Jason George says he’s pretty certain he’ll be back for Grey’s Anatomy season 23, while reflecting on how cast exits are handled with respect—and what Ben’s next chapter could look like after multiple shakeups.
Jason George stepped into the conversation with a promise on his tongue—if not a final stamp, close enough.
At the MPTF NextGen Summer Party on Sunday, May 31, the Grey’s Anatomy star, 54, told Us Weekly that he could confirm “Ben is coming back.” He added, “I’m pretty certain I’m coming back.”
George has played Ben since season 2010, and his return would land in a season still rattled by exits. Season 22 saw major cast shakeups. including the show reducing the minimum guarantees for its veteran cast members to 14 out of its 18 episodes per season. Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd also surprised viewers when they exited the series.
In the middle of that uncertainty, George sounded steady about what’s next. He praised the show’s creative team for knowing when to shift the story forward. saying. “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.”.
He then described the behind-the-scenes process that comes when an exit is being considered. “As early as possible — as soon as you’re thinking about it — you’ll get a call and a conversation. ” he explained. He recalled how he was approached about leaving for the Station 19 spinoff. thinking the news meant. “[Sorry. man. we’re writing Ben off the show].”.
George said he’s grateful for how his bosses handle these moments. “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.”.
That tone matters as season 23 approaches with the memory of shakeups still fresh. George said he’s “not worried” about a possible looming exit. pointing to the reality that television has an end date for every show. “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.”.
He didn’t predict a sudden change in the opening stretch either. saying. “I don’t think they’re going to make a move in the first few episodes.” Still. he carried real emotion about what it means when colleagues leave: “Kim and Kevin are some of the best people I’ve met my entire time in Hollywood. 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 beyond Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. George voiced support for Ben taking a break there to appear in an upcoming ABC spinoff. Slated for a 2027 debut, the project would give Ben room to explore something new. “I’m looking forward to that,” George said, adding that he wants Ben to keep moving forward. “[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.”.
For now, the signal from George is clear: after everything season 22 set in motion, Ben isn’t going anywhere in season 23. Grey’s Anatomy is streaming on ABC.
Jason George Grey’s Anatomy Ben season 23 MPTF NextGen Summer Party Kim Raver Kevin McKidd Station 19 Shonda Rhimes Ellen Pompeo ABC spinoff 2027 debut Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital
So Ben is coming back? I swear every season is “coming back” and then surprise, he’s gone again lol.
I didn’t even know Grey’s was still on season 23, but if Ben returns then I guess that fixes everything? Like why do they keep cutting cast members anyway.
Yeah but they said “as early as possible” like ok sure, they call you and talk about writing you off but aren’t they doing that more for Station 19 too? I feel like Ben’s “next chapter” means he’s gonna move cities or something.
This just sounds like PR. “Pretty certain” is not confirmation, Jason George always says stuff. Also they reduced minimum guarantees to 14 episodes out of 18?? That’s why people leave, it’s all money, not “respect.” I mean I like the show but they act like it’s all story decisions.