‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 19: Which Characters Are Returning and Which Ones Are Gone For Good?
Grey’s Anatomy ended season 18 with a number of cliffhangers that left the fate of many characters in question. Which ones are returning for season 19 and which ones are gone for good? Here’s what we know, so far.
3 ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ OGs have signed on for season 19
When ABC announced earlier this year that they had officially renewed Grey’s Anatomy for season 19, the network also revealed that three of the medical drama’s OG cast members would be returning. That press release foreshadowed Meredith’s choice to remain in Seattle instead of going to Minnesota by announcing that Ellen Pompeo would indeed be back for another season.
Even though Grey Sloan shut down its residency program and left Dr. Richard Webber’s future with the hospital unclear, James Pickens Jr will return for season 19. And, despite quitting her job as Chief of Surgery in the season 18 finale, Chandra Wilson will be back as Dr. Miranda Bailey.
“I couldn’t be more excited that we get to keep telling the stories of Meredith, Bailey, Richard,” creator Shonda Rhimes said at the time, per Elite Daily.
That Japril kiss doesn’t guarantee Sarah Drew and Jesse Williams will return
The season 18 finale saw the return of Sarah Drew as April and Jesse Williams as Jackson, and their kiss in the elevator at the end of the episode confirmed they had rekindled their relationship in Boston. Drew told Deadline that “it definitely leaves open the possibility that you might be checking in with them.”
But, there’s no guarantee the couple will be back next season. Especially since Drew has other commitments that limit her availability.
“After the script was released, I had texts flying in from cast and crew asking if I was coming back next year because of how the episode ends. But as of now that is not on the table. It’s not something that anyone has discussed with me in any kind of official capacity,” Drew said.
3 ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ stars have 3-year contracts that keep them on the show through season 19
The season finale left Kevin McKidd’s Owen and Kim Raver’s Teddy seemingly on the run with their kids to another country. And fans will definitely get to see what happens next in that storyline when season 19 premieres. Both McKidd and Raver have three-year contracts that they signed ahead of season 17. So, they will definitely be back next season.
Camilla Luddington, who plays Jo, also signed a three-year deal at the same time, guaranteeing she will be back for season 19.
As for the rest of the main cast, their futures on Grey’s Anatomy remain unknown. Scott Speedman originally signed on for one season, but that doesn’t mean he won’t renew his deal and return as Dr. Nick Marsh.
Caterina Scorsone (Amelia Shepherd), Kelly McCreary (Maggie Pierce), Chris Carmack (Atticus Lincoln), Anthony Hill (Winston Ndugu), and Jake Borelli (Levi Schmitt) are all expected to return for what many believe could be the medical drama’s final season. But, ABC has not yet made that announcement.
Grey’s Anatomy will return to ABC this fall for season 19.
