If you’ve been staring at your TV screen on Thursday nights wondering where the heck your favorite surgeons went, you aren't alone. Honestly, the holiday hiatus for Shondaland dramas always feels longer than a residency at Grey Sloan. But here is the good news: the wait is officially over.
Grey’s Anatomy comes back with new episodes on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The show is currently in the middle of its 22nd season. If you missed the January 8 return, don't worry—you can catch up on Hulu, but the train is already moving. We are firmly back in the 10 p.m. ET/PT timeslot on ABC.
The Midseason Schedule for 2026
Usually, these schedules are a bit of a guessing game, but for Season 22, the network has been pretty clear about the rollout. Because this season is slated for 18 episodes, we have a lot of ground left to cover.
The winter premiere, titled "Skyfall," kicked things off by immediately addressing that massive cliffhanger involving Jo Wilson. It was intense. From there, the episodes are dropping weekly. We already saw "Heavy on Me" on January 15, and the momentum isn't slowing down.
📖 Related: Who is Really in the Enola Holmes 2 Cast? A Look at the Faces Behind the Mystery
Here is what the immediate horizon looks like:
- January 22, 2026: New episode (Episode 9)
- January 29, 2026: Episode 10, titled "Strip That Down"
That January 29 date is a big one. Why? Because Kate Walsh is officially returning as Dr. Addison Montgomery. It’s always a better show when Addison is walking the halls with a coffee in her hand and a complicated case in her scrub pockets.
What is Actually Happening in Season 22?
If you’ve been out of the loop, the beginning of this season was basically a disaster movie. A massive explosion rocked Grey Sloan Memorial at the end of Season 21, and the first half of this year was all about the fallout.
Meredith Grey is still a central figure, but she’s splitting her time between Seattle and Boston. Ellen Pompeo is only contracted for about seven episodes this season. It's a weird vibe sometimes, seeing the hospital function without her constantly in the OR, but it’s given more room for the interns to actually breathe.
👉 See also: Priyanka Chopra Latest Movies: Why Her 2026 Slate Is Riskier Than You Think
Speaking of interns, the drama with Simone, Lucas, and the new intern (played by Trevor Jackson) is getting messy. It’s classic Grey’s. You’ve got exes, "dumb memes," and one-night stands all working in the same trauma bay.
The biggest storyline right now involves Richard Webber. James Pickens Jr. has been delivering some of his best work as Richard navigates a prostate cancer diagnosis. It’s a heavy arc, especially since the actor recently shared his own real-life experience with the disease. In the show, Richard is currently exploring surgical options after originally considering a more passive approach.
Is Season 22 the End?
People ask this every single year. It’s the show that never ends.
Currently, ABC hasn't officially greenlit Season 23. But look at the numbers. Episode 2 of this season was the 450th episode. That is an insane milestone. Shonda Rhimes has said repeatedly that the show will go as long as the fans keep watching, and even in 2026, the ratings are holding steady enough to keep the lights on.
✨ Don't miss: Why This Is How We Roll FGL Is Still The Song That Defines Modern Country
We also have some cast shifts to track. Caterina Scorsone’s role as Amelia Shepherd has been scaled back a bit—she’s appearing in 10 episodes this season. She actually took a sabbatical in the story and isn't expected back on screen until episode 11 in February.
How to Watch and Stream
If you don't have cable or a digital antenna, you have options. Most people are just hitting Hulu the next morning.
- ABC: Live on Thursdays at 10/9c.
- Hulu: Available to stream Friday mornings.
- Netflix: They have the legacy seasons (1-21), but they don't get the new Season 22 episodes until the entire season finishes airing.
Moving Forward with Season 22
The back half of this season is reportedly focused on the theme of "hope" and rebuilding. After the explosion and the various health scares for the senior staff, the writers are leaning back into the "medical" part of medical drama. Expect more high-risk surgeries—like the 35-pound tumor Bailey and Owen just tackled—and fewer boardroom politics.
If you are planning your watch parties, keep an eye on February. That’s usually when we get another small "mini-break" before the final spring push toward the finale. For now, set your DVRs for Thursdays. The doctors are back in.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your local listings to ensure your ABC affiliate hasn't shifted the 10 p.m. slot for local news.
- Update your Hulu app to ensure you have access to the latest "Day After" uploads.
- Re-watch the Season 22 premiere "Only the Strong Survive" if you've forgotten the specific details of the hospital's structural damage, as it plays a role in the ongoing renovations storyline.