Two Long-Time Grey's Anatomy Stars Exiting Series After Season 22 Finale

Published Mar 25, 2026, 1:06 PM EDT

THR reports that cast members Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd, who play Teddy Altman and Owen Hunt, respectively, will be departing the long-running medical drama after its season 22 finale, which will air on May 7. Not only will that episode serve as a farewell to the two characters and the long-running actors who portray them, but McKidd is also expected to direct the episode. Over the past 15 years, he has directed almost 50 episodes of Grey's Anatomy. Raver has directed a few episodes of the series as well.

In a statement, Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes praised the "extraordinary talent, nuance and heart" that Raver and McKidd brought to the roles of Teddy and Owen, and expressed gratitude for the "opportunity to work with them" both in front of and behind the camera. Rhimes also teased that Teddy and Owen will be given "the happy ending their story deserves."

Reflecting on his 18-year run on the series, McKidd said he was "deeply grateful" for what Grey's Anatomy has given him over the years and thanked Rhimes for helping him as he "stepped into directing." The actor can't wait to see what the future holds for him, and he plans to bring everything he learned on Grey's Anatomy to "into the next phase of my career."

Raver, meanwhile, expressed how much this role has meant to her, saying, "Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart." She went on to thank the creative team and the cast at Grey's Anatomy and singled out Debbie Allen, who plays Dr. Catherine Fox on the series and serves as an executive producer, for mentoring and welcoming her "into the director's chair."

Both actors joined the cast of Grey Anatomy a year apart from each other, with McKidd making his debut first in 2008. While he's been a series regular for the past 18 years, Raver's presence on the show hasn't been as consistent. She started out in 2009 in a recurring capacity before quickly being promoted to a series regular the same year.

Raver departed after only three years before showing back up in 2017 for a recurring role. The following season, she re-joined Grey's Anatomy as a full-time cast member.

Teddy and Owen's storylines have always been connected since they first joined the show. As part of their backstory, the two served in the military together and eventually began a relationship. After getting married four years ago and starting a family, they recently signed their divorce papers but quickly started hooking up with each other again.

While Raver and McKidd are some of the longest-running actors still on the show, their characters' relationship drama keeps going in circles, and not even a divorce could stop them from seeing each other again. As a result, the producers and writers decided that now was the right time to say farewell to Teddy and Owen.

There are only four episodes left in Grey's Anatomy season 22 to wrap up their storylines. Two episodes will air over the next two weeks on March 26 and April 2. Then, after a three-week break, the series will return for its final two episodes of the season.

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. EDT on ABC.