Jason George revealed if there are plans for him to return to Grey’s Anatomy for season 23 after the show went through multiple cast exits.
“I think I can confirm that Ben is coming back,” George, 54, exclusively told Us Weekly at the MPTF NextGen Summer Party on Sunday, May 31, confirming his involvement in the hit show’s next season. “I’m pretty certain I’m coming back.”
George, who has played Ben since season 2010, praised the show’s creative team for knowing when to help the story evolve, adding, “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 broke down the process of a cast exit.
“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 continued: “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.”
Going into season 23, George is “not worried” about a potential looming exit.
“Every show that gets on the air gets canceled someday,” he continued. “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.”
Season 22 of Grey’s Anatomy faced plenty of cast shakeups as the show reduced the minimum guarantees for its veteran cast members to 14 out of its 18 episodes per season. Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd, meanwhile, surprised viewers when they exited the show.
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 showed support for the idea of Ben taking a break at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital to appear on the new ABC spinoff slated for a 2027 debut, adding, “[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.
