Is Grey's Anatomy On Tonight? The Definitive Guide To Season 22's Return Date And Mid-Season Cliffhangers

The question on every dedicated fan's mind is a common one: "Is Grey's Anatomy on tonight?" As of today, December 12, 2025, the answer is no. The long-running medical drama is currently on its traditional mid-season hiatus, having aired its dramatic mid-season finale in November. This break is a standard part of the network television schedule, giving the cast and crew a holiday reprieve before the second half of Season 22 begins.

The good news is that the show’s return date is officially set, and the cliffhangers from the last episode promise an explosive start to the new year. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the doctors of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital will be back on their screens soon, picking up immediately after the shocking events that left multiple characters’ futures in jeopardy.

The Official Return Date: When Does Grey's Anatomy Season 22 Come Back?

After a tense mid-season finale, the wait for new episodes is always excruciating, but the official schedule provides a clear answer. The next new episode of the medical drama will not air until the new year, following the holiday break.

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• Next New Episode Air Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
• Time Slot: 10/9c (10:00 PM Eastern/Pacific, 9:00 PM Central)
• Network: ABC
• Episode Title: Season 22, Episode 7 (Title TBA)

The series will resume its regular Thursday night schedule on ABC. If you missed the first six episodes of Season 22, or simply need a refresher on the current storylines, you can catch up on streaming services before the highly anticipated mid-season premiere.

How to Watch and Stream Grey's Anatomy During the Hiatus

While there won't be a new episode on "tonight," there are several ways to re-watch the drama and prepare for the second half of Season 22.

• Next-Day Streaming: New episodes of Grey's Anatomy stream on Hulu the day after their original air date on ABC. This means all six episodes that have aired so far in Season 22 are currently available to stream.
• Full Series Streaming: For those looking to binge-watch the entire series from the beginning, all previous seasons of Grey's Anatomy are available on Netflix in the U.S.
• On-Demand: You can also watch recent episodes on the official ABC website or through the ABC app with a cable provider login.

Season 22 Mid-Season Finale Recap: The Shocking Cliffhangers

The mid-season finale, Season 22, Episode 6, titled "When I Crash...", delivered on the show's promise of high-stakes drama and left fans reeling with two major, life-altering cliffhangers. The return episode on January 8, 2026, will immediately address these unresolved storylines.

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The Fate of Jo, Link, and the Twins

The most immediate and terrifying cliffhanger centered on Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) and Atticus "Link" Lincoln (Chris Carmack). The episode saw the couple and their babies placed in a precarious, life-threatening situation.

• The Crisis: Jo and Link's twins were left in a dangerous position, requiring immediate and high-risk medical intervention.
• The Emotional Fallout: Link was left to deal with the terrifying prospect of losing the love of his life and their children, setting the stage for a highly emotional resolution in Episode 7.

The upcoming episode is expected to focus heavily on the immediate aftermath of this crisis, determining the fate of Jo and the twins and how Link handles the emotional pressure.

Richard Webber's Devastating Diagnosis

The second major storyline heading into the hiatus involved Dr. Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.). After a season of subtle hints and emotional turmoil, the veteran surgeon finally received devastating news.

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• The Diagnosis: Richard was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• The Next Steps: Episode 7 is set to follow Richard as he begins the process of processing this news, discussing initial treatment options, and navigating the emotional toll it takes on him, Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), and the rest of the hospital staff.

This storyline promises a deeply personal and emotional arc for one of the show’s most beloved original characters, exploring themes of mortality and legacy within the medical profession.

Who is Returning for the Second Half of Season 22?

Season 22 continues to feature a mix of beloved original cast members and newer additions, ensuring the show maintains its topical authority and familiar dynamics.

Key Returning Main Cast Members:

• Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey
• James Pickens Jr. as Dr. Richard Webber
• Kevin McKidd as Dr. Owen Hunt
• Kim Raver as Dr. Teddy Altman
• Caterina Scorsone as Dr. Amelia Shepherd
• Camilla Luddington as Dr. Jo Wilson
• Chris Carmack as Dr. Atticus "Link" Lincoln
• Jake Borelli as Dr. Levi Schmitt

The Role of Meredith Grey

While the show has moved beyond Dr. Meredith Grey's (Ellen Pompeo) full-time presence, she remains a significant part of the series. Ellen Pompeo is confirmed to appear in a select number of episodes throughout Season 22, ensuring her character's legacy and ongoing storyline are not completely abandoned.

What to Expect from the Rest of Grey's Anatomy Season 22

The second half of Season 22, which will run through the spring of 2026, is expected to focus on several key storylines, providing ample drama and character development.

Intense Medical Cases and New Residents

As always, the doctors will face complex and emotional medical cases. The new season has already introduced a new class of surgical residents, and their development and integration into the Grey Sloan team will be a central focus. The hospital renovations and the chaotic environment they create will continue to challenge the staff.

Relationship Drama and Personal Turmoil

Beyond Jo and Link’s crisis, the show will continue to explore the intricate relationships between the characters. The emotional fallout from Richard’s diagnosis will likely strain his relationships with Bailey and other colleagues. Furthermore, the mid-season finale hinted at new relationship turmoil and unexpected connections that will be fully explored when the show returns.

In summary, while you won't be seeing a new episode of Grey's Anatomy tonight, the wait is almost over. Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 8, 2026, to see the resolution of the mid-season's most dramatic cliffhangers and the continuation of the longest-running medical drama on television.