Grey's Anatomy season 22 release date, cast and latest news

Grey's Anatomy season 22 is heading back to our screens this week, following its mid-season hiatus – and fans are eager for answers on a major cliffhanger from the previous episode.

Indeed, there's no shortage of unresolved plot threads to pick up, but the biggest by far is the life-threatening health crisis that Dr Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) now finds herself in, following complications from her twin pregnancy.

Earlier this season, fans were devastated to see Dr Monica Beltran (Natalie Morales) killed off in dramatic scenes, but the loss of Dr Wilson would arguably be an even tougher blow given that she's been part of the show for far longer.

Addressing what has kept her around for more than a decade, Luddington told The Wrap: "It's storylines like this that we're playing right now... because it continues to push us, it keeps us on our toes and they are incredible.

"There's always something around the corner, there's always a revelation, there's also fun to play or something heartbreaking to play. So that's the writers, and by the way, the fact that they've kept me up until this point is incredible.

"I am so grateful for all the seasons that I've had on the show," she added. But is that a farewell remark? Tune in to Grey's Anatomy this month to find out!

Here's everything you need to know about Grey's Anatomy season 22 part 2.

Grey's Anatomy season 22 release date: When does it return?

Grey's Anatomy season 22 will return from its hiatus with episode 7 on Thursday 8th January (in the US via ABC) and Friday 9th January (in the UK via Disney+).

Fans based outside of the United States will be pleased to hear that they only have a brief wait before episodes land on this side of the pond, as there will no doubt be plenty more spoiler-y reveals to come in the next batch.

Grey's Anatomy season 22 episodes: How many are there?

Grey's Anatomy season 22 will consist of 18 episodes in total.

That means, at the time of writing, we're less than halfway through the season – and already so much has happened!

Grey's Anatomy season 22 cast: Who's returning?

Ellen Pompeo will continue to feature in Grey's Anatomy season 22 as narrator and a top-billed cast member, although her on-camera appearances will be limited to just seven (out of 18) episodes.

The medical drama shocked fans with its season 22 premiere, which unexpectedly killed off Dr Monica Beltran (played by The Beast in Me star Natalie Morales), who had joined the show just a couple of years earlier.

Reacting to her character's untimely fate, Morales told Deadline: "It was obviously a mix of things. I've been so lucky to be a part of this show, and I feel very grateful to have been a part of it.

"I think the fandom of this show has been so kind to me and so welcoming, and I think those people that have been welcoming to me are going to be pissed. I'm sorry about that."

But as one story ends, another begins! Jamie-Lynn Sigler has been announced as a new guest in the Grey's Anatomy cast, where she is set to play urologist Dr Laura Kaplan, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The Sopranos and Big Sky alum has MS in real life too, giving the storyline a powerful personal connection, although Deadline reports that "the character is not defined by their affliction and has a full life and a career".

Another thing to look forward to this season is a return for original cast member Kate Walsh as Dr Addison Montgomery (also known for spin-off Private Practice), who will guest star in season 22 episode 10 (due on 29th/30th January 2026).

There's no word yet on what exactly brings her back to Grey Sloan.

In review, here are the confirmed Grey's Anatomy season 22 cast members:

• 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
• Debbie Allen as Catherine Avery
• 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 Dr Wes Bryant
• Kate Walsh as Dr Addison Montgomery (guest)
• Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Dr Laura Kaplan (guest)

Grey's Anatomy season 22 plot: What could happen next?

Grey's Anatomy season 22 part 2 has some major storylines to continue, with episode 6 leaving the life of Dr Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) and her unborn twins hanging in the balance.

The suspenseful chapter ended with Dr Winston Ndugu (Anthony Hill) having to step outside of his area of expertise, and perform a C-section on Jo as her health (and that of her babies) was rapidly declining. Naturally, some fans are fearing the worst.

"This is what we do best, these horrifying, terrifying midseason finales," said Luddington of the shocking storyline (via TheWrap). "The script was written so well, and that being the last thing that we see, I was like, 'Oh my god'. The writers are just incredible."

In another emotional scene from before the hiatus, one of the few remaining original Grey's Anatomy characters Dr Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr) revealed to friend and colleague Dr Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) that he has cancer.

This storyline is another that has roots in reality, as Pickens Jr recently underwent treatment for a form of prostate cancer, but fortunately, was given the all-clear recently (as confirmed on his personal Instagram page).

Grey's Anatomy season 22 trailer

A short promo for Grey's Anatomy season 22 episode 7 has been unveiled, offering a glimpse at scenes of Dr Jo Wilson's risky C-section. Watch here:

Grey's Anatomy is available to stream on Disney+. You can sign up to Disney+ from £5.99 a month now.

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