‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 23 Adds New Character After Multiple Cast Exits

Grey’s Anatomy is experiencing another cast change after several recent — and surprising — exits.

The network confirmed on Friday, September 4, that James Wolk will play Seth Norton in season 23, which returns October 15.

According to the official character description, Seth is “a handsome, arrogant surgeon-turned-businessman whose focus on the bottom line never wavers.” The newcomer “owns Olympic Regent Health, a luxury care medical center where patients pay out of pocket for elevated care,” the synopsis read.

The medical drama faced plenty of cast shake-ups just one season prior. After the shocking death of Monica (Natalie Morales) early in the season, Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) chose to take a sabbatical. It was subsequently reported that Scorsone’s break would last until the end of 2025 in an attempt to cut costs.

The show was 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 were missing for four episodes, Scorsone’s absence doubled.

Showrunner Meg Marinis previously hinted that not every character would be safe.

“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 told The Hollywood Reporter in May 2025. “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.”

News subsequently broke in March that Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver would be leaving the show in a shocking exit. Creator Shonda Rhimes later hinted how the season approached Teddy (Raver) and Owen’s (McKidd) departure.

“Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Owen and Teddy’s love story evolve and deepen — two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other. It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves,” she teased in a statement. “Kevin and Kim bring extraordinary talent, nuance and heart to their roles as Owen and Teddy. Their contributions leave an indelible mark on Grey’s Anatomy, both in front of and behind the camera. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them both and to see them shine.”

She concluded, “While we will all miss seeing them in the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial each day, I am excited to witness where Kim’s and Kevin’s journeys will take them in the future.”

Grey’s Anatomy returns to ABC Thursday, October 15, at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Paramount+.