What to Expect from Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Episode 1: Only the Strong Survive
Following a cliffhanger that left everyone wondering what characters may or may not survive, Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Episode 1, “Only the Strong Survive,” will reveal who did — and who didn’t — make it out after that explosion.
While the promo video shows several cast members, there are plenty of others whose fates aren’t obvious. Meredith and Ben were both outside the hospital when the explosion occurred, and the promo shows Owen, Teddy, Catherine, Amelia, Jo, Simone, Blue, and Winston. (Plus the newest intern.)
KEVIN MCKIDD
In that promo, Ben is searching for Bailey, Jo says Link isn’t answering his phone, and Amelia breaks down in tears.
The assumption is that at least one character will die, and since this is Grey’s Anatomy, it’s probably about time for something like that to happen. The question is who?
Here’s everything you need to know about the Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 premiere, including the air date, cast, promo, and how to watch.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Episode 1 Details
- Title: “Only the Strong Survive”
- Air Date: Thursday, October 9th, 2025
- Time: 10/9c
- Network: ABC
CATERINA SCORSONE
How to Watch Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Episode 1
- Live: ABC at 10/9c
- Streaming: Available next day on Hulu
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Episode 1 Description
After the catastrophic hospital explosion, Grey Sloan’s staff scrambles to save not only their patients’ lives but also their own. Confronted with impossible surgical decisions and emotional turmoil, they fight to preserve life amid devastation.
Promo & Photos
Check out the photos from Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Episode 1:
ALEXIS FLOYD
ELLEN POMPEO, MICAH MCNEIL
TREVOR JACKSON, ALEXIS FLOYD
ALEXIS FLOYD
ANTHONY HILL
KEVIN MCKIDD
KIM RAVER
Promo Video:
What are your hopes for this episode of Grey’s Anatomy? Which character do you think might not survive?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and be sure to catch up with our review of Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 18 here.
Grey’s Anatomy returns Thursday, October 9th on ABC.
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.