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As the much-loved African entertainment group celebrates three decades in Zambia, Leah Kooma, Managing Director MultiChoice Zambia, muses on the power of entertainment to impact lives – and society – in a variety of ways

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 31, 2025/ — Three decades is a long time. In the Zambian film and television industry, it’s literally transformational period of time. That is how long MultiChoice (www.MultiChoice.com) has been operating in Zambia, and our sector is now almost unrecognisable from 1995, when we set up business in Lusaka.

The media landscape has been revolutionised over those three decades, and I’m proud to say that MultiChoice has been at the forefront of leading that revolution.

Technology evolution

The arrival of the MultiChoice brand heralded the introduction of satellite broadcasting in the country. Subsequently, MultiChoice would also help to introduce a range of other innovations.

We expanded beyond satellite-only television by introducing GOtv for affordable access, launching DStv/GOtv Stream and Showmax for streaming content, and mobile apps for flexible viewing anytime, anywhere.

We are proud to have been part of this technology evolution, helping to redefine how entertainment is shared and experienced in Zambia. However, I am equally proud when I consider the broader social contribution that a video-entertainment business can make.

Social impact

Fundamentally, it’s about knowledge empowerment. Digital connectivity gives users access to global content – real-time access to international news, sport, documentaries, and educational content. Local audiences become part of global conversations, cultures, and innovations.

This broadens horizons and sparks an interest in lifelong learning, which in turn inspires Zambians to become part of the global knowledge economy.

On the other side of the coin, Zambians have brought their own insights to the global conversation, as local culture is showcased across our region, and we begin to consolidate our own cultural identity through homegrown Zambian talent and productions.

Industry development

These productions have been part of a steadily growing creative economy, which not only strengthens national pride, but creates thousands of jobs within TV and film production, as well as advertising, events, hospitality and technology.

Driving this economic multiplier effect has been the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), which has one of its three pan-African training academies in Lusaka. 

MTF Academy graduate courses, masterclasses and mentorship programmes equip young creatives with practical production skills. Graduates emerge industry-ready, well prepared to help drive Zambia’s creative ecosystem.

From a situation where Zambia produced only a handful of local productions, channels like Zambezi Magic now host hit local drama, comedy and reality shows, including Mpali, Zuba, Makofi, Mungoma, Ubuntu, Ten Tamanga Street and Date My Family Zambia.

These 30 years of industry growth have seen a surge in not just quantity, but quality too. Notably, MTF alumnus Cosmas Nga’ndwe won an AMVCA (Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award) (https://apo-opa.co/48W3Rs1) this year for best indigenous language film.

Becoming part of industry development at this level has underlined a fundamental truth in our partnership with the Zambian people. We are here to add value. It’s about far more than providing a service. It’s about long-term investment and national growth.

We see ourselves as a trusted development partner, creating jobs, driving tech innovation, and empowering youth to create inspirational content that will shape Zambian culture for years to come.

We have come to understand that we do this most effectively when we place our customers at the heart of everything we do, understanding their needs, anticipating challenges, and delivering solutions that enhance their experiences.

Growing our people

This partnership approach extends to our people; helping them to develop their careers and to grow as individuals. We have been proud to see employees start out in customer service or technical support and rise into leadership through continuous training and development.

We also run wellness programmes that help staff feel valued and supported. Passionate staff become ambassadors, helping us deliver impact well beyond the screen – in the form of reliable service, problem-solving and customer satisfaction.

Other key Zambian stakeholders we have been fortunate to build relationships with have been ZNBC and the free-to-Air channels. Our close relationships have helped all of us expand our reach and bring Zambian culture to a wider audience.

We look forward to the next 30 years of working together – MultiChoice Zambia and our partners – developing Zambian talent, launching new productions, and giving local creators greater opportunities.

Personally, it has been incredibly rewarding to see Zambian stories gain recognition across Africa, and to see MTF graduates emerge and start developing the country’s film industry.

Like everyone on the MultiChoice Zambia family, I am proud to contribute beyond the screen; to not just deliver television entertainment, but to help shape Zambia’s national identity.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

SOURCE                    
MultiChoice Group

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The bodies of six Malawian nationals who lost their lives in a devastating road accident in Limpopo, South Africa, arrived in the country through the Mwanza Border Post on Friday afternoon.

The remains were received by officials from relevant government departments, relatives, and members of the public who gathered to pay their last respects.

The Malawian nationals were among 42 people who died in the accident, which occurred on Sunday night on the N1 highway in South Africa’s Limpopo province.

The bus carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals veered off the road along a steep mountain pass and plunged down an embankment, resulting in the tragic loss of lives.

Government officials, alongside family members, welcomed the bodies at the border post, where a brief funeral service was conducted to pay tribute to the deceased.

The service provided an opportunity for relatives and friends to comfort each other and pay their last respects.

The bodies were later transported to their respective home districts for burial.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier confirmed that one body was repatriated separately by the bereaved family, while the body of a child remains in South Africa pending DNA confirmation.

Four Malawians who were hospitalized following the accident are reportedly recovering well.

The incident has drawn condolences from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who described the high death toll as a tragedy not only for South Africa but also for its neighboring countries, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

The government and people of Malawi mourn the loss of these lives and offer support to the bereaved families during this difficult time.

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has set November 8 as the day for the launch of the Mo626 Varsity Games at Mzuzu University, bringing together students from tertiary institutions across the country.

NBM plc has organised the games in collaboration with the Tertiary Students Sports Association of Malawi (TESSAM) and the Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL), with a combined sponsorship package of K450 million from the ‘Bank of the Nation’.

Of this amount, MK300 million will support TESSAM activities, while MK150 million will go towards BASMAL.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lilongwe, NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, said the initiative goes beyond promoting sports, as it also aims to contribute to youth development.

“These games will not only help identify and nurture sporting talent but will also build confidence and leadership among young people. At National Bank of Malawi, we recognise that young people are the driving force of our nation’s future. This is why we continue to invest in initiatives that empower, educate, and inspire them,” said Hiwa.

Hiwa also commended TESSAM and BASMAL for their continued dedication to developing sports among tertiary students.

“As a Bank, we acknowledge TESSAM and BASMAL for their tireless efforts in coordinating tertiary-level sporting programmes, which provide students with opportunities to compete, collaborate, and showcase their talents,” she added.

On his part, TESSAM Vice General Secretary Noel Kapito thanked NBM plc for the sponsorship, saying the support will go a long way in promoting university-level sports.

“We thank National Bank for this sponsorship. With the resources which we have received, we are so sure that this is going to be a great tournament.  Universities are not only about academics, and these games are crucial to sports development in the country,” said Kapito.

Also present at the briefing, BASMAL Vice General Secretary, Edda Mkombezi said the partnership will help nurture basketball talent and strengthen the sport’s foundation in the country.

“These games encourage competition among universities and help identify talented players who can contribute to the growth of sports in Malawi,” added Mkombezi.

The Mo626 Varsity Games are part of a huge sports sponsorship which NBM plc made of a total of 1.5 billion Kwacha.

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Halloween’s upon us … which means kids are donning their costumes and their parents are whipping out their cameras to capture every second — like these celebrities’ parents did years ago! We’ve compiled a series of pics showcasing celebs way…

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Jonathan Van Ness hit back after receiving backlash for dropping 70 pounds using weight loss drug GLP-1.

Posting via his TikTok on Thursday, October 30, the Queer Eye star, 38, explained his decision to choose to use the medication amid accusations from fans that he was no longer “body positive.”

“What do you mean? I’m all about body neutrality,” Van Ness responded via the TikTok video. “The way that you look does not define your worth, doesn’t define your lovableness. You are worth love and worth celebration, no matter what your body looks like.”

In the video, Van Ness also described having a “medical issue” in 2023 and said he opted to use GLP-1 because he “just didn’t feel good.” He added that he was also incorporating exercise into his routine, including Pilates.

Wellness Influencer Janelle Rohner Responds to Weight Loss Drug Backlash

“My body’s never in my whole life [looked like this] — I’ve always wanted to have an ab,” he said. “I’ve never had abs. And I feel really good, so I’m taking my shirt off a lot.”

He added, “I was always really cute, and I always felt cute. But I just didn’t feel good, and now I feel good.”

Van Ness said he felt “like a f***ing minx right now” and added that he wanted to look back fondly at what his body looked like in his 30s when he was an elderly man.

@jvn_official
Wanted to share this 💅

♬ original sound – JVN

 

In January, Van Ness spoke about using GLP-1, a category of medication that includes Ozempic and is used to treat diabetes and aid in weight loss, to help him deal with a binge eating disorder.

At the time, Van Ness shared before-and-after photos side by side via his Instagram Story to show the progress of his weight loss journey. He shared that he had lost 66 pounds.

“Alright, I have a confession to make. Yes, I am on a GLP-1 or a weight-loss medication,” Van Ness wrote via the post. “If you have been following me for a long time, you’ll know that I gained and lost weight several times very publicly. And this time in my life, I knew that I needed a little bit of extra help.”

Josh Gad Has Lost 40 Lbs on GLP-1 Medication: ‘It Is a Miracle Drug’

In the post, Van Ness added that he started the GLP-1 injections in September 2024, saying he “felt immediately better” after his binge eating disorder sprialed “out of control.”

“I was consistently making decisions that I regretted with compulsive eating and with bingeing that just left me feeling really not good, depressed and out of control,” he wrote.

He continued, “I, for the first time in my life, have had control over my food intake. It has helped me so massively, and that’s part of why I wanna be honest with you about it because I know how important asking for help is, and how much asking for help can change your life in terms of healing. This time, I needed help.”

If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website or call their hotline at +1 (866) 662-1235. Text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.

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…..As Tanzanian police detain journalist Juma Shoka during a human rights mission, regional concerns mount over the shrinking space for independent media and cross-border reporting in East Africa.

NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-Kenyan journalist Juma Shoka has been arrested by Tanzanian police at Hororo, a tense crossing point along the Kenya–Tanzania border in Lunga-Lunga, Kwale County.

The incident occurred on Friday morning while Shoka was on a fact-finding mission accompanied by three human rights defenders.

The team was reportedly investigating alleged human rights violations and cross-border governance challenges affecting communities living along the frontier.

Eyewitnesses told local media that the group was detained shortly after engaging with residents on both sides of the border to document cases of abuse and access to justice issues.

It remains unclear what formal charges, if any, have been filed against Shoka and his associates.

Tanzanian security forces have not released an official statement, further fueling speculation that the arrest is politically motivated.

Reports suggest that Shoka and his team were taken into custody by officers attached to the Tanzania Immigration and Border Police Unit and are being held at an undisclosed location.

Sources close to the matter allege that authorities accused the journalist of conducting “unauthorized investigations” and “interfering with domestic affairs.”

However, media rights advocates have dismissed these claims, arguing that Shoka’s detention is a deliberate attempt to intimidate investigative journalists working on sensitive regional issues.

A Pattern of Suppression Across East Africa

This latest arrest adds to a troubling pattern of journalist harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention in East Africa.

Over the past five years, press freedom in the region has deteriorated, with governments increasingly using security laws, sedition charges, and cybercrime legislation to stifle dissent.

According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia have all recorded declines in media freedom scores.

Tanzania, in particular, ranks among the lowest in East Africa, placed 140th out of 180 countries, a steep fall from its earlier reputation as one of the region’s more open media environments.

Under President Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership, the country has intensified restrictions on both local and foreign journalists.

Numerous reporters have been detained, expelled, or denied accreditation for investigating topics such as human rights violations, corruption, or governance failures.

In 2023, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) documented at least 17 cases of arrests and temporary detentions of journalists in Tanzania.

Among the most notable was the detention of Erick Kabendera, an investigative journalist held for months without trial on charges of “economic crimes.”

His arrest sent shockwaves through the regional press corps and signaled a chilling new normal for Tanzanian media.

The Erosion of Journalistic Freedom

East Africa’s governments have increasingly adopted legal and administrative tools to silence independent voices.

In Uganda, journalists covering opposition rallies have been beaten, detained, or had their equipment confiscated by police.

In Ethiopia, despite promises of reform, dozens of journalists have been arrested under anti-terrorism laws, accused of “inciting public disorder.”

Even in Kenya, considered relatively liberal by regional standards, journalists investigating corruption or organized crime have faced threats, surveillance, and intimidation.

Human rights lawyer Winnie Omondi, commenting on Shoka’s arrest, noted that “the line between journalism and activism is deliberately blurred by authorities who wish to criminalize truth-telling.”

She added that “reporters are not enemies of the state — they are watchdogs defending the public interest. Detaining them only exposes the insecurity of those in power.”

Regional Response and Outrage

The arrest of Juma Shoka has drawn widespread condemnation from both national and international organizations.

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) issued a statement on Friday afternoon denouncing the arrest as a gross violation of press freedom.

“Journalists have a right to gather and disseminate information without intimidation or arbitrary arrest,” KUJ Secretary General Eric Oduor said.

He called on Tanzanian authorities to release Shoka immediately and unconditionally, emphasizing that “cross-border reporting is not a crime but an essential pillar of regional integration.”

The Defenders Coalition, a Kenyan-based human rights group, confirmed that three of its members were detained alongside the journalist and remain in custody.

The coalition urged the East African Community (EAC) to investigate the incident and develop binding protections for journalists working on transnational issues.

Amnesty International Kenya also joined the outcry, describing the arrest as “a calculated move to silence journalists who shine a light on state abuses.”

The organization warned that the “increasing criminalization of investigative journalism threatens democracy across East Africa.”

Diplomatic Efforts Underway

Kenyan authorities have since engaged their Tanzanian counterparts to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Foreign Affairs officials in Nairobi have confirmed that they are pursuing diplomatic channels to secure Shoka’s release.

A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Kenya’s government “values bilateral cooperation with Tanzania” but “expects mutual respect for the rule of law and press freedoms.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested consular access for the detained journalist and human rights defenders.

Meanwhile, civil society groups have organized online and street campaigns demanding the group’s immediate release under the hashtag #FreeJumaShoka.

The campaign has gained traction across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, symbolizing a united regional call for media freedom and justice.

The Shrinking Space for Free Expression

Observers say the shrinking civic space in East Africa reflects a broader political regression in the region.

Governments that once embraced democratic ideals have resorted to authoritarian tactics to maintain control over public narratives.

The adoption of cybersecurity and digital communications laws in countries like Tanzania and Uganda has made online expression a new target for state censorship.

In many cases, journalists are accused of spreading “fake news” or “endangering national security” when they publish reports critical of the government.

These legal tools have been used to justify website shutdowns, content takedowns, and the prosecution of media workers.

Regional media scholars argue that this trend is reversing decades of progress made since the early 2000s, when independent media flourished following liberalization reforms.

“Today’s environment is far more hostile,” said media researcher Dr. Peter Mwakitalu of the University of Dar es Salaam. “The message is clear: the state controls the story.”

The Human Cost of Silence

Behind every arrest or closure is a journalist whose work has been silenced — and a community left uninformed.

When investigative reporters like Juma Shoka are detained, the ripple effect extends far beyond national borders.

Communities that rely on journalists to expose corruption, land grabs, or security abuses lose their only avenue for truth.

As a result, ordinary citizens are deprived of vital information necessary to hold leaders accountable and make informed decisions.

In many parts of East Africa, self-censorship has become the survival mechanism for journalists.

Those who persist in exposing wrongdoing often face threats, smear campaigns, and, in extreme cases, enforced disappearance.

The Media Council of Kenya reported that in 2024 alone, over 70 journalists faced harassment or physical assault while performing their duties.

The chilling effect is palpable — fewer reporters are willing to cover sensitive issues like border security, corruption, or ethnic tensions.

Regional Solidarity: The Way Forward

Despite these challenges, media networks and civil society organizations across East Africa are building coalitions of solidarity to defend press freedom.

Journalist associations from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have pledged to create a cross-border rapid response mechanism for detained or threatened media workers.

This initiative seeks to offer legal aid, emergency evacuation, and advocacy support when journalists are targeted by the state.

Regional media watchdog Article 19 East Africa is also pushing for a binding regional charter on media freedoms under the EAC framework.

Such an instrument would require member states to align their national laws with international standards on freedom of expression.

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, has already ruled in several landmark cases that criminal defamation and arbitrary detention of journalists violate the African Charter.

However, enforcement remains weak due to political interference and limited public awareness.

A Turning Point for East African Journalism

The arrest of Juma Shoka could mark a turning point in how East African journalists and their supporters mobilize against repression.

As digital media becomes more influential, states are tightening control, but the resilience of independent journalists continues to grow.

“Silencing one journalist will not kill the truth,” said veteran Kenyan reporter Linus Kaikai. “If anything, it exposes the fear of those who want to bury it.”

Calls are mounting for regional leaders — especially within the EAC — to prioritize press freedom as a pillar of democracy, development, and regional integration.

For Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, and Tanzania, where democratic institutions remain fragile, the case of Juma Shoka is a litmus test for the region’s commitment to human rights.

It is also a test of international solidarity — whether Africa will continue to allow its journalists to be jailed for doing their job, or stand together to defend their right to tell the truth.

As of Saturday, November 1, 2025, the fate of Juma Shoka and his three colleagues remains uncertain.

Their detention underscores the dangerous realities facing journalists across East Africa — professionals caught between truth-telling and state control.

In the struggle for justice and accountability, their courage stands as both an inspiration and a warning:

When journalists are silenced, democracy itself is gagged.

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A$AP Rocky referred to himself as Rihanna‘s “loving husband” in a new interview.

The rapper made the comment in an interview with Perfect magazine published on Wednesday, October 29, despite Rocky and the “Diamonds” singer never publicly confirming or denying they have officially married.

“Being a father and a partner and a loving husband in my family is what makes me really, really happy,” he said.

Rocky, 37, continued, “That’s what honestly does get me going: being able to express myself creatively, being able to be a family man and being able to be an artisan.”

Rihanna and ASAP Rocky Have ‘Talked About Getting Married Down the Line’

The “Am I Dreaming” musician poured fuel on the fire of the speculation surrounding the couple’s marital status while speaking to Elle in September.

“How you know I’m not already a husband?” he teased during an interview with the mag.

However, the rapper sidestepped any confirmation that a wedding had taken place, adding, “I’m still not gonna confirm it.”

This isn’t the first time rumors have swirled that Rocky and Rihanna, 37, have secretly tied the knot due to comments made by the rapper.

In June 2023, Rocky referred to Rihanna as his “wife” in a sweet shout-out on stage during one of his live performances.

“I’d like to dedicate this song to my beautiful wife in the motherf***ing building!” he said during his second set.

Rocky, who shares sons RZA, 3, and Riot, 2, and daughter Rocki, 6 weeks, with Rihanna has often been candid about his love of being a dad.

Earlier this month, he gushed about his daughter in an interview with Complex.

“My daughter. That’s my favorite thing I created this year,” Rocky told the outlet on October 9. “Shout out to Rocki Irish, man.”

Rihanna has made no secret of her admiration for Rocky’s parenting skills and dedication to being a family man.

The “Pon De Replay” singer revealed to Harper’s Bazaar in February that the “greatest thing” about her partner “is seeing him be a dad.”

ASAP Rocky Says He and Rihanna Do a ‘Real Great Job’ With ‘Making Children’

In the interview she joked that she found it frustrating that her sons seemed to be more taken with him than her.

“I’m annoyed because my sons sometimes just live for him more than they live for me,” she said. “And I’m like, ‘Did you know who cooked you? Do you know who pushed you out?’ And they love him, but when I see it, oh, it’s the best.”

Previously, Rihanna has also shared how becoming a mother turned her life upside down in a positive way.

“It’s everything. You really don’t remember life before, that’s the craziest thing ever,” she told British Vogue in 2023. “You literally try to remember it — and there are photos of my life before — but the feeling, the desires, the things that you enjoy, everything, you just don’t identify with it because you don’t even allow yourself mentally to get that far, because … it doesn’t matter.”

After the pair started off as friends, Rocky confirmed he and Rihanna were officially an item during an interview with GQ in 2021 where he called her “The One.”

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Donald Trump was all treats and no tricks for hundreds of kids … who showed up in their Halloween costumes to snag some sweets from the President and First Lady at the White House. It all went down Thursday night on the South Lawn … with DT…

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Cheryl Burke is open to constructive criticism — but not when it comes in the form of blatant body shaming.

The former Dancing With the Stars pro, 41, addressed fans’ criticism of her scoring when she returned to the reality show as a guest judge via an Instagram video posted on Thursday, October 30.

Burke explained that her critiques were aimed at helping the contestants and pros improve their dancing and grow their skills and were based on her own extensive experience in the same space.

“My comments didn’t just come out of nowhere. It came from personal experience. It came from being on this show for 26 seasons, and it also came from all the years of being trained, being coached myself and I have seen so many mixed reviews, which is totally fine, but what’s not okay is I’ve also seen so many aggressive ones and a lot of body shaming ones,” she said.

Celebrities Who’ve Spoken About the Ozempic Weight Loss Trend

The body shaming remark appeared to be a reference to Alix Earle’s stepmom, Ashley Dupré, who reacted to Burke’s DWTS scoring by telling her via a TikTok clip to “go take more Ozempic” on Tuesday, October 28.

In her Instagram video, Burke added that she appreciated the feedback whether it was “amazing and beautiful messages” or “constructive criticism” but she drew the line at hateful remarks based on how she looks.

“I know that I did the best that I could with the information that I had and with what I saw in real time, and for the people who think body shaming is okay, especially in front of your children, that sends a powerful message about what you value,” she said.

The dancer continued, “And clearly it’s not kindness, I was simply again, doing my job as a judge, giving feedback based on almost 20 years of my life, and if my score was different from the other judges, it was by one point. I have dedicated my whole life towards being a competitor of ballroom dancing.”

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A post shared by Cheryl Burke (@cherylburke)

Burke went on to urge people making body shaming remarks, especially in front of children, to consider the impact they are having.

“And you know, you don’t have to agree with my critique, but you do have to recognize the influence your words have on the next generation watching you. If that’s the example you choose to set, then please, I beg of you leave my name out of it.”

Dupré stepdaughter Earle, 24, and pro Val Chmerkovskiy danced a tango to Billie Eilish’s “Bury a Friend” on the show’s Halloween Night earlier this week.

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Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough each gave the influencer a 10. However, Burke gave Earle a slightly lower score of 9, prompting Dupré, 40, to make the controversial Ozempic comment.

In the clip, Dupré’s children could also be heard asking,  “Go take more Ozempic?”

Dupré then replied, “What? She looks weird. Doesn’t even look like her.”

Burke previously spoke candidly about her weight with Us Weekly in August, denying she’d ever taken the weight loss medication.

“There’s just no way, I faint at the sight of needles,” she exclusively told Us. “And I’ve heard of side effects, people not feeling well, certain things that happen that are too gross to share. I’m not willing to feel like that. I changed my eating habits. I stopped eating past 7 p.m. and it changed my whole body. It wasn’t so much about a number on the scale as it was about how I feel.”

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Jesse Williams‘ highly anticipated return to Grey’s Anatomy had Jackson and Meredith at odds before Ellen Pompeo left Grey Sloan Memorial — again.

During the Thursday, October 30, episode of the hit ABC series, Jackson (Williams) was back at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital to help with a reconstructive surgery. His first interaction with Meredith (Pompeo) was far from perfect after she saw Tom Koracick’s (Greg Germann) published paper about Alzheimer’s research.

Meredith pointed out that Koracick’s work didn’t factor in female patients, but Jackson fired back at her criticism of his mentor. Ultimately, Jackson needed Meredith’s help with his procedure, so they had to scrub in together after their confrontation.

By the end of the episode, Jackson and Meredith found common ground. Meredith also realized she needed to continue her research, which meant she could no longer be as present at the hospital as she was right after the explosion that kicked off season 22.

Every Star Who’s Left ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Where Are They Now?

Pompeo, 55, began playing Meredith in 2005 when Grey’s Anatomy premiered on ABC. After hinting at her exit for years, Pompeo confirmed in September 2022 that she would have a reduced role for season 19.

“I’m going to always be a part of that show,” she told Deadline at the time. “I’m an executive producer. I spent two decades of my career on [Grey’s Anatomy] — it’s my heart and soul. I’ll never truly be gone as long as [it’s] on the air.”

The actress starred in eight episodes that season before exiting the show as a series regular in 2023. “I’m only going to Boston, and you know, I’ll probably be here next week,” Meredith told her friends and coworkers before boarding a plane with her three children.

Pompeo is expected to be featured on screen for at least seven episodes this season, appearing in the first four so far. Deadline reported that Pompeo’s screen time could “grow” with the season planning to air 18 total episodes.

Which ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 22?

Grey’s Anatomy is already reducing the minimum guarantees for its veteran cast members to 14 out of the show’s 18 episodes per season. While some fan favorites won’t appear in as many as four episodes each, Caterina Scorsone‘s absence was doubled after her character, Amelia, chose to take a sabbatical. Deadline subsequently reported that Scorsone’s break will last until 2026.

Elsewhere in Thursday’s episode, Link (Chris Carmack) missed working and found a way to help Owen (Kevin McKidd) on his newest case. Owen, for his part, was dealing with the end of his marriage to Teddy (Kim Raver) as she moved on with Cass (Sophia Bush). Owen had his own romantic development when he went out to dinner with Nora (Floriana Lima).

Bailey (Chandra Wilson) was determined to help her patient with stage IV cancer, which Lucas (Niko Terho) helped with, while Jules (Adelaide Kane) worked through an issue in her friendship with Simone (Alexis Floyd). As for Blue (Harry Shum Jr.)? He won points with his plastics fellow after allowing her to help Jackson.

Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.

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