Shocking Revelation: Will Cristina Finally Make her Thrilling Return in Grey's Anatomy Season 17 Finale?

Summary

Fans of Grey's Anatomy have been left disappointed with the confirmation that Cristina Yang will not be returning for season 17. It seems that actress Sandra Oh has moved on from the show and has no interest in reprising her role as Cristina Yang.

Cristina Yang's departure poses challenges to the show's narrative, but the cast has warmly remembered the impact of Sandra Oh on the series. Despite the disappointment of Grey's Anatomy fans, season 17 definitively answered the question of whether Yang would return to the show. Portrayed by Sandra Oh, Cristina Yang remains a beloved character amidst the extensive cast of Grey's Anatomy. Her departure in the season 10 finale was a poignant and unforgettable moment. Furthermore, her presence intertwined deeply with key figures in the show, particularly Meredith Grey, who was her closest confidant.

How The Grey's Anatomy Season 17 Finale Confirms Christina Won't Return

: The departure of the Grey's Anatomy character Christina Yang is not an isolated incident as many other regulars have also bid farewell to the show. Some of these characters have made appearances again, either in physical form or as apparitions during Meredith's encounters near death. Despite Christina currently holding the position of Chief Medical Officer and Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the esteemed Klausman Institute for Medical Research in Switzerland, there is speculation among viewers regarding her potential return to Grey's Anatomy. However, information from the season 17 finale of Grey's Anatomy, along with insights into actress Sandra Oh's personal life, strongly suggest that Christina Yang is unlikely to make a comeback.

Cristina Yang's return to Grey's Anatomy seems unlikely as she has consistently been absent whenever there was a possibility for her reappearance. Fans of the show have started realizing that the sporadic texts they receive from Cristina Yang might be the only interaction they will witness from her until the series concludes. Throughout the seventeenth season of Grey's Anatomy, there were instances that left viewers questioning whether Cristina Yang would make a comeback. However, she deliberately remained missing, especially when Meredith's life took a perilous turn due to her intense battle with COVID-19.

Sandra Oh Has Moved On From Grey's Anatomy

Cristina's absence on the ethereal beach, where beloved individuals like Derek, George, Lexi, Miranda, and Richard manifested, seemed to provide a definitive answer to the lingering question, "Will Yang make a comeback to Grey's Anatomy?" Despite the potential incorporation of a text message exchange between best friends Cristina and Meredith regarding the seemingly impossible procedure, even this flawless setup failed to yield Cristina's presence. This does not bode well for those anticipating Sandra Oh's eventual return.

The return of Grey's Anatomy's Christina Yang character is contingent upon actress Sandra Oh's personal willingness, which appears to be lacking. Those hoping for Cristina Yang's comeback will be disappointed, as Oh has consistently shown disinterest in reprising her role, despite earning five Emmy Award nominations for it. In an interview with LA Times' Asian Enough podcast, Oh provided a definitive answer regarding her departure.

"I departed from that show, almost seven years ago now," reflected the actor. "In my mind, it's truly in the past. But for many people, it still remains very much alive. While I appreciate and cherish that, I have moved on." Sandra Oh, known for her groundbreaking role in Killing Eve and her voice work in various projects like Invincible, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Turning Red, has been incredibly busy. As a result, it is unlikely that Cristina Yang will make a return to Grey's Anatomy anytime soon.

Although it is unclear whether the creative team of Grey's Anatomy has directly approached Sandra Oh about a potential comeback, her decision to distance herself from the popular medical drama is understandable. She delivered astonishing performances throughout her ten-year portrayal of Cristina Yang, a crucial character in the series' exploration of complex female friendships and unapologetic female strength. The writers of Grey's Anatomy, led by showrunner Krista Vernoff, have diligently tried to honor Cristina's legacy over the past seven years. However, it is undeniable that the continued absence of Cristina Yang presents significant narrative challenges and has resulted in some inevitably clumsy storylines.

What The Grey's Anatomy Cast Have Said About Sandra Oh's Cristina Return

Many members of the Grey's Anatomy cast felt a sense of sadness upon Cristina's departure and have since been pondering the question, "Will Yang return to Grey's Anatomy?". Cristina's storyline had a tremendous impact on the series, and she remained a prominent character for a significant period of time. Ellen Pompeo has shared her thoughts on how both Oh and Patrick Dempsey leaving the show had different effects on her. When Pompeo initially learned of Sandra's departure, she questioned her ability to continue on with the show. During an episode of Dax Shepherd's podcast "Armchair Expert," Pompeo expressed her frustration over Oh's exit, exclaiming, "Ugh! How can I go on without Sandra? Is there a show without Sandra?"

In an interview with PEOPLE, co-star Kevin McKidd (who portrays Owen) discussed Cristina's departure and even addressed the recurring question of whether Yang will return. McKidd expressed his strong desire for Sandra Oh to make a comeback, stating, "I would absolutely love it - and I always say it - I would love for Sandra Oh to come back. [...] I don't believe she will, as she keeps stating that she won't. However, each time I see her, I persistently try to persuade her, saying, 'Come on, come on. Just one [episode].' Maybe one day she will agree. I am constantly trying to persuade her."

Grey's Anatomy season 17 might have quashed any hopes of Cristina Yang returning to the show in the future. However, it is not uncommon for long-running television series, like Grey's Anatomy, to experience cast turnover in order to propel the larger storyline forward. With earlier seasons of Grey's Anatomy available for streaming on Netflix, fans can easily relive all the memorable moments that made them fall in love with the talented and determined Cristina Yang.

What Has Sanda Oh Done Since Leaving Grey's Anatomy?

Despite ongoing speculation about Yang's return to Grey's Anatomy, Sandra Oh has proven her talent beyond doubt. Following her breakthrough portrayal as Dr. Cristina Yang, she ventured into both stage and screen performances. She swiftly joined the cast of the comedy film Tammy as Susanne, followed by various small roles, and took on the part of Abby Tanaka in season 3 of American Crime. Oh also lent her voice to the character of Castaspella in She-Ra and the Princess of Power. Further exhibiting her prowess in voiceover work, she portrayed Virana in Raya and the Last Dragon and Ming in Turning Red.

Nevertheless, her greatest achievement came when she secured the leading role as Eve Polastri in the immensely popular action drama series Killing Eve. Her portrayal of Eve has captivated audiences, earning her prestigious awards including a Golden Globe and a SAG award. Remarkably, this performance has received widespread critical acclaim, surpassing even her renowned role on Grey's Anatomy. The success of Killing Eve has propelled her career forward, resulting in an impressive array of six upcoming projects in different stages of development. Additionally, Oh has continued to showcase her talent through voiceover work in animated shows such as Invincible, The Sandman, and Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.