Grey's Anatomy, one of ABC's longest-running medical drama series, has seen many main cast members depart during its run. While Patrick Dempsey's Derek Shepherd was killed and Ellen Pompeo's Meredith Grey left the show, the medical drama has bid farewell to many of its main cast members.
Justin Chambers, who plays Dr. Alex Karev on the show, was one of the main cast members who also quit in season 16. Chambers left the show to diversify his acting roles and career choices.
While Alex was a beloved character on the show, fans were incredibly disappointed with the unjustified send-off he was given in season 16. From an intern to the Head of the Pediatrics Department, Karev evolved on the show beautifully and struck a special friendship with Meredith.
Grey's Anatomy aired its 21st season on September 26, 2024, following weekly releases of episodes.
Exploring Dr. Alex Karev's journey on Grey's Anatomy
Dr. Alex Karev started as an intern in the pediatrics department in the series premiere. His last appearance was in Season 16, in the Episode "Leave a Light On."
While fans understood his departure from the show, given the character's exhaustibility after such a long run, they were not satisfied with the haste end given to write off his character from the show.
While Alex started as a stubborn and unlikeable co-worker, he became soft as the show progressed and his troubled childhood came into view. Having a history of addictive and mentally unstable parents, Alex moved to 17 foster homes and was left alone to fend for his siblings.
His romantic interest was fellow intern Izzie Stevens, played by Katherine Heigl. While the two had a rocky start, the two got married eventually after Izzie was diagnosed with a tumor. While she survives the disease, the two can't make their marriage work.
In Season 10, Alex married Jo Wilson and was assumed to be in a happy marriage until it was time for his character to leave the show. After discovering that Izzie used her frozen embryos to give birth to two children that were biologically Alex's, he leaves Jo to live in Kansas with his new-found family.
While moving to Kansas was the best way for the character to leave the show, the fans did not like him suddenly getting back with Izzie, even while he was married to Jo.
Why did Justin Chambers leave Grey's Anatomy?
In a 2020 interview with Deadline, Justin Chambers revealed that he would leave Grey's Anatomy after Season 16. After playing the role for about 15 years, he felt it was time to make other career choices and try his hand at other acting roles.
In an interview with Us Weekly, he explained his departure saying,
“Grey’s Anatomy has given me a freedom that many actors don’t often experience, and now I’m excited about exploring passion projects both within and outside of Hollywood.”
After his departure, the actor starred in a recurring role in The Offer and the crime drama Accused. He continued,
“After years of being a familiar face as Karev, it felt exciting to step into a more complex, antagonistic role and show a different side of myself as an actor.''
Grey's Anatomy Season 21 premiered on September 26, 2024.
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