Grey's Anatomy Just Teased How Owen Bows Out as Kevin McKidd Exits

Grey's Anatomy basically just told us how it 's going to write out Dr. Owen Hunt, and it did it right after the news dropped that Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver are both leaving. Subtle? Not really. Effective? Yeah.

The episode that gave it away

In the Thursday, March 26 episode, Owen and Teddy head to Cascade Hill, a smaller hospital that runs with fewer resources. While they're there, Teddy finds out Owen has a job offer from Cascade and he is actually thinking about it. By the end of the trip, Owen does the classic TV reassurance: he's not leaving Grey Sloan Memorial.

Except... we already know he is. McKidd, 53, is finishing his run as Owen by the end of season 22. So consider this the breadcrumb trail to his exit.

The exits are official

McKidd called Grey's a huge chapter for him, personally and creatively. He credited playing Owen and also directing on the show for shaping him, and he shouted out Shonda Rhimes for creating the character and backing him when he started directing. He also made it clear he's ready for the next phase: new work, new stories, all of it.

Kim Raver, 57, confirmed she's leaving too. She said playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always mean a lot to her and pointed back 16 years to when Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers brought her into the role. She thanked the writers for the words she got to bring to life and gave fans the credit for keeping the show such a force. In short: heartfelt goodbye, lots of gratitude.

Shonda says where this is headed

"It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves."

That's Shonda Rhimes on Owen and Teddy. She also praised McKidd and Raver for the nuance and heart they brought, on camera and off, and said their impact on Grey's is indelible. Translation: expect closure, not chaos.

The practical stuff

• According to Deadline, McKidd and Raver were told more than a month ago that they were out after this season - a little behind-the-scenes note that lines up with how the show has been laying track for their exit.
• Their final appearance will be the season 22 finale. Production on that episode just wrapped, and it's set to air May 7.
• Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.

If you're doing the TV math: a Cascade Hill offer plus a promise to stay usually equals a decision to go after one last episode or two. And with Shonda openly aiming for a happy ending for Owen and Teddy, it sure sounds like they're sending this couple off on good terms.