Station 19‘s showrunner explains Ben’s potential move to Grey’s Anatomy, continuing a link between the spinoff and the original series. After seven seasons and more than 100 episodes, Station 19 signed off. And although the finale did include the death of a recent recurring character, Kate Powell (played by Kiele Sanchez), Station 19 ends without any deaths in the main cast. It’s a decision made all the more intriguing by recent reports that Dr. Ben Warren (Jason George) may be moving to Grey’s.
In an interview with Deadline, following the Station 19 season 7 ending, showrunner Zoanne Clack was asked about the possibility that Ben could be making appearances on Grey’s Anatomy. Ben decides to return to his surgical residency, which Clack explains by noting “I don’t think anything else would’ve made sense for him.” The showrunner, who shares the role with Peter Paige, does not confirm whether Ben will move to Grey’s but offers some insight into the character’s perspective. Read the quote below:
I don’t think anything else would’ve made sense for him. That’s all I’m saying. For Ben, it felt like a natural progression to what was going to be the end of the series. It wouldn’t have happened had we not had to go. But everyone had to move on and do different things. Push forward. And that felt like where he was going to push.
Ben’s Potential Move To Grey’s Anatomy Explained
George Was Originally On Grey’s Anatomy
George left Grey’s to help launch what was then the new Station 19 spinoff. Though he remained a regular on the firefighter saga for all of its seven seasons, the actor also continued to make guest appearances on the main medical drama. According to reports, there is currently no deal in place for George to return to Grey’s. ABC and ABC Signature, which produces both shows, declined to comment.
Still, the character has always maintained a personal connection to the medical drama thanks to his marriage to Dr. Bailey (Chandra Wilson). Even though Ben initially left Grey’s to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter, the door was always open for him to return some day. He became an EMT through a fellowship program, then, with Bailey’s support, he became a firefighter.
The path for Ben to go back to Grey’s Anatomy was made clearer in the penultimate episode of Station 19. He confesses that he could still be a really good doctor. However, because of an injury, he may no longer be able to continue as a firefighter. At this point, there is no official confirmation about any potential crossover, but reading between the lines, it does seem likely.