While fan response matters, Shum Jr. clarified that it is “not fully up to the audience,” adding, “It’s up to the writers and Disney. But also, I think it’s good to see the doctors make mistakes, but also with good intentions.”
He concluded: “It wasn’t just because he was a bumbling mess. He was very motivated in making sure that someone got to be able to choose life over death.”
Season 22 of Grey’s Anatomy faced plenty of cast shakeups as Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) previously chose to take a sabbatical after the shocking death of her colleague Monica (Natalie Morales). It was subsequently reported that Scorsone’s break would last until the end of 2025 in an attempt to cut costs.
The show previously reduced the minimum guarantees for its veteran cast members to 14 out of its 18 episodes per season. While some of Grey’s Anatomy’s consistent stars were missing for four episodes, Scorsone’s absence was doubled.
“But even in the last two seasons with what you saw this year, we had to reduce the cast a little bit [because of industry-wide budget cuts], and everybody has very passionate feelings about their favorite characters,” Marinis told The Hollywood Reporter in May 2025. “But if we can get the writers upset then we know we’re doing it right. It’s not as satisfying a story if people aren’t upset when someone leaves. It’s supposed to make people upset and sad, so I’m sure there’ll be some arguments. But I’ve been persuaded before to change my mind on things.”
Before season 22 came to an end earlier this month, Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd exited the show.
“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,” McKidd, 52, said in a March statement. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
“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,” she wrote in her own statement. “Since that day, it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life. … 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.”