Dr. Addison Montgomery is officially returning to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Kate Walsh will reprise her role as the fan-favorite neonatal surgeon in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 titled “Strip That Down,” which airs on Thursday, January 29, 2026. This marks Walsh’s first appearance on the series since her multi-episode run in Seasons 18 and 19, continuing the show’s tradition of bringing back legacy characters to the delight of longtime fans.
Who Is Dr. Addison Montgomery and Why Her Return Matters
For viewers who have followed Grey’s Anatomy since its early seasons, Addison Montgomery is far more than a guest star. She first entered the scene in Season 1 as the estranged wife of Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), instantly creating one of the show’s most memorable love triangles with Meredith Grey. She became a series regular, working as a skilled OB/GYN and neonatal surgeon at the hospital, then known as Seattle Grace.
After her marriage to Derek ended, her character moved to Los Angeles to lead the successful spinoff series, Private Practice, which ran for six seasons. Despite leaving the main show, Walsh has returned to Grey’s Anatomy numerous times over nearly two decades, making her a living bridge between the show’s past and present. Her returns are often eventful, involving complex medical cases, mentorship, or navigating old personal histories.
She is a powerful and competent neonatal surgeon… Addison has been a significant part of Grey’s Anatomy for nearly two decades.
The High-Stakes Storyline Addison Is Entering
Addison Montgomery is returning to a hospital in the midst of multiple crises. The Season 22 fall finale, which aired on November 13, 2025, ended with several characters in peril. Most critically, Dr. Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington), who is pregnant with twins, was diagnosed with life-threatening peripartum cardiomyopathy—heart failure associated with pregnancy.
As the finale concluded, Jo was in the operating room undergoing an emergency C-section performed by a cardio surgeon who hadn’t performed the procedure since medical school, while she was simultaneously in heart failure. The episode also revealed that Dr. Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, news he shared with Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) in the final moments.
This sets a dramatic stage for Addison’s expertise. As a world-class maternal-fetal surgeon, she is uniquely qualified to handle the exact kind of high-risk obstetric emergency that Jo is experiencing. While ABC has not released specific plot details, it is widely speculated that Addison may be called to Grey Sloan to consult on or take over Jo’s critically complex case.
Fan Excitement and Expectations for the Comeback
News of Kate Walsh’s return has generated significant excitement across social media and among the show’s fan base. Longtime viewers expressed nostalgia, remembering Addison’s pivotal role in the show’s early years and her dynamic relationships with original characters.
Fans are hoping for more than a simple cameo. Many want to see Addison have meaningful scenes that acknowledge her history while impacting current storylines. Popular hopes include seeing her mentor younger doctors, step into a high-stakes surgery, or have poignant moments with characters like Miranda Bailey, with whom she worked closely during her last appearances.
The return also fuels broader speculation about other fan favorites potentially coming back. Following the return of characters like Dr. Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) and Dr. Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) this season, some viewers are wondering if Dr. Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) could also make an appearance.
Also Read:
What to Expect When Grey’s Anatomy Returns in January
The return of Addison Montgomery is part of the show’s winter comeback. Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 resumes with new episodes on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10 PM ET on ABC. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.
The episode featuring Kate Walsh, “Strip That Down,” is scheduled for January 29. This will be the tenth episode of the season. The show’s midseason premiere on January 8 will immediately address the cliffhangers from the fall finale, focusing on the fate of Jo and her babies and the beginning of Richard Webber’s cancer journey.
Cast member Camilla Luddington, who plays Jo, hinted that the drama intensifies from here. She advised fans to emotionally prepare for what comes next, stating the episodes are “brutal” and “worse” following the fall finale.
