Grey’s Anatomy will be losing a main cast member for eight episodes this season.
During the Thursday, October 16, episode of the hit ABC series, Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone) chose to take a sabbatical while grieving the death of Monica Beltran (Natalie Morales). Deadline subsequently reported that Scorsone’s break will last until 2026. The outlet noted that the decision to cut back on Scorsone’s appearances came amid a cost-saving measure.
Grey’s Anatomy is already reducing the minimum guarantees for its veteran cast members to 14 out of the show’s 18 episodes per season. While some of Grey’s Anatomy‘s consistent stars won’t appear in four episodes each, Scorsone’s absence was doubled.
Scorsone, who previously starred on the spinoff Private Practice, will still remain a series regular on Grey’s Anatomy after being introduced as the younger sister of Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) in season 7. The 44-year-old actress is expected to return for season 23 amid ongoing changes on screen.
Which ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 22?
Showrunner Meg Marinis previously hinted that not every character would be safe this season after a hospital explosion.
“Well, I feel like a lot of people are probably sitting in operating rooms,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in May. “So unless you saw them and where they were when that explosion went off, I don’t think we can say anyone is necessarily safe.”
Marinis noted that she spoke with the cast about what to expect, adding, “I’ve had conversations with some of them, but they all know it’s a Grey’s Anatomy cliffhanger and they know every year they never know what to expect. They’re here for it. They like to keep our stories exciting and fresh.”
At the time, no decisions were yet made on who would return — and who wouldn’t.
“But even in the last two seasons with what you saw this year, we had to reduce the cast a little bit [because of industry-wide budget cuts], and everybody has very passionate feelings about their favorite characters,” Marinis shared. “But if we can get the writers upset then we know we’re doing it right. It’s not as satisfying a story if people aren’t upset when someone leaves. It’s supposed to make people upset and sad, so I’m sure there’ll be some arguments. But I’ve been persuaded before to change my mind on things.”
Every Star Who’s Left ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Where Are They Now?
She continued: “I definitely have thoughts. Whether or not those thoughts change, that can always happen. I haven’t put pen to paper yet, but it’ll be very soon that I do.”
After her character was killed off in the season 22 premiere earlier this month, Morales, 40, sent a reassuring message to fans via TikTok.
“Guys, I don’t know what to tell you. I’m not dead,” she joked. “I’m right here. Don’t worry. No matter what you’ve heard or what you’ve read in the comments of all my other videos, I didn’t die. I’m right here. You can come see me any time you want. Thank you for worrying though.”
Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.
