The renewal extends the series' record as the longest-running primetime medical drama and the longest-running ABC primetime scripted series. Season 22 will consist of eighteen episodes, which matches the episode count of Season 21 and the typical season length for ABC dramas today.
The drama’s lead actress, Ellen Pompeo, will continue as executive producer and narrator, and is also expected to reprise her role as Meredith Grey. To what extent is unclear at this time. After 19 seasons as the show’s lead, Pompeo scaled back her on-screen presence in season 20 and has since had a recurring role, though she is listed as a lead actress in the series’ intro.
There are no major contingencies for Grey’s Anatomy’s renewal this time around, as the longest-serving cast members signed deals last year that included options for next season, sources said, so they will all return if they are asked to return. The cast includes the two remaining full-time original cast members, Chandra Wilson (Bailey), who is also a co-executive producer, and James Pickens Jr. (Richard), as well as Kevin McKidd (Owen), Kim Raver (Teddy), Camilla Luddington (Jo) and Caterina Scorsone (Amelia).
Season 21 of Grey's Anatomy saw the departure of two series regulars, Jake Borelli and Midori Francis, with a new actor, Trevor Jackson, cast in the final two episodes with an option to become a series regular in Season 22. While Grey's Anatomy is no longer a strong linear player, it remains a major streaming hit that brings in big revenue for Disney.