There are some characters on the TV screen that show us what we don’t want to end up with. Grey’s Anatomy has had a couple of those types of characters over the years, but there’s one in particular that stands out right now. And the actor who plays that character knows it.
It’s all about Kevin McKidd’s Owen Hunt. Despite originally seeming like a man who wanted to learn and grow to be a better person and doctor, he has ended up in toxic relationships and has generally been a walking red flag. It’s something McKidd knows, and he is more than proud to shout that out.
Kevin McKidd knows Owen Hunt in Grey’s Anatomy is a manchild
While promoting the “Dream It Conventions” in Paris, which took place on June 14 and 15, McKidd did a TikTok (and shared on other socials) where he lip-synced “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter. Above his head was the caption “When even you know the character you play is a walking red flag with women.”
The caption is referencing Owen Hunt, who McKidd has played since Grey’s Anatomy season 5. He walked up to Cristina, who had just been impaled by an icicle, and scooped her up, taking her inside for stitches. He quickly proved his skills as a field medic, but he had a lot to learn when it came to being a surgeon in the hospital.
Throughout the fifth season, he learned more about working in the hospital and getting out of his military ways. Cristina also learned that he was suffering from PTSD, and he sought help for that, finding ways to cope with his trauma and handle the flashbacks.
Owen Hunt quickly turned into a red flag with women
There’s no doubt that Owen is one of the worst characters when it comes to being in a relationship in Grey's Anatomy. As McKidd pointed out, he’s a manchild, and that’s evident in the way he reacts when he doesn’t get his own way. He’s often tried to manipulate women into doing what he wants, and he will give them the silent treatment when it doesn’t work.
Throughout his relationship with Cristina, he pushed to have a baby despite knowing she didn’t want that. Then he had an affair and tried to blame her for it. His relationships after that have been just as toxic, with the most recent one with Teddy. Now, granted, Teddy is also a walking red flag for men, but that doesn’t take away from the way Owen has acted when he “punishes” Teddy for what he perceives to be wrong.
Owen says all the right things at first, but his actions speak louder. Always trust the actions of a man when he shows his true colors.
Grey’s Anatomy will air on Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC in fall 2025.