‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Will Say Goodbye to Two Core Castmembers in Season Finale

Two beloved doctors are clocking out of Grey’s Anatomy.

Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver, both longtime stars on the ABC medical drama, are departing the series at the end of the currently airing 22nd season. For both stars, their final episode will be the season finale, which airs Thursday, May 7, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC (and streams next day on Hulu). Three episodes remain leading up to the finale (airing March 26, April 2 and April 30) in season 22, which has wrapped production.

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McKidd joined Grey’s during season five in 2008. After his directorial debut in season seven, he has gone onto direct a whopping 48 episodes to date. He will also pull double duty and will direct his final episode with the season the finale.

Raver, meanwhile, joined Grey’s the season after McKidd’s entry, in 2009, in a recurring role. She was upped to series regular later that sixth season. Raver then left Grey’s after three seasons, returning briefly in 2017’s season 14 and then coming back as a series regular ever since 2018’s season 15. She has also directed three episodes over course of the series.

Their co-departure makes sense, as the stars are intricately linked on Grey’s. Their characters, Owen (McKidd) and Teddy (Raver), have a long-standing, on-again and off-again relationship. The doctors came onto the show as best friends from their previous time spent in the Army, and finally acted on their feelings for one another when Teddy returned in season 14. They married in season 18 and have two children together, but split up recently, finalizing their divorce at the beginning of this season. Teddy, specifically, has also cheated death on the series several times.

However in her statement below about the departures, creator Shonda Rhimes hints that the beloved doctors will get a happy ending.

“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,” said McKidd. “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 continued, “Playing Dr. Owen Hunt and directing on the show have both shaped me enormously, and I’ve had the privilege of working with an extraordinary group of people throughout that time. I’m particularly thankful to Shonda Rhimes for creating Owen, and for the encouragement she gave me as I stepped into directing.”

Raver said, “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 Teddy’s journey through the years.”

She added, “I feel so fortunate to have worked under the brilliance of Debbie Allen, who not only mentored me but welcomed me into the director’s chair. To my amazingly talented castmates and our formidable, tireless crew: Playing in this arena with you has been a joy, and I will carry this company in my heart always. To the fans — your unwavering devotion and support are the reason this show remains such a force. Thank you for making this set my place of magic and my home.”

Their exits stem from creative decisions around their storylines, THR understands. After so many seasons of Teddy and Owen’s saga, their relationship has run its course. The door is always open for them to return in future seasons, as Marinis states below, similar to all of the other actors who have left Grey’s, with many returning in cameos or recurring arcs.

“Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Owen and Teddy’s love story evolve and deepen — two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other. It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves,” said Rhimes. “Kevin and Kim bring extraordinary talent, nuance and heart to their roles as Owen and Teddy. Their contributions leave an indelible mark on Grey’s Anatomy, both in front of and behind the camera. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them both and to see them shine.”

She added, “While we will all miss seeing them in the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial each day, I am excited to witness where Kim’s and Kevin’s journeys will take them in the future.”

Marinis called them “cherished” members of the Grey’s family.

“Over the last 18 seasons, Kevin has brought extraordinary depth and heart to Owen Hunt. While he arrived as a stoic veteran and trauma surgeon, Owen grew into a loving husband and father, helping shape the emotional foundation of the show for audiences around the world. In addition to his stunning performances on screen, Kevin has been an incredible leader to our cast and crew on set, directing nearly fifty episodes,” she said.

“For 12 seasons, Kim has amazed us with her fierce and raw portrayal of Teddy Altman. Her performance as a strong female veteran and cardiothoracic surgeon has inspired us all, particularly the women who constantly must fight for their place in the room. Kim also stepped behind the camera and directed episodes with the same passion and storytelling instinct that defined her work as an actor,” Maranis continued. “While their story is coming to a close, this is never truly a goodbye. We are endlessly grateful for the years, the artistry and the memories they’ve given to the show and we look forward to cheering them on in whatever comes next.”
  

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