‘Grey’s Anatomy’ cast its first non-binary doctor and fans are already shipping one potential couple

Grey’s Anatomy (Thursdays at 9 ET/PT on CTV) is officially paging Dr. Kai Bartley now that the show has cast actor E.R. Fightmaster in a recurring role. And even though the gig isn’t full-time, it’s notable because this marks the first time the medical drama has cast a non-binary doctor.

Fightmaster, who is non-binary, made their first appearance on the show’s third episode of the season, “Hotter Than Hell” (catch up on Season 18 here). Dr. Kai was a part of the research team at a well-funded hospital in Minnesota where Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) was being courted to help cure Parkinson’s Disease. 

While Mer and Kai got along fine, it was the potential spark between Kai and Amelia (Caterina Scorsone), that fans really noticed. Amelia had joined her sister to help her make what is a pretty monumental career decision, but she quickly got caught up in Kai, given Amelia’s familiarity with their work.

Now, when the show returns on November 11 following a two-week hiatus, Kai is back and fans can’t wait to see whether there’s something more between them and Amelia. Especially now that Amelia has for sure rejected that proposal from poor Link (Chris Carmack).

“They are dedicated to their craft and extremely talented at what they do,” reads the character description from ABC about Kai, as per Variety. “Confident as hell and able to make even the most detailed and mundane science seem exciting and cool, Kai and Amelia bond over their shared love of medicine and the brain.”

Now, because the internet gonna internet, fans are all about Amelia x Kai, shipping them well in advance of the next episode.

As fans wait to see what the show has in store for Kaimelia (that has a nice ring to it), the episodic description for the next episode, “Bottle Up and Explode!” has some hints. “In Minnesota, Meredith and Amelia meet up with a familiar face who assists in their study,” it reads. Does that mean it’s someone who is already on the show, or a person from the past?

Oh Grey’s, how you love to tease us so.

For those who are wondering why Fightmaster looks so familiar, you may recognize them from their work on the third and final season of Shrill. On the Aidy Bryant series (available to stream now on Crave), they played Emily, who was also a non-binary character. The relationship between Emily and Fran (Lolly Adefope) was a major storyline in the show’s final season.

In addition to Shrill, Fightmaster has also starred in LGBTQ+-positive series like Work in Progress and Tales from the Closet. They are trained in improv and are an alumni of The Second City Chicago and the Second City Touring company. They are also in the band Twin.

Meanwhile, fans are paying extra close attention to this season of Grey’s, trying to determine whether this may be the final season. The show has been on a bit of a reunion tour over the past two years, bringing back familiar faces for what seems like a final hurrah. Now, some fans are speculating that the Minnesota storyline could be priming us for Mer’s ultimate exit from Grey Sloane Memorial.

If that’s the case, here’s hoping Amelia also gets the happy ending she deserves. And maybe, just maybe, that happy ending is with Kai.

Watch Grey's Anatomy Thursdays at 9 ET/PT on CTV and catch up on Season 18 on CTV.ca and the CTV app. 

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