Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Brings Back Jesse Williams as Dr. Jackson Avery

by

Jesse Williams is returning to his role as Dr. Jackson Avery on ABC’s popular medical drama, four years after his departure. A preview of the upcoming episode shows his return and hints at a dramatic conversation with Ellen Pompeo’s character, Dr. Meredith Grey.

I first met Dr. Jackson Avery – played by Jesse Williams – way back in Season 6 of Grey’s Anatomy, in an episode called “Invasion.” He came over from Mercy West when it merged with Seattle Grace. He quickly became a main character, and I loved watching him grow over the next eleven seasons! It was sad to see him leave Seattle to focus on the Catherine Fox Foundation in Boston back in 2021, but he’s popped back for a few episodes since then. This upcoming appearance in “Goodbye Horses” will actually be his fourth return! I’m really excited, and you can check out the promo for Season 22, Episode 4 right now.

Dr. Jackson Avery isn’t the only former star to reappear on Grey’s Anatomy. Kelly McCreary, who played Maggie Pierce for nine seasons, unexpectedly returned in Season 22’s second episode, revealing she’s pregnant. The show has a history of bringing back beloved characters, most famously in Season 17. Patrick Dempsey, T.R. Knight, Chyler Leigh, and Eric Dane reprised their roles as Derek Shepherd, George O’Malley, Lexie Grey, and Mark Sloan, respectively. Their return was tied to a storyline where Meredith Grey fought COVID-19 and experienced dreamlike visions, allowing the show to feature characters who had previously died.

Grey’s Anatomy’s Cast Has Changed Quite a Bit Since Season 1

As of its twenty-second season, only three actors—Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr.—have been in every season of Grey’s Anatomy. While Ellen Pompeo is still officially a main cast member, she began appearing less often as Dr. Meredith Grey starting in Season 19. This change has led the show to focus more on the stories of the other doctors at Grey+Sloan Memorial, making it more of a team effort.

Ellen Pompeo is scheduled to appear in only seven out of the eighteen episodes of Grey’s Anatomy Season 22. However, the showrunner expressed a desire to have her involved in more episodes, saying, “I’m thrilled whenever Ellen is available, so I’d welcome any opportunity to include her in more.”

Pompeo won’t be the only regular cast member with fewer appearances this season. When the show was renewed for Season 22 in April 2025, it was announced that most of the long-time cast members would have their number of guaranteed episodes reduced. Only Wilson and Pickens, playing Dr. Miranda Bailey and Dr. Richard Webber, are scheduled to be in all 18 episodes.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 22, Episode 4, “Goodbye Horses,” will air on ABC on Oct. 30.

Read More

2025-10-25 19:12