Grey’s Anatomy continues to prove that after 22 seasons, the pulse of Shondaland’s flagship drama still beats strong. ABC’s newest promo for Season 22 has sent fans into a frenzy, confirming that Jesse Williams (Jackson Avery) will return in Episode 4, airing Thursday, October 30, and revealing the long-awaited arrival of Jo and Link’s twin girls.
Season 22 has already rolled out an impressive lineup of familiar faces, from Ellen Pompeo’s recurring appearances as Meredith Grey to surprise returns from Kelly McCreary and Kate Burton. The latest episode added even more star power with Scott Speedman and Sophia Bush, deepening the emotional stakes at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
Episode 3 Recap: Old Flames and New Beginnings
In Episode 3, which aired October 16, Speedman’s Nick Marsh returned to the hospital to oversee a risky living-donor lung transplant, reuniting briefly with Meredith’s former colleagues and adding professional tension to an already busy OR.
Meanwhile, Sophia Bush’s Dr Cass Adler crossed paths with Teddy Altman (Kim Raver), sparking an unexpected romantic connection. Their chemistry culminated in a dinner-date scene that hinted at the beginning of something deeper — even as Teddy confronted her first real acknowledgement of divorce from Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd).
Showrunner Meg Marinis has teased that this chapter for Teddy will explore “a season of personal reinvention”, using Cass’s character to challenge her sense of self after years of emotional turmoil.
The Promo Everyone’s Talking About
The 30-second promo that dropped after Episode 3 was packed with revelations — none bigger than the return of Jesse Williams.
After leaving the series as a regular in 2021, Williams reprised his role briefly in Season 19 to guide new interns and mentor Bailey (Nico Terho). His comeback in Season 22 appears to bring him back to Seattle once more — and, judging by the brief shots in the trailer, possibly in a professional-emergency capacity.
“Jackson’s legacy has always been about leadership and responsibility,” showrunner Marinis told Deadline. “When he returns, it’s because the hospital or someone he loves needs him.”
Alongside Jackson’s reappearance, the trailer also showed an emotional outdoor scene of Jo (Camilla Luddington) clutching her belly and telling Link (Chris Carmack), “I think my water just broke.”
The clip confirmed what fans had been speculating for months — that the long-teased twin storyline is finally arriving, likely forming the centerpiece of the Season 22 Fall Finale.
Key Highlights from the Season 22 Promo
| Moment | What We See | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Jesse Williams’ return | Jackson entering Grey Sloan in scrubs | Jackson may assist in a high-stakes case |
| Jo’s water breaking | Jo and Link outside the hospital | Twin delivery episode imminent |
| Teddy and Cass scene | A dinner date post-surgery | Teddy explores life post-Owen |
| Meredith’s cameo clip | Meredith in Boston lab | Possible remote crossover with Grey Sloan storyline |
| Montage of surgical chaos | Bailey, Schmitt, Yasuda in trauma bay | Major multi-patient crisis ahead |
Jesse Williams’ Triumphant Homecoming
Jesse Williams first joined Grey’s Anatomy in Season 6 and became one of its defining figures — his portrayal of Dr. Jackson Avery, the wealthy yet idealistic plastic surgeon, evolved from romantic interest to visionary leader of the Catherine Fox Foundation.
Williams exited as a main cast member in 2021 to pursue other creative projects, including Broadway’s Take Me Out and directing roles. Yet his emotional link to the series — and to Sarah Drew’s April Kepner — has kept fans hoping for more.
While ABC hasn’t confirmed whether April will appear this season, insiders suggest Episode 4 may reference their off-screen life in Boston.
Entertainment writer Maya Fields summarized the buzz succinctly:
“Jackson’s comeback isn’t just a cameo — it’s closure and continuity rolled into one.”
Twins on the Way: Jo and Link’s Next Chapter
Fans have followed the romantic roller-coaster between Dr. Jo Wilson and Dr. Atticus “Link” Lincoln for years. From workplace friendship to romance and, finally, parenthood, their storyline has been one of the show’s most grounded.
According to Meg Marinis, “The babies will definitely arrive this season.” The promo confirms that the moment is near — with Link now fully recovered from his Season 21 finale explosion injuries, which nearly cost him his life.
In the brief clip, Jo and Link stand outside Grey Sloan, her contractions imminent, as Link jokes about his hospital discharge moments before realizing the magnitude of the situation.
Given ABC’s scheduling rhythm, this likely aligns with Episode 8, the mid-season event that doubles as the Fall Finale. Expect chaos, tears, and perhaps a birth sequence paralleling the energy of Meredith’s labor scenes from early seasons.
A Season of Returns and Transitions
Season 22 has leaned heavily into nostalgia while opening fresh arcs for the next generation. Here’s how the lineup of returning and recurring stars currently stands:
| Returning/Guest Star | Role & Status | Episode Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ellen Pompeo | Meredith Grey (guest) | Episodes 1–3 |
| Kelly McCreary | Maggie Pierce (pregnant cameo) | Episode 2 |
| Kate Burton | Ellis Grey (vision sequence) | Episode 2 |
| Scott Speedman | Nick Marsh (recurring) | Episode 3 + future TBD |
| Sophia Bush | Cass Adler (recurring) | Episode 3 onward |
| Jesse Williams | Jackson Avery (guest) | Episode 4 |
| Caterina Scorsone | Amelia Shepherd (on hiatus) | Returns post-midseason |
Scorsone’s absence is temporary; as confirmed by Deadline, she is taking a short hiatus for personal reasons, with Amelia Shepherd written out on a sabbatical.
Meanwhile, Speedman’s continued involvement will depend on his commitments to the new ABC series RJ Decker, which films concurrently in Vancouver.
Grey’s Anatomy’s Legacy of Resilience
Despite being two decades in, Grey’s Anatomy continues to attract a passionate global audience. Season 22 premiered to strong ratings, particularly among women 18–49, and remains ABC’s top-performing drama in digital streams.
The current season balances nostalgia with reinvention — a formula that executive producer Marinis says is key to longevity:
“We honor where we’ve been by showing how these characters evolve. The old faces remind us of our roots, but the new ones keep us alive.”
What to Expect Next?
With Jackson’s return, Jo’s impending delivery, and Teddy’s new romance, Season 22 is shaping up as one of Grey’s Anatomy’s most eventful chapters in years.
Upcoming storylines are expected to focus on:
- The twin birth arc and its impact on Jo and Link’s relationship
- Jackson’s reunion with old colleagues and leadership role
- Teddy’s emotional reboot amid her separation
- The interns stepping up during a hospital crisis
- Meredith’s potential remote collaboration with Grey Sloan on a high-profile research case
If history is any guide, ABC will close out 2025 with a two-part Fall Finale that mirrors the show’s biggest emotional climaxes — births, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs, all wrapped in a signature Grey’s montage.
FAQs
He appears in Episode 4, airing October 30, 2025, as part of a major storyline at Grey Sloan.
ABC hasn’t confirmed, but the episode is expected to reference her and their Boston life.
Yes. Showrunner Meg Marinis confirmed the twins will be delivered this season, likely around the Fall Finale.
The actress, who plays Amelia Shepherd, is on a temporary hiatus. Her character is written out on sabbatical.
Ellen Pompeo will appear in the first three episodes and may return later for a special event episode.
