Kevin McKidd, the beloved actor behind Dr. Owen Hunt on Grey's Anatomy, has been contemplating his exit from the show for years. In an exclusive interview, McKidd reveals the emotional journey leading up to his character's departure, which was ultimately decided by the show's financial constraints. McKidd initially envisioned Owen's exit as a heroic death, but showrunner Meg Marinis convinced him otherwise, citing the fans' reluctance for more loss and grief. The actor is proud of Owen's happy ending, where he and Teddy Altman reconcile and embark on a new chapter in Paris. Despite the bittersweet nature of the departure, McKidd is grateful for the opportunity to direct his final episode and looks forward to returning to Grey's Anatomy as a director for season 23. The actor also discusses his new project, a dark psychological thriller, and reflects on the changing landscape of network TV, where shows like Grey's Anatomy continue to thrive despite the rise of streaming services.