Jason George discussed his potential return to Grey’s Anatomy for its 23rd season, following several cast departures.
“I think I can confirm that Ben is coming back,” George, 54, shared exclusively with Us Weekly during the MPTF NextGen Summer Party on Sunday, May 31, indicating his likely participation in the upcoming season of the popular show. “I’m pretty certain I’m coming back.”
Having portrayed Ben since 2010, George commended the show’s creative team for their ability to adapt the storyline effectively, stating, “They’re not afraid to make the hard decisions in terms of story to keep the story as fresh and alive as possible. But they do it with respect.”
The actor elaborated on the process of a cast member’s exit from the show.
“As early as possible — as soon as you’re thinking about it — you’ll get a call and a conversation,” he explained. “I remember when I got called to do the spinoff for Station 19. I thought it was a call to [say], ‘Sorry, man, we’re writing Ben off the show.'”
George further expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m thankful because there are shows in Hollywood — you hear the stories — where you find out that you’re leaving the show at the table read. You’re completely notably blindsided. I love the fact that my bosses try to give as much respect as possible in that regard.”
As season 23 approaches, George expressed no concern over the possibility of exiting the show.
“Every show that gets on the air gets canceled someday,” he noted. “It’s just a matter of if people treat it with respect while you’re going along the path. So that’s what I have and that’s a good time.”
The 22nd season of Grey’s Anatomy experienced numerous cast changes as the minimum episode guarantees for veteran members were reduced to 14 out of 18 episodes per season. Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd surprised viewers with their departures.
Katherine Heigl, Patrick Dempsey, Justin Chambers and more stars have left Grey’s Anatomy — for various reasons. Created by Shonda Rhimes and starring Ellen Pompeo, Grey’s Anatomy debuted on ABC in 2005. Pompeo (Meredith Grey) left the show as a series regular following season 19 but continued to provide voiceover narration and make special guest […]
“I don’t think they’re going to make a move in the first few episodes. But Kim and Kevin are some of the best people I’ve met my entire time in Hollywood,” George continued during his interview with Us. “We’re dear friends off camera. … I’m sad to see them go. But the fun part is that they’re always gonna be my life.”
Looking ahead, George expressed support for Ben taking some time away from Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital to feature in the upcoming ABC spinoff set for a 2027 release. He added, “[He] should visit Texas at some point in time because he has the skill sets of an EMT, firefighter, anesthesiologist, and a surgeon. What else do you need? He’s an entire department unto himself so he should pop into Texas for a heartbeat. I want Ben to keep exploring.”
Grey’s Anatomy is streaming on ABC.
