Jesse Williams Returns to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ as Dr. Jackson Avery for Season 22

Exciting news for Grey’s Anatomy fans as Jesse Williams makes his much-anticipated return as Dr. Jackson Avery. Following intense storylines and some beloved characters stepping away, the show is giving viewers a nostalgic treat by bringing back this iconic character in Season 22.

Surprise Return Teased in New Trailer

ABC thrilled fans by confirming Williams’ return in a tantalizing trailer released on Thursday, October 23. The clip revealed Jackson Avery back in the hustle of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Adding to the drama, we also catch glimpses suggesting Jo (played by Camilla Luddington) might be going into labor. However, there’s uncertainty in the air, catching her husband Link (Chris Carmack) off guard.

Jackson’s Onscreen Dynamics

Jesse Williams, now 44, had previously stepped back into Jackson’s shoes in Season 21, reuniting with Sarah Drew’s character, Dr. April Kepner. Drew’s departure in 2018 after nine seasons left fans missing April’s presence deeply. As then-showrunner Krista Vernoff noted, “The characters of Arizona and April are permanently woven into the fabric of Grey’s Anatomy thanks to the extraordinary work of Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew.”

“As writers, our job is to follow the stories where they want to go and sometimes that means saying goodbye to characters we love. It has been a joy and a privilege to work with these phenomenally talented actresses.”

Krista Vernoff, Former Showrunner

April and Jackson’s Journey

Sarah Drew, 45, subsequently shared with The Hollywood Reporter that Vernoff, 53, felt April’s story had reached a natural conclusion. However, fans were left disheartened when April chose to marry ex Matthew (Justin Bruening), focusing on her faith rather than rekindling with Jackson.

Eventually, the narrative brought April and Jackson back together when Williams exited in May 2021, with the storyline moving Jackson to Boston, joined by April and their daughter Harriet.

“I directly impacted the dialogue, especially the episode a couple of weeks ago with me going to find my dad. I was directly involved in all of that language,” Williams told Entertainment Weekly regarding his influence on his character’s departure. “I know the character as well as anybody. People come and go — some writers come and go, directors come and go, but I’m that character all day, every day. So it’s just really beautiful for that to be acknowledged, and to feel included. It’s a privilege.”

Jesse Williams

Crafting a Meaningful Exit

Williams expressed deep gratitude for being able to collaborate closely with the writers to craft his character’s send-off. “I feel really honored by having the opportunity to really form a story with our writers that honors the character and the characters around him, that world, and also has a connection to the real world,” he shared. This story arc, which delved into Jackson’s personal growth and relationship with his father, left a significant impact on the actor.

Alongside Grey’s, Williams has successfully explored various roles, most notably in the Amazon Prime Video series Hotel Costiera. “That was fun. I love pushing myself in many ways but in that way [it] was really awesome,” he revealed in an interview with Us Weekly, detailing the exhausting yet rewarding experience.

Don’t miss ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ airing on ABC Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET, available for streaming the following day on Hulu.

Reporting based on the original article; quotes reproduced verbatim.