Grey's Anatomy Hit With Double Exit: Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd Leaving After Season 22
Grey's Anatomy is losing two of its veteran surgeons as Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd scrub out at Grey Sloan Memorial, marking a major shake-up for the long-running drama.
If you thought Grey's Anatomy might finally be running out of veteran doctors to send off into the TV sunset, well, you’d be wrong—two familiar faces are set to turn in their hospital badges at the end of Season 22, and it’s a pair that’s been around long enough to actually make a real dent. Yes, we’re losing both Kim Raver (Dr. Teddy Altman) and Kevin McKidd (Dr. Owen Hunt). Get ready for a classic “is this really goodbye?” as the latest exits hit a show that’s pretty much the champion of cast turnover without ever slowing down.
What’s Going Down?
According to Variety, Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd will be saying their goodbyes in the season finale set to air May 7. Both actors have logged major time at Grey Sloan Memorial: McKidd has been slicing and dicing since Season 5 (2008!), with Raver jumping onboard in Season 6—not to mention, Raver’s slightly complicated track record of join, leave, and rejoin.
Let’s Back Up: The Teddy & Owen Saga
- Both characters came in with military backstories, having met in Baghdad during the Iraq war—a setup that’s kept delivering soapy drama over the years.
- The Teddy-Owen relationship is classic Grey’s: on, off, friends, lovers, torn apart, back again. They finally got married in Season 18, but if you’re even a casual fan, you know nothing good lasts in this hospital.
- Raver started as a recurring guest, then got bumped up to series regular in Season 6. She left at the end of Season 8, showed up again for a guest role in Season 14, and then (because nobody's ever truly gone in ShondaLand) returned once more as a regular in Season 15.
Why Are They Leaving?
The official word is that this is a creative decision—meaning it’s not scandal, not contract drama, just writers deciding it’s time to close the chapter (for now) on this particular couple. As always with Grey’s, nobody’s ruling out a future comeback. Don’t be shocked if you see Teddy and Owen pop up again down the line. That's basically Shonda Rhimes' signature move.
The (Obligatory) Emotional Farewells
Show creator Shonda Rhimes put it this way:
"It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves."
She also tossed in some heartfelt appreciation, calling Raver and McKidd 'extraordinary talent' who 'leave an indelible mark on Grey’s Anatomy, both in front of and behind the camera.' She added she's 'so grateful' to have worked with them.
McKidd called his time on the show 'a huge chapter' in his life, and said he’s 'deeply grateful.' Raver described playing Dr. Teddy Altman as something that’ll 'always hold a dear and special place' in her heart. Sixteen years is a long run, so fair enough—this sounds genuinely meaningful, not just PR-speak.
One Door Closes, Another Operating Room Opens
What’s next for Grey Sloan? Well, Grey's Anatomy is already renewed for Season 23, so this medical drama machine isn’t stopping any time soon. The big question is: will these departures actually stick, or will the revolving door keep spinning like always? Place your bets now.