Grey’s Anatomy: 3 of your favorite doctors are returning for more drama

Three Grey’s Anatomy cast members’ contracts ended with the finale of season 16, but don’t worry: They’ll be back when the show returns to television.

Without much news related to when shows forced to end their seasons early this spring might start up again, it’s refreshing to see even the smallest updates roll in.

This past week we learned that several characters on Grey’s Anatomy, who previously had minor roles in season 16, would be returning as regular cast members. We were also told the good news that Kim Raver (Teddy), Camilla Luddington (Jo) and Kevin McKidd (Owen) are all confirmed to return in the show’s next season.

While there wasn’t much doubt among fans that all three would return, contract renewals aren’t always guaranteed. Jo’s storyline faced a major shake-up last season when Justin Chambers (Alex) departed the show unexpectedly halfway through. Teddy and Owen have been caught in a complicated love triangle that seemed to frustrate fans more than entertain them.

But all three characters have been central to the show’s direction for quite some time, even with Raver leaving the main cast temporarily before returning again to complicate Owen’s love life even more than it already was. Because drama!

Now we know for certain that we’ll get to see these two (maybe) figure out what their future together is going to look like … if they even have one. And we get to see Jo grow beyond Alex’s shadow and hopefully own the spotlight she truly deserves.

There are still a lot of questions surrounding the show’s return. We know it’s happening; we just don’t know when. But renewed contracts and several promotions to series regular tell us that, at the very least, season 17’s writing is well underway.

And with Ellen Pompeo’s contract intact only until the end of this season, the future is still uncertain. Grey’s Anatomy has broken records, scored dozens of awards, and lasted longer than most medical dramas ever will. The state of the world being what it is, this could be the end.

Do we say that every season? Yes. Will it actually happen? Debatable.

For now, though, at least we have over 300 episodes of drama to rewatch until new episodes reach our screens. Whenever that might be. No one knows. It’s fine. Everything is fine.

What are your hopes for these Grey’s Anatomy characters in season 17? Any love triangles in particular you hope to (finally) see dissolve?