As fans eagerly await Season 22 of “Grey’s Anatomy,” the speculation surrounding the shocking cliffhanger from the Season 21 finale continues to grow. The dramatic explosion at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital left viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering which beloved characters might not return. In exclusive interviews with Us Weekly at the Motion Picture & Television Fund NextGen Annual Summer Party, stars Camilla Luddington and Harry Shum Jr. shared their thoughts on the potential fallout from the explosive event.
During the interviews, Luddington, who has portrayed Dr. Jo Wilson since Season 9, expressed her uncertainty about the fate of her character and others. “I have no idea. I have a text chain going on with so many cast members that are like, ‘What do you think?’ Nobody knows, which is terrifying,” she admitted. The suspense surrounding the future of the show has left her anxious, as she reflects on the many twists and turns the series has taken over the years. “There’s not a single season I’m not worried about,” she added.
The May 2025 finale introduced a high-stakes scenario featuring Piper Perabo as a mother who brought a flammable acetylene tank into the operating room. This led to a hostage situation that endangered several characters, culminating in the explosive conclusion that left only Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Warren (Jason George) officially surviving—at least for now. The ramifications of this cliffhanger are significant, as it suggests that not all cast members will return for the upcoming season.
Shum Jr., who joined the show in Season 19 as Dr. Benson “Blue” Kwan, shared his own theories about the explosion’s aftermath. “Hopefully [it is] not me. Then hopefully, it’s some weird thing where it’s in someone’s mind,” he joked, although he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation. “When the writers come to say, ‘Hey, I need to talk to you about something,’ it’s always like, ‘Oh, please don’t be that reason.’ But you know, that’s what keeps everyone on their toes. I think that’s why people love it.”
The anticipation for Season 22 is palpable, not just for the fate of the characters but also for unresolved plotlines. Luddington highlighted a personal concern: “I just hope my [onscreen] husband is OK. Because she’s gonna need that support, and they need it from each other.” With Jo’s surprise pregnancy revelation to her husband, Dr. Atticus Lincoln (Chris Carmack), the stakes are even higher, making fans anxious to see how these developments will unfold.
Throughout its long run, “Grey’s Anatomy” has seen numerous characters come and go, often returning in unexpected ways. The show’s history of dramatic exits and surprising comebacks keeps fans engaged and eager for more. Luddington and Shum Jr. both expressed their excitement about the upcoming season and the challenges it presents for the characters they portray.
In addition to discussing the show’s future, Luddington and Shum Jr. took time to support the Motion Picture & Television Fund, emphasizing the importance of community in the entertainment industry. Luddington remarked, “We refer to ourselves as an industry all the time. This organization reminds us that we are all in it together in our community and in times of crisis.” Shum Jr. echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of giving back and supporting fellow creatives.
As fans gear up for the return of “Grey’s Anatomy,” they are left with more questions than answers. Who will survive the explosion? How will Jo navigate her unexpected pregnancy? The answers await in the upcoming season, slated to air this fall. Until then, the speculation continues, keeping the excitement alive for one of television’s most enduring dramas.