Grey's Anatomy season 22 release date speculation and latest news

The doctors held their nerve as Simone (Alexis Floyd) was held hostage, saving the life of the nine-year-old girl, before seeing Jenna arrested for her misdeeds – seemingly putting an end to the immediate threat.

However, in a cruel twist of fate, an explosion was still triggered that has left several characters at risk of a tragic, untimely end, setting the stage dramatically for the next season – which cannot come soon enough!

If you can't get enough of Grey's Anatomy, read on for everything we know so far about season 22.

Grey's Anatomy season 22 release date speculation

Grey's Anatomy season 22 does not yet have a confirmed premiere date, but we'd expect the long-running series to return to its usual September spot in the broadcast calendar.

Barring a few notable exceptions, the drama typically serves as a reliable pillar of ABC's autumn line-up, while it has also proved popular on Disney+ in more recent years.

In fact, despite its already record-breaking length, Disney Television president Craig Erwich has suggested we aren't necessarily nearing the end of Grey's Anatomy.

Discussing Grey's and its fellow ABC hits 911 and The Rookie, he said (via Deadline): "Those may be quote-unquote 'older shows' in terms of how many seasons, but what we're seeing is new generations of fans coming in and discovering these shows.

"Those shows continue to recruit new viewers and stay fresh, and they stay current in the storytelling. So we don't really consider them older shows."

Erwich added: "They’re young and spry and vibrant and continue to deliver performance and a lot of joy and entertainment to those viewers."

Grey's Anatomy season 22 cast speculation

Several members of the Grey's Anatomy cast are confirmed or expected to return for season 22, including Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, who will appear in at least seven episodes.

In recent years, Pompeo has taken a step back from the medical drama which made her a household name, remaining involved as a narrator and recurring star, but making time to pursue other projects – such as Good American Family.

One of season 21's late additions, Trevor Jackson, is confirmed to be returning in the next chapter, with the potential for him to even be upped to series regular after such an impactful debut.

His as-yet-unidentified character seems poised to become a love rival to Lucas (Niko Terho), following a one-night stand with his girlfriend, Simone (Alexis Floyd).

In an interview with Deadline, Grey's Anatomy showrunner Meg Marinis teased: "His character is so different from Lucas, and it will really be fun to see what happens when Lucas finds out.

"And if this character is potentially working at Grey Sloan, it's going to be messy in so many different ways. Not only is he considered a year below them, but also he's got a confidence in his character that I think a lot of interns do not have."

There's also a possibility that at least one of the Grey Sloan staffers could perish in the explosion that rocks the hospital to its foundations in the season 21 finale, with Marinis warning that "everybody's lives could be at stake".

However, the executive producer also ruled out "adding a bunch of new series regulars", asserting that "we've got a very full cast who we love, and we have plenty of story for them" – so it seems safe to assume that the casualties won't be catastrophic.

Here's a look at the confirmed cast list for Grey's Anatomy season 22 so far:

• Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey
• Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey
• James Pickens Jr as Richard Webber
• Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt
• Kim Raver as Teddy Altman
• Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson
• Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd
• Jason George as Ben Warren
• Chris Carmack as Atticus Lincoln
• Anthony Hill as Winston Ndugu
• Scott Speedman as Nick Marsh
• Alexis Floyd as Simone Griffith
• Harry Shum Jr as Benson Kwan
• Adelaide Kane as Jules Millin
• Niko Terho as Lucas Adams
• Trevor Jackson as TBC

Grey's Anatomy season 22 plot theories

It's not yet clear what Grey's Anatomy season 22 will be about, with each entry in the drama series encapsulating numerous storylines and character beats.

However, we can be sure that it will have to deal with the fallout of the season 21 finale, which saw most of the Grey Sloan doctors in mortal peril as the hospital faced a devastating explosion.

Speaking of the conclusion, co-star Kim Raver told TV Insider: "It's extraordinary. It is terrifying. It’s so Grey's in the sense that I think people are going to be holding on to their seats while they're watching.

"It's like a quintessential finale. It's so well designed and so well written and such a great springboard into season 22. I am just sort of blown away by Meg [Marinis, showrunner]'s ability to come up with another complete cliffhanger on every front."

Showrunner Meg Marinis teased (via Deadline): "I think that it's going to be really fun to pick all that back up. That's the best way to end Grey's Anatomy, where everybody’s lives could be at stake.

"Everybody was in that hospital, except for two people, Meredith and Ben. I think we can probably say that Jo had left the hospital, she was on her leave. But if they weren't outside the hospital, they're there."

She added: "Everybody is up for grabs, it's fun. I won't comment on if anyone is harmed beyond repair, but it is the best kind of cliffhanger, with the fans screaming at their TVs."

Is there a Grey's Anatomy season 22 trailer?

There's no trailer for Grey's Anatomy season 22 just yet, but we'll update this page once any new footage drops.

Grey's Anatomy is available to stream on Disney+.

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