ABC

After 15 Years, Justin Chambers Is Exiting 'Grey’s Anatomy'

Justin Chambers, who has played our beloved Alex Karev for the last 15 years, is finally bowing out of the show.

After watching him go through heartbreak, love, loss, life, and death with the people around him, the character's story has officially run its course.

When 'Grey's Anatomy' launched its first season, people fell in love with every character.

ABC

This included Alex Karev, who, although he could be a terrible friend sometimes, was still beloved by fans.

But now, 15 years later, Karev, played by Justin Chambers, is finally retiring from the show.

Obviously, this is the worst thing that could have happened to 'Grey's' fans considering the constant heartbreak they already have to go through.

ABC

Need we remind you of the plane crash?

Yeah, that was definitely a plot line no one wanted to see.

But now, whether we like it or not (and we all don't like it), it's time for us to start fixing our broken hearts once more.

CTV

Alex Karev is leaving us.

Which means no more bad boy who is really a softie. No more hate to love or love to hate that iconic character.

In a statement to Deadline, Chambers said:

ABC

"There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years."

"For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices."

ABC

"And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time."

Once he leaves, only a few original cast members will remain.

“As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride,” he finished.

And worse yet, his last episode may have already aired without us knowing.

Karev's last episode was on November 14th, where he left the hospital so he could go care for his sick mother.

Because of that, he was absent from the fall season finale.

Although the show is currently the highest rated show on ABC, we can't help but wonder what will happen to those views and ratings now that Karev is gone.

Will people stop watching the show?

Or will they keep watching in desperate hopes that he makes a cameo?

Needless to say, fans are freaking out over the news.

No one is taking it well, especially considering the fact we have already lost so many beloved characters.

You know when "Chasing Cars" comes on, the feelings are real.

That is the saddest song ever used on a television show, ever.

You can disagree all you want, but it's true.

Others are already out here wishing other people would be leaving.

But basically, everyone is saying the same thing: they are heartbroken over the loss of one of the original and most iconic characters.

So, will current fans stay current fans? Or leave the show now that Karev has also left?

Time will tell. And we're sure that we'll hear about it on Twitter. As long as he doesn't come back just to die, I'll be happy.

Will you still watch the show? Let us know below in the comments!

Filed Under: