p. m. ET will mark the on-screen farewell and set the tone for what comes next for the long-running drama.
