Why Is Caterina Scorsone on Hiatus from Grey’s Anatomy? Inside the Actress’ Abrupt Exit — and When She’ll Return

Warning: Grey’s Anatomy spoilers ahead!

Caterina Scorsone is taking a break.

The longtime Grey’s Anatomy star — who has played Dr. Amelia Shepherd since season 7 — took a hiatus from the ABC medical drama amid the start of season 22. During the second episode on Oct. 16, Amelia announced that she was taking a sabbatical after learning that the mother of her patient, Dylan (Sophia Kopera), was responsible for the deadly explosion that killed Dr. Monica Beltran (Natalie Morales) at the end of season 21.

“She was very medical this season,” showrunner Meg Marinis told Deadline on Amelia’s season 21 arc in May 2025. “We’ll see if her strive and desire to keep taking on medical cases, we’ll see if that continues after what happens to Dylan.”

She continued, “I think that’s a moment of hubris for her. She took on something that, there’s a possibility she shouldn’t have operated on that girl to begin with.”

So, why is Caterina Scorsone on hiatus from Grey’s Anatomy? Here’s everything to know about the actress’s abrupt exit and when fans can expect her to return.

Why is Caterina Scorsone on hiatus from Grey’s Anatomy?

Neither Scorsone nor ABC has given an official reason for the absence. However, Deadline reported that Grey’s Anatomy had reduced the minimum guarantees for series regulars from 18 episodes per season to 14 during its 2024-25 season.

That cost-cutting measure, which is common in other long-running shows, continued for the drama’s 2025-26 season. However, Scorsone will only appear in 10 of the 18 episodes.

How long will Scorsone be on hiatus? 

According to Deadline, Scorsone’s eight-episode hiatus will happen consecutively as opposed to other cast members’ screen time reductions that are sprinkled throughout the season. This would mean that the Grey’s Anatomy star would be on hiatus until episode 10.

So far, the season 22 release schedule has only been confirmed for up to episode 6, as there’s a potential for a mid-season break for the holidays in November 2025. So Scorsone could be on hiatus for months.

When will Scorsone return to Grey’s Anatomy?

Fans of Amelia will likely have to wait at least a few months to see her back in the operating room. Because her eight-episode hiatus will reportedly run consecutively, Scorsone will likely not return to Grey’s Anatomy until 2026.

The actress joined the series in 2010, reprising the role she originated in the spinoff series Private Practice. Her character’s career ambitions and recovery from drug addiction have made her a fan favorite among longtime viewers.

“She encountered tragedy and trauma so early. It really was woven into the DNA of her unfolding personality,” Scorsone said during an April 2025 event at The Paley Center for Media. “I think if she has any major skill — and she’s a neurosurgeon, and she’s a mom, and she’s a friend — but resilience is really, I think, the thing that can most closely be associated with Amelia Shepard.”

What has showrunner Meg Marinis said about Scorsone’s hiatus?

Like the actress, Marinis hasn’t officially commented on Scorsone’s absence. However, in an interview with Shondaland, the showrunner discussed what might be in store for Amelia as she deals with the fallout from the explosion.

“It’s going to cause her to rethink some things in her life, for sure. It is not something where she just needs a few days’ rest and she’ll be fine,” Marinis told the outlet. “It’s not just the death of Monica, but the explosion that happened in the hospital was the case that she was connected to.”

She added, “She feels a lot of culpability … which is [related] to the center of Amelia’s pain, which is the death of her father.”