Chandra Wilson Says After 20 Years, ‘It Is Time’ to Watch Grey’s Anatomy for Herself: ‘Got as Far as Season 3’ (Exclusive)

• Chandra Wilson tells PEOPLE she started watching Grey’s Anatomy during the COVID pandemic and made it up to season 3
• Wilson and James Pickens Jr. are the only two remaining season 1 stars who regularly appear on the show
• “I’m always excited that we have the opportunity to keep these stories going forward,” Wilson tells PEOPLE

Chandra Wilson has spent the last two decades starring in Grey’s Anatomy, giving her little opportunity to watch and enjoy the show.

In a red carpet interview with PEOPLE before the Disney 2025 Upfront presentation in New York on Tuesday, May 13, Wilson says she began watching Grey’s Anatomy during COVID, but only got up to season 3!

“I got as far as season three during COVID, and then we went back to work, so I stopped, and then I haven’t gone back since, so it’s time, right?” Wilson, 55, exclusively tells PEOPLE. “I need to go back.  I need to know what they’re talking about.”

Wilson stars as Dr. Miranda Bailey, whom she has played on the long-running ABC medical drama since the show’s first season in 2005. James Pickens Jr., who stars as Dr. Richard Webber, is the only other first-season star still regularly appearing on the show.

However, Ellen Pompeo, who was the lead star through season 19 as Dr. Meredith Grey, continues making sporadic appearances. Pompeo, 55, recently told El País she saw no financial reason to leave Grey’s permanently. Wilson also sees no reason to leave, mostly because she loves playing Miranda so much.

“I enjoy bringing her to life,” Wilson tells PEOPLE. “I enjoy people seeing different sides of her. I enjoy that her hair keeps changing all the time.”

Wilson also notes that the cast and crew still love making the show, too.

“It’s really exciting and as long as they want us to do it, hey, we’ll be here to do it,” Wilson says.

Grey’s Anatomy will start its 22nd season in the fall and will pass 450 episodes early in the new season. Wilson says they started celebrating the milestone last year.

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“I’m always excited that we have the opportunity to keep these stories going forward, and, you know, to keep our family together and keep it moving forward,” Wilson tells PEOPLE of the show’s future. “I don’t have the slightest idea what a season 22 would be about.”

Once the season 21 finale airs, Wilson says fans will be left wondering, “What in the world is season 22 gonna be about?”

Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET, with new episodes available to stream on Hulu the next day.