Grey's Anatomy season 19: UK release date, cast and latest news

The long-running drama's 19th season shows no signs of slowing down, even if Ellen Pompeo's iconic Dr Meredith Grey is taking a bit of a step back this time around (more on that below). That doesn't mean she won't have her hands full, however, especially with a slew of new interns eager to prove themselves joining the staff.

Glee's Harry Shum Jr, Inventing Anna's Alexis Floyd and The Sex Lives of College Girls star Midori Francis are among the new faces at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital - but don't worry, our faves are returning too.

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming 19th season.

Grey's Anatomy season 19 UK release date

Grey's Anatomy season 19 premiered in the UK on 26th October 2022 on Disney+.

The episodes was released weekly on Wednesdays until the series went on a winter break.

The series will return on Disney+ with its seventh episode of season 19 on 8th March 2023 and will continue weekly on Wednesdays.

This is just under two weeks behind the US pace.

The season began airing in the US on 6th October 2022, following its 400th episode (and season 18 finale) on 26th May in the US.

Across the pond, the medical drama can be enjoyed on ABC and Hulu.

Season 18, which initially aired in the UK via Sky and NOW, is also available to watch on Disney Plus in the UK as of 5th October.

Grey's Anatomy season 19 cast

The following main cast members have been confirmed for Grey's Anatomy season 19.

• Ellen Pompeo as Dr Meredith Grey
• Chandra Wilson as Dr Miranda Bailey
• James Pickens Jr. as Dr Richard Webber
• Caterina Scorsone as Dr Amelia Shepherd
• Camilla Luddington as Dr Jo Wilson
• Kelly McCreary as Dr Maggie Pierce
• Kim Raver as Dr Teddy Altman
• Jake Borelli as Dr Levi Schmitt
• Chris Carmack as Dr Atticus "Link" Lincoln
• Anthony Hill as Dr Winston Ndugu
• Alexis Floyd as Dr Simone Griffin
• Niko Terho as Dr Lucas Adams
• Midori Francis as Dr Mika Yasuda
• Adelaide Kane as Dr Jules Millin
• Harry Shum Jr. as Dr Daniel "Blue" Kwan
• and Scott Speedman as Dr Nick Marsh

It should be noted that series lead Ellen Pompeo is set to have a reduced role in the new season, appearing in only eight out of 22 episodes, despite narrating other episodes.

The actress will temporarily depart the show after the seventh episode of the new season before returning for the finale. Pompeo's future on the show after that remains unknown.

Pompeo also remains an executive producer on the series.

The actress is not the only departing cast member, either, as Kelly McCreary steps away from her role as Dr Maggie Pierce in the show's fourteenth episode.

The main cast is also adding five new series regulars in the form of Alexis Floyd as Dr Simon Griffin, Niko Terho as Dr Lucas Adams, Midori Francis as Dr Mika Yasuda, Adelaide Kane as Dr Jules Millin, and Harry Shum Jr. as Dr Daniel "Blue" Kwan.

These actors are portraying five new interns, mirroring the five original interns of the series – three women and three men.

This is also a record for the number of series regulars added to the show in a single swoop.

We can also likely expect returns for residents such as Jaicy Elliot as Dr Taryn Helm, along with other recurring characters such as Alex Landi as Levi's boyfriend Dr Nico Kim, Stefania Spampinato as Dr Carina DeLuca, Debbie Allen as Dr Catherine Fox, Jason George as Dr Ben Warren, E.R. Fightmaster as Dr Kai Bartley, and Aniela Gumbs as Zola Grey Shepherd.

Kevin McKidd as Dr Owen Hunt will also return, although he has signed up for a new ITV thriller called Six Four, so if this impacts his screen time we will have to wait and see.

Scott Speedman is also back as Meredith's love interest Dr. Nick Marsh, as he takes on a new role at the hospital, but the reduced role for Ellen Pompeo also does not bode well for their romance - unless, of course, he leaves with her.

Elsewhere, Kate Walsh is back in a recurring capacity as the beloved fan-favourite Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery, while Jesse Williams is to make a return guest appearance as Dr. Jackson Avery - sadly without his character's on-screen partner, Dr. April Kepner.

Finally, we likely won't be seeing more from Richard Flood as Dr Cormac Hayes after the character departed the show midway through the eighteenth season.

Is Ellen Pompeo leaving Grey's Anatomy?

Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo will only appear as Dr Meredith Grey in eight out of the 22 episodes of the nineteenth season.

The actress, who also serves as an executive producer on the medical drama, will be starring in and producing a Hulu true-crime limited series.

Deadline reports: "The scale-back comes as Pompeo takes on her first role other than Meredith Grey in almost two decades — she is set to star in Hulu’s Orphan limited series inspired by the true story of Ukranian-born Natalia Grace and her US adoptive parents who claimed that she was an adult “sociopath” pretending to be a child."

Meredith is still set to narrate most of the episodes, but won't necessarily be the voiceover for all of them.

The character was left as the interim Chief of Surgery at the conclusion of season 18 - possibly at the cost of her romance with Dr Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman), who returns in the new season.

The first episodes of the season leave Meredith contemplating her future in Seattle as she supports her struggling daughter Zola and wonders what comes next for her career, all while reigniting her romance with Nick.

However, the character will soon depart the show in the seventh episode of the season, I'll Follow the Sun. However, Pompeo will return as Meredith in the Grey's Anatomy season 19 finale next year.

Taking to Instagram following the airing of the sixth episode in the US, Pompeo penned: "I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you have all shown me, Meredith GREY and the show for 19 seasons!

"Through it all….none of it …would have been possible without the best fans in the world. You all are RIDERS and you all have made the ride so fun and ICONIC!!

"I love you madly and appreciate you right back. This isn’t your first time on the rollercoaster… you know the show must go on and I’ll definitely be back to visit. With a lot of love and immense gratitude XoE [prayer-hands emoji, red heart emoji]".

Addison Montgomery actress Kate Walsh commented: "Love and adore you, always and forever, @EllenPompeo [yellow heart] Never goodbye… just a see ya later, doll".

However, Pompeo has assured viewers that they will see more of Meredith Grey, including for "visits".

Pompeo later told ET: "For the record, it's not really my final. It's a little bit of a trick they're playing on people."

She added: "It is my final episode for a while."

Who else is leaving Grey's Anatomy in season 19?

Actress Kelly McCleary is leaving her role as Dr Maggie Pierce after debuting in the show's tenth season.

The character was quickly revealed to be Dr Meredith Grey's secret half-sister and also the daughter of Dr Richard Webber.

Maggie soon formed a trio with Meredith and the latter's sister-in-law Dr Amelia Shepherd, referring to each other as "sisters".

The character's other major storylines have included the death of her adopted mother, grappling with her relationship with Richard, her romances with Dr Andrew DeLuca and Dr Jackson Avery, before her marriage to Dr Winston Ndugu.

Winston and Maggie's marriage has run into issues in recent episodes, creating a run-up to her departure in the season's fourteenth episode.

However, like Meredith, Maggie will make another appearance later in the season - so the door is open for a return.

Writing about her exit on Instagram, McCreary wrote: "9 seasons, 200 episodes, scores of heroic surgeries, countless brave patients, dozens of delightful sister house scenes, 1 episode with my real-life sister, some loss and some grief, a few ghostly visitations from mothers, a handful of boyfriends, 2 gorgeous weddings, a bunch of drunken emotional breakdowns, 1 high-speed chase, several awkward dinner parties, 1 punch taken (1 punch thrown), at least 1 pratfall, buckets of tears, innumerable fits of laughter, all the medical jargon mastered, a slew of friends for life, myriad collaborators who grew me as an artist, 1 grateful heart and 1 massive THANK YOU. What a ride!"

Meanwhile, her on-screen sister penned: "Congratulations Kelly [green heart emoji] Thanks so much for your super hard work and the valuable contributions you’ve made to the Grey’s legacy. Looking forward to your next chapter [sparkle emoji] Lots of love, EP".

Is there a trailer for Grey's Anatomy season 19?

Yes! Disney Plus released a trailer for season 19 ahead of its premiere, teasing what's to come for Meredith and co, including a new romance.

How will Meredith cope in her new role as Chief of Surgery? Additionally, how will the departed doctors return?

Finally, what will we make of the new residents who join the programme?

Grey's Anatomy season 19 episode guide

The following is a guide to the first six episodes of the season which are airing over the Autumn before the series goes on its winter break.

1. Everything Has Changed - After a long six months, Grey Sloan Memorial has reinstated its residency program. A group of talented and striving young interns has been recruited as the attending surgeons work to rebuild the program to its former glory. Meredith, still functioning as the interim chief, sees Nick for the first time since she rejected his offer to move to Minnesota. Meanwhile, Bailey tells Richard she is not ready to return to work; Levi works up the courage to break disappointing news to Jo, and things turn awkward when Link realizes he has met one of the interns already. With Amelia and Maggie’s help, the new doctors are thrown into their first day on the job dealing with injuries from a recent tornado.
2. Wasn't Expecting That - The attending surgeons and interns work together to solve a medical mystery when a college kid comes in with what first looks like food poisoning but has escalating and dire complications. Meanwhile, Jo spends her day off with Bailey.
3. Let's Talk About Sex - Bailey recruits the interns to create a series of social media videos informing teens about sexual health. The videos, filmed at Grey Sloan in front of a group of high schoolers, hit home as a student has medical complications during her visit. Elsewhere, Meredith and Maggie learn something new about Zola. Guest starring is Kate Walsh as Addison Montgomery, E.R. Fightmaster as Kai Bartley and Marla Gibbs as Joyce Ward.
4. Haunted - It’s Halloween night at Grey Sloan Memorial. Meredith and Nick try to spend some alone time together; Levi is stressed due to overworking, and Winston and Owen have the interns practice trauma training on a real cadaver.
5. When I Get to the Border - Bailey and Addison take a road trip to volunteer at a family planning centre, but a patient’s ectopic pregnancy leads to complications. Elsewhere, the interns play detective about Lucas’ relationship with Amelia, and Meredith catches up with Jackson on a trip to Boston. Guest starring is Kate Walsh as Addison Montgomery, Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery, Debbie Allen as Catherine Fox, and Greg Germann as Tom Koracick.
6. Thunderstruck - In the mid-season finale, on the heels of life-changing news, a thunderstorm hits Grey Sloan. The attending surgeons and interns work together to save an injured reporter and family affected by the storm. Meanwhile, a beloved author undergoes a risky surgery, and complications from the storm arise.
7. I'll Follow the Sun - On Meredith’s last day at Grey Sloan, the doctors plan a goodbye surprise and Nick confronts her about the future of their relationship. The interns compete to scrub in on a groundbreaking procedure, and Richard asks Teddy an important question.
8. All Star - Teddy makes a challenging decision. Meanwhile, Maggie and Winston aren’t on speaking terms, and Link leans on Jo for emotional support as he preps for a surgery on a well-known athlete. Simone and Lucas are surprised by an unlikely visitor.
9. Love Don't Cost A Thing - Simone is met with a life-changing decision upon the return of someone from her past. Blue shadows Maggie on a risky procedure, while Jo and Link tend to a pregnant woman. At the intern house, Lucas and Mika throw a party filled with surprises.
10. Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves - Catherine returns to Grey Sloan for a surgical case that makes Lucas and Blue queasy. Amelia treats a possible cancer patient with a family that’s a little too supportive. Owen takes his medical future into his own hands, much to Teddy’s surprise.
11. Training Day - Addison makes a special appearance at Grey Sloan to welcome Bailey’s new OB/GYN trainees. Maggie’s lung transplant is derailed, and Nick bonds with Lucas — before the day takes a shocking turn.
12. Pick Yourself Up - In the immediate aftermath of shocking events at the clinic, the hospital goes on lockdown and the Grey Sloan doctors split up to save multiple lives. Meanwhile, Maggie lands in hot water with Winston, and Jules’ roommate makes a surprise appearance.
13. Cowgirls Don't Cry - A bull rider shows up at Grey Sloan with severe injuries, forcing Maggie, Amelia, Owen and Blue to examine their own biases. Elsewhere, Simone can’t find anyone to be her maid of honour, and Mika takes drastic measures to pay down her student debt.
14. Shadow of Your Love - It’s Maggie’s last day. Amelia’s relationship with Kai is tested, and Ben worries as Bailey’s doxing intensifies.
15. Mama Who Bore Me - With Levi’s help, a patient celebrates a milestone. Jo processes a difficult diagnosis, and Maggie and Winston decide their future.
16. Gunpowder and Lead - Amelia takes her personal problems out on her work colleagues, and the threats against Bailey come to a terrifying head. Lucas and Jules make a risky decision on a patient, and Mika struggles with burnout.
17. Come Fly With Me - Teddy calls an emergency meeting to discuss the intern program. Link wrestles with his own self-doubt as he preps for a massive surgery, and Nick shares some much-needed guidance with a struggling Lucas.
18. Ready to Run - Richard and Teddy make an exciting announcement. Jules and Blue butt heads over Maxine’s care while Lucas helps an artist decide on a risky procedure. Jo and Mika tend to Sam as Simone faces a life-changing decision.
19. Wedding Bell Blues - Simone’s wedding day arrives as Jo and Link’s relationship hits a major turning point. Meanwhile, the attending surgeons fly to Boston, forcing a reunion between Nick and Meredith. Bailey gets a big surprise.
20. Happily Ever After? - Simone’s wedding day arrives as Jo and Link’s relationship hits a major turning point. Meanwhile, the attending surgeons fly to Boston, forcing a reunion between Nick and Meredith. Bailey gets a big surprise.

What will happen in Grey's Anatomy season 19?

There are a number of plot threads to be picked up in Grey's Anatomy season 19.

A mammoth issue is the fact that the residency programme at Grey Sloan was shut down, prompting Dr Miranda Bailey to resign and Dr Richard Webber to take leave and go travelling with his wife Dr Catherine Fox after she learned she was responding to treatment for her returning cancer.

Where does this leave the residents such as Dr Levi Schmitt and Dr Taryn Helm now?

Well, there will be new circumstances for a few of them, while a new influx of residents will bring new life to the show's plots.

In the aftermath of the drama with the programme, Dr Meredith Grey decided to stay in Seattle and take over from Bailey as Chief of Surgery, putting her romance with Dr Nick Marsh in danger as she told him to return to Minnesota without her. Meredith chased after Nick but found he had already gone. Are they really over?

Elsewhere, Dr Amelia Shepherd made peace with her ex, Dr Atticus "Link" Lincoln, before reconciling with her new lover Dr Kai Bartley, just as Dr Jo Wilson mended her friendship with Link.

Meanwhile, after being reported to Bailey for his assisted suicide programme, Dr Owen Hunt and Dr Teddy Altman fled Grey Sloan and the country with their children. Have we seen the last of them?

Finally, the finale confirmed that returning fan-favourites Dr Jackson Avery and Dr April Kepner had romantically reconciled - but don't expect to see them back on a full-time basis any time soon.

Actress Sarah Drew told Deadline that she was unable to be back as a regular but could return for guest appearances.

"It definitely leaves open the possibility that you might be checking in with them," revealed Drew, "After the script was released, I had texts flying in from cast and crew asking if I was coming back next year because of how the episode ends.

"But as of now that is not on the table. It’s not something that anyone has discussed with me in any kind of official capacity. But there’s a lot of open ended questions at the end of this episode."

So far, Jackson has been confirmed to be returning but will we see him and April back again?

Grey's Anatomy seasons 1 to 18 are available to stream on Disney Plus now – sign up to Disney+ for £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year now. Season 18 is also available on Sky and NOW with new episodes airing on Sky Witness in the UK.

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight.

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