Grey Sloan Memorial is about to get a familiar face back in the halls. The Jesse Williams Grey’s Anatomy return is official, with the actor stepping back into the role of Dr. Jackson Avery for Season 22. The episode, titled “Goodbye Horses,” airs October 30, 2025, and fans are already bracing themselves for drama. For longtime viewers, Jesse Williams is a meaningful comeback for one of the show’s most influential doctors.
Why The Jesse Williams Grey’s Anatomy Return Matters
When Williams left the series in 2021 after twelve seasons, it felt like the end of an era. Jackson Avery evolved from an ambitious resident to a respected surgeon and board member, before departing to lead the Fox Foundation in Boston. As EW reported, Williams has returned for a handful of guest appearances since, but this episode feels different.
Jesse Williams Grey’s Anatomy return allows the writers to re-engage with legacy characters and storylines while also connecting in current arcs. With Meredith still present in recurring episodes and her Alzheimer’s research tied to the Fox Foundation, Jackson’s presence could play directly into one of the show’s most dramatic storylines.
What Fans Should Expect
Williams’ comeback opens the door to several possibilities:
A tie to Meredith’s case: The Foundation has the power to support (or complicate) her Alzheimer’s project.
Hospital politics: With many original leaders gone, Jackson re-entering Grey Sloan Memorial could disrupt the balance of power.
A different Jackson: He’s no longer the hotshot resident but a father and philanthropist. How will his growth hold under the pressure of Grey Sloan’s chaos?
As Parade pointed out, fans will also wonder whether his return may include personal updates, especially about April Kepner, with whom he shares a daughter. Even if she doesn’t appear, the question of their relationship will hang in the air. Plus, if Grey’s Anatomy has taught us anything, it’s that a returning character rarely shows up without shaking the hospital in ways no one saw coming.
A Chance to Explore Jackson Outside the OR
Jesse Williams Grey’s Anatomy return also raises the possibility that we’ll see Jackson in a different light. For much of his run, he was defined by surgery, romance, and the pressure of his family name. Now, as the head of the Fox Foundation and a father, the show has an opportunity to highlight the version of Jackson who operates less with a scalpel and more with personal perseverance.
That shift could introduce conflicts surrounding money, ethics, and leadership, which are areas Grey’s often touches on but rarely sustains. Watching Jackson navigate those challenges could add fresh texture to a season juggling big changes.
A Legacy That Still Resonates
Jesse Williams Grey’s Anatomy return reminds us how deeply Jackson Avery’s character shaped the series. From his rocky start in the Season 6 Mercy West merger to his ironic “April, I love you” wedding interruption, Jackson has been at the heart of Grey’s most unforgettable moments. Bringing him back is more than fan service; it taps into nearly two decades of impactful history.
And with Catherine Fox (Debbie Allen) still battling health issues on the show, Jackson’s reappearance could carry personal weight as well as professional stakes. As TVLine noted, Grey’s has always used returning characters to stir emotion and drive plot twists, and Jackson is uniquely positioned to do both.
Final Word
Jesse Williams Grey’s Anatomy return reminds viewers that Grey Sloan’s past is never fully behind it. Whether he’s back to bolster Meredith’s research, confront family challenges, or shape up the hospital’s hierarchy, Jesse Williams is bringing Jackson Avery home at a pivotal moment in the series. For fans, it’s a return that blends history with fresh possibilities, and that’s the kind of drama Grey’s Anatomy has always thrived on.