Grey’s Anatomy accidentally spoiled the Season 19 finale with several new contract announcements.
According to Deadline, contract negotiations for the upcoming season have concluded, with multiple long-running, fan-favorite characters set to return for the medical drama’s 20th season. Those returning include original cast members James Pickens Jr. as Richard, Chandra Wilson as Bailey, as well as Kevin McKidd as Owen, who has been with the show since Season 5. Additionally, the returning cast includes Kim Raver as Teddy, who joined in Season 6 and returned again in Season 14, Camilla Luddington as Jo, who has been with Grey’s since Season 9, and Caterina Scorsone as Amelia, who began as a guest star in Season 10 before being upgraded to series regular.
This Season 20 casting announcement comes after an eventful 19th season, which saw the departure of Grey’s Anatomy lead Ellen Pompeo, who has portrayed Meredith Grey since the series premiere on ABC in 2005. Kelly McCreary, who played Meredith’s half-sister Maggie Pierce since Season 10, also made her final appearance in Season 19 as well.
Additionally, Season 19 saw the behind-the-scenes departure of long-time showrunner Krista Vernoff. Pompeo remained an executive producer on the series and continues to provide voiceover for the show. Despite the departures, Season 19 added five new people to the cast, including Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho, and Midori Francis.
What to Expect From Grey’s Anatomy’s Season 19 Finale
In an April 2023 interview, McKidd teased a shocking two-hour finale for the 19th season of Grey’s Anatomy, for which he is also directing the first half. “It’s going to be a big one,” he said. McKidd was introduced as Owen Hunt in Season 5. The actor also touched on Pompeo’s departure. “The place isn’t the same without her… it’s celebratory. It’s also quite shocking,” he said. “There are going to be some things in it that people are going to be kind of surprised and shocked at.”
As Grey’s Anatomy enters its landmark 20th season, series creator Shonda Rhimes has also spoken about whether or not the award-winning, long-running medical drama will ever hang up its white coat. According to Rhimes, the lifespan of Grey’s depends entirely on the fans. “I might be a very old lady by the time we reach its last season because it doesn’t seem to be stopping which is wonderful and I feel the world really belongs to the fans and the fans have been really clear about what they want,” she said.
The two-hour Season 19 finale of Grey’s Anatomy aired on May 18. All episodes are now available to stream on Hulu.
