In an interview withOprah Magazine, Shonda Rhimes admitted to getting the idea forGrey’s Anatomywhen a doctor told her that it was incredibly hard for her to shave her legs in the hospital showers. Initially, the statement sounds silly, but when considering the amount of personal time that is still spent at the hospital for people in the medical profession, Rhimes knew she was on to something. In 2005, the first nine episodes of her new medical drama premiered, and they were a hit.
People fell in love with the original five interns and the drama they brought onGrey’s Anatomy. From relationship trouble starting right off the bat to the struggles of keeping personal secrets away from their work lives, fans could not get enough. There have been dozens of characters worthy of a cult following, and then there are a handful that plenty of people would have liked to see go. The medical mysteries and surgeries are intriguing, but the personal aspect and histories of the characters is what makes fans crave more. Luckily, even though Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey)has stepped awayfrom the spotlight, the series has beenrenewed for a 20th season.
Check out the best episode of each ofGrey’s Anatomy’scurrent seasons.
Season 1: Pilot (Episode 1)
The first episode of a series sets the tone and establishes the characters. Oftentimes, it can feel a bit awkward because the chemistry on set has not been fully established yet. That was not the case withGrey’s Anatomy. From the start of the episode, sparks fly between Meredith and her one-night stand — who is later discovered to be her boss. With the five main interns fumbling over their new positions in a new hospital and doing their best to understand the hierarchy of the doctors, this pilot episode truly delivered the best performances from season one.
Season 2: As We Know It (Episode 17)
Picking up from where the storyline left off in the previousGrey’s Anatomyepisode, Meredith has her hand on a bomb, and Bailey is in labor while unaware that her husband is having brain surgery due to a car accident. This single episode is packed with so much intensity that fans cannot help but hold their breath in anticipation. Even after all the chaos subsides, when Derek shows up to check on Meredith at her own house to verify she is okay, hearts still explode as fans desperately want the pair to work things out.
Season 3: Didn’t We Almost Have it All? (Episode 25)
The Season 3 finale ofGrey’s Anatomyputs everyone in their rightful place. After getting to know Cristina for three full seasons, a wedding with a stunning white gown, family heirlooms, and penciled-on eyebrows is not what anyone expected of her. It is surprising that Burke is the one to call off the whole ordeal, but the relief on Cristina’s face asMeredith cuts off her wedding dresssays it all. On the other hand, Meredith officially calls it quits with Derek in a brief speech to dismiss everyone from the ceremony. The women may not be jumping with joy after the decisions, but they are supportive of one another.
Related:Grey’s Anatomy: The Best Seasons, Ranked
Season 4: Freedom (Episode 17)
While the 17th episode closes out Season 4 ofGrey’s Anatomy, many of the characters experience new beginnings. After several failures, Meredith and Derek’s clinical trial finally sees a successful outcome. Bailey gives Izzie the keys to the clinic because she knows the young doctor’s heart is in it for the long run. Callie admits to herself that she is attracted to Erica Hahn, and they share a kiss.
Then, when it feels like things can’t get any better, this episode ends with one of the most romantic gestures of the whole show: Meredith’s candle house. Instead of several dreadful cliffhangers, this episode provides exciting opportunities for nearly everyone.
Season 5: What a Difference a Day Makes (Episode 22)
After experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions with her recent cancer diagnosis, all Izzie can bring herself to care about isMeredith and Derek’s wedding. On the day of the ceremony, everyone is scattered due to a horrible car crash. Izzie on the other hand gets a sense that a new tumor has appeared in her brain. Unfortunately, she is right, and all hope seems lost for every patient. After an inspiring speech and quite a bit of reflection, the day turns around for Izzie when she is the one wearing the white dress at the altar as she and Alex profess their love for one another.
Season 6: Death and All His Friends (Episode 24)
The ending ofGrey’s AnatomySeason 6 is one of the most heartbreaking as we watch a vengeful gunman hunt down doctors in the hospital while searching for his true target, Derek. The second part of the finale begins with Derek bleeding out from a gunshot wound, and when doctors try to help him, they are faced with the gunman. Severalcharacters lose their lives, but the ones who survive have trauma that lasts through the following season. This episode may not be the happiest, but it leaves a lasting impression with its plot as well as the phenomenal acting that takes place.
Season 7: It’s a Long Way Back (Episode 19)
Callie Torres has been one of the strongest characters inGrey’s Anatomy, so when she is put in the most vulnerable state of her life, fans' hearts ache for her. From having to give birth to her daughter much sooner than expected to staying in the hospital for several weeks due to a horrendous car accident, all attention is on the new mom and her baby.
While all of this is going on, Meredith risks her career and relationship by tampering with Derek’s clinical trial, and Alex becomes the luckiest guy after putting up with one of the crankiest patients. Everyone means well in their endeavors, but not all outcomes turn out how the characters hope.
Related:Our Favorite Surgeons from Grey’s Anatomy, Ranked
Season 8: Moment of Truth (Episode 21)
The day finally comes when all the residents leave to complete their boards. Each mentor sees them off to the airport, but when it comes to sitting down in the hotel rooms with their examiners, things get rocky real quick. Meredith has a stomach bug, Cristina appears impatient, Alex is late, and Jackson and April have sexual tension eating away at them. ThisGrey’s Anatomyepisode challenges the characters to be out of their comfort zone, and anxiety runs high when it’s revealed that someone did not pass their test.
Season 9: Things We Said Today (Episode 10)
Bailey has been one of the most feared and respected women in the hospital, so when it comes to her wedding day, it’s an all-hands-on-deck situation. Unfortunately, nothing can ever go smoothly for those at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. When Bailey catches word that Richard’s wife had been admitted to the hospital, she does not hesitate to change out of her wedding dress and into scrubs. The operation goes smoothly, and eventually Bailey is able to get back to her own ceremony.
While dancing with her husband, Richard walks into the room, and Meredith instantly knows that he just lost the love of his life. From new beginnings to official goodbyes, this episode has a bittersweet end.
Season 10: We Are Never Getting Back Together (Episode 22)
After losing out on the Harper Avery award due to where she works, fans as well as her colleagues felt like Cristina deserved so much more. She eventually agreed to fly to Zurich to give a lecture, but she ends up with more than she could have ever dreamed. Dr. Burke reveals himself to have been the one to invite her out to speak, but more importantly, he wants to gift her his hospital. Bailey and Derek have groundbreaking surgeries that happen back at in Seattle, butCristina’s bright futureovershadows everything in this season.
