After years of being at the heart of Grey’s Anatomy, Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver are officially saying goodbye. The upcoming Season 22 finale, set to air on May 7, will mark the final episode for the longtime cast members as series regulars. McKidd departs after an impressive 18-season run as Dr. Owen Hunt, while Raver exits after portraying Dr. Teddy Altman across 12 seasons.
The farewell is particularly significant because Owen and Teddy are among the last remaining characters introduced during the era when series creator Shonda Rhimes was solely running the hit ABC medical drama. In fact, Rhimes herself wrote the episode that first introduced Owen Hunt to viewers.
Beyond his on-screen role, McKidd has also become a major creative force behind the scenes, directing 48 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, including the upcoming Season 22 finale, which recently wrapped production.
Reflecting on his departure, McKidd expressed gratitude for the opportunities the show provided throughout nearly two decades.
“Grey’s Anatomy has been a huge chapter of my life, both creatively and personally,” he said. “Playing Dr. Owen Hunt and directing on the show have shaped me enormously. I’m especially grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating Owen and encouraging me as I stepped into directing.”
While acknowledging the end of an era, McKidd said he is excited about the future and eager to explore new projects, stories, and creative opportunities.
For Raver, saying goodbye to Teddy Altman is equally emotional. The actress first joined the series in Season 6, departed after Season 8, briefly returned in Season 14, and became a series regular again in Season 15. Looking back on her journey, she described the experience as one of the greatest gifts of her career.
“Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a special place in my heart,” Raver shared. “Sixteen years ago, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers. Since then, it has been a true gift to bring Teddy’s story to life.”
Raver also thanked current showrunner Meg Marinis, former showrunner Krista Vernoff, and longtime executive producer and director Debbie Allen, who mentored her and helped her transition into directing. To date, Raver has directed three episodes of the series.
She reserved special praise for the cast, crew, and fans who have supported the show through the years.
“To my talented castmates and our incredible crew, working alongside you has been a joy,” she said. “And to the fans, your unwavering support is the reason this show continues to thrive. Thank you for making this set feel like magic and for making it my home.”
Although their departures mark the end of a major chapter for Grey’s Anatomy, fans may not have seen the last of Owen and Teddy. In comments celebrating the actors’ contributions, Shonda Rhimes hinted that the beloved couple could receive a satisfying conclusion to their story after recently rekindling their romance. Meanwhile, current showrunner Meg Marinis suggested the door remains open for future appearances, noting, “While their story is coming to a close, this is never truly a goodbye.”
As Grey’s Anatomy prepares to move forward, the exits of McKidd and Raver signal the end of one of the show’s most enduring partnerships. Their legacy, both on-screen and behind the scenes, will remain an important part of Grey Sloan Memorial’s history for years to come.