{{Short description|American television series (2005–present)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}} {{hatgrp|{{About|the television series|the textbook|Gray's Anatomy{{!}}''Gray's Anatomy''|other uses|Gray's Anatomy (disambiguation)}} {{Redirect|Grey's|other uses|Grey (disambiguation)|and|Greys (disambiguation)}}}} {{Use American English|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox television | image = Grey's Anatomy Logo.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert | genre = {{Plainlist| * Medical drama * Romantic drama }} | creator = Shonda Rhimes | showrunner = {{Plainlist| * Shonda Rhimes * James Parriott * Krista Vernoff * Mark Wilding * Joan Rater * Tony Phelan * William Harper * Stacy McKee * Meg Marinis }} | starring = List of cast members | narrated = Ellen Pompeo<br />and various others | theme_music_composer = Psapp | opentheme = "Cosy in the Rocket"<br />(seasons 1–3, 7, 14) | endtheme = "Cosy in the Rocket" (instrumental) | composer = Danny Lux | country = United States | language = English | num_seasons = 22<!-- number of seasons aired --> | num_episodes = 466<!-- As of May 7, 2026--> | list_episodes = List of Grey's Anatomy episodes | executive_producer = {{Plainlist| * Shonda Rhimes * Ellen Pompeo * Allan Heinberg * Andy Reaser * Betsy Beers * Debbie Allen * James D. Parriott * Jeannine Renshaw * Jeff Rafner * Joan Rater * Kent Hodder * Krista Vernoff * Mark Gordon * Mark Wilding * Marti Noxon * Meg Marinis * Peter Horton * Rob Corn * Stacy McKee * Steve Mulholland * Tony Phelan * William Harper * Zoanne Clack * Olivier Dumont }} | producer = {{Plainlist| * Ann Kindberg * Austin Guzman * Elisabeth R. Finch * Gabrielle G. Stanton * Harry Werksman * James E. Williams * Jeff Rafner * Linda Klein * Lisa Taylor * Mark Foreman * Meg Marinis * Michael Metzner * Mimi Schmir * Peter Nowalk * Sara E. White * Stacy McKee * Tammy Ann Casper * Tia Napolitano * William Harper * Zoanne Clack }} | cinematography = {{Plainlist| * Herbert Davis * Tim Suhrstedt * Jeffrey Jur (pilot only) }} | editor = {{Plainlist| * Susan Vaill * David Greenspan * Edward Ornelas * Justin Chinn * Briana London * Sarah Boyd * Stacy Katzman * Brandi Bradburn * Bjorn Myrholt }} | camera = Single-camera | runtime = 40–52 minutes | company = {{Plainlist| * Shondaland * Lionsgate Television{{Efn|Also credited as The Mark Gordon Company (2005–2018) and Entertainment One (2018–2024)}} * 20th Television{{Efn|Also credited as Touchstone Television (2005–2007), ABC Studios (2007–2020) and ABC Signature (2020–2024)}} }} | network = ABC | first_aired = {{Start date|2005|03|27}} | last_aired = present | related = {{Plain list| * ''Private Practice'' * ''Station 19'' * ''A corazón abierto'' (Colombian TV series) * ''A corazón abierto'' (Mexican TV series) }} }} '''''Grey's Anatomy''''' is an American medical drama television series focusing on the personal and professional lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital (later renamed Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, and finally Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital). The series premiered on March 27, 2005, on ABC as a mid-season replacement and has been renewed annually for two decades. Its title is a mixture of the protagonist's surname and the name of the classic human anatomy textbook ''Gray's Anatomy''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 8, 2017 |title=Gray's Anatomy: an iconic medical textbook |url=https://www.medicographia.com/2017/11/grays-anatomy-an-iconic-medical-textbook/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717084028/https://www.medicographia.com/2017/11/grays-anatomy-an-iconic-medical-textbook/ |archive-date=July 17, 2020 |access-date=May 19, 2020 |website=Medicographia}}</ref> Writer Shonda Rhimes developed the pilot and served as showrunner, head writer, and executive producer until stepping down in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2020 |title=Shonda Rhimes Talks About Leaving ABC for New Netflix Deal |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/is-shonda-rhimes-still-writing-greys |access-date=March 6, 2021 |website=Distractify |language=en-US |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303172247/https://www.distractify.com/p/is-shonda-rhimes-still-writing-greys |url-status=live }}</ref> Set in Seattle, Washington, the series is filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia.
The original cast consisted of nine star-billed actors: Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, T. R. Knight, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Isaiah Washington, and Patrick Dempsey. For most of its run, the series revolves around Dr. Meredith Grey (Pompeo), chronicling her progression from surgical intern to fully-qualified doctor. The cast has undergone major changes throughout the series' run, with only three original members remaining by the 19th season – Pompeo, Wilson, and Pickens. Pompeo stepped back from the series in its 19th season, at which point the show shifted to more of an ensemble format. In March 2026, ABC renewed the series for a 23rd season. ''Grey's Anatomy'' had two spin-off series: ''Private Practice'' (2007–2013) and ''Station 19'' (2018–2024); as well as a web series, ''Grey's Anatomy: B-Team''.
''Grey's Anatomy'' is the longest-running scripted primetime show currently airing on ABC, and the longest scripted primetime series carried by ABC. Its success catapulted many series regulars, including Pompeo, Oh, and Dempsey, to worldwide recognition; they were among the five highest-earning television actors in 2013.<ref name="bustle2013">{{Cite web |last=Pomarico |first=Nicole |date=May 14, 2015 |title=How Much Does The 'Grey's Anatomy' Cast Make? Being A TV Doctor Has Its Benefits |url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/82936-how-much-does-the-greys-anatomy-cast-make-being-a-tv-doctor-has-its-benefits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802002943/https://www.bustle.com/articles/82936-how-much-does-the-greys-anatomy-cast-make-being-a-tv-doctor-has-its-benefits |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=June 24, 2017 |website=Bustle}}</ref><ref name="time2013">{{Cite magazine |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |date=September 21, 2013 |title=Which TV Stars Pull in the Most Dollars Per Episode? |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2013/09/21/which-tv-stars-pull-in-the-most-dollars-per-episode/ |url-status=live |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808160521/http://entertainment.time.com/2013/09/21/which-tv-stars-pull-in-the-most-dollars-per-episode/ |archive-date=August 8, 2017 |access-date=June 24, 2017}}</ref> Once among the overall top 10 shows in the United States, the show's ratings have fallen, although {{As of|2017|lc=y}} it was still one of the highest-rated shows among the 18–49 demographic.<ref>{{Cite web |author-last=Goldberg|author-first=Lesley|date=February 10, 2017 |title='Grey's Anatomy,' 'Scandal,' 'How to Get Away with Murder' Renewed |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-scandal-how-get-away-murder-renewed-974386 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314214630/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-scandal-how-get-away-murder-renewed-974386 |archive-date=March 14, 2017 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> The show also does well on streaming television; {{As of|2023|February|lc=y}}, ''Grey's Anatomy'' was ranked the 10th most popular on-demand program.
''Grey's Anatomy'' has been well received by critics throughout much of its run and has been included in various critics' year-end top 10 lists. Since its inception, the show has been described by the media outlets as a television "phenomenon" or a "juggernaut", owing to its longevity and dominant ratings. It is considered to have had a significant effect on popular culture and has received numerous awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama and a total of 38 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including 2 for Outstanding Drama Series. The cast members have also received accolades for their individual performances.
== Plot == The series follows the life of Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), the daughter of world renowned general surgeon Ellis Grey (Kate Burton), starting from her acceptance into the surgical residency program at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital (later named Seattle Grace Mercy West, and finally, Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital). During her time as an intern, Grey works alongside fellow physicians Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) and George O'Malley (T. R. Knight), who each struggle to balance their personal lives with hectic schedules and stressful residency requirements. During their internship, they are overseen by Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), a senior resident, who works with attending physicians Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), head of neurosurgery and Meredith's love interest, and Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington), head of cardiothoracic surgery and Yang's eventual fiancé. Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), Chief of Surgery and attending general surgeon, is the former lover of Ellis Grey. During the first six seasons, Burke, O'Malley, and Stevens all depart the series.
In addition to Webber, Burke, and Shepherd, the surgical wing is primarily supervised by Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh), Shepherd's ex-wife and the head of OB/GYN, neonatal and fetal surgery who leaves for Los Angeles at the end of Season 3; Mark Sloan (Eric Dane), head of plastic surgery and also certified in ENT surgery; Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez), a resident who later becomes head of orthopedic surgery and leaves Seattle for New York at the end of Season 12; Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith), as head of cardiothoracic surgery and Burke's replacement, who leaves Seattle Grace in Season 5 after a disagreement with Torres; Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd), as head of trauma surgery who later marries and divorces Yang; Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw), as head of pediatric surgery, and later head of maternal/fetal surgery who marries Torres; Teddy Altman (Kim Raver), as head of cardiothoracic surgery who departs at the end of Season 8 but returns in Season 14, later marrying Hunt; and Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone), Derek's sister, who is hired to replace him as head of neurosurgery.
Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh), Meredith's paternal half-sister, joins the residency program in season 4 until her death with her love interest Sloan in a plane crash at the end of Season 8, after which Seattle Grace is renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in their memory. Former Mercy West residents April Kepner (Sarah Drew) and Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) join Seattle Grace following a hospital merger in Season 6. Other additions include Leah Murphy (Tessa Ferrer), who departs at the end of Season 10 but returns during Season 13; Shane Ross (Gaius Charles), who leaves with Yang to work in Zürich, Switzerland, in the Season 10 finale; Stephanie Edwards (Jerrika Hinton), who resigns at the end of Season 13; Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington), who has a tumultuous romantic relationship with Karev; Andrew DeLuca (Giacomo Gianniotti), the former love interest of Meredith's maternal half-sister Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) who also served as head of cardiothoracic surgery; and Ben Warren (Jason George), an anesthesiologist-turned resident-turned firefighter who marries Bailey.
Season 11 sees the deeply impactful death of Derek Shepherd. In Season 12, attending cardiovascular surgeon Nathan Riggs (Martin Henderson) joins the show, and later briefly becomes Meredith's love interest. In the early episodes of Season 14, Tom Koracick (Greg Germann), an attending neurosurgeon, begins making appearances and Riggs leaves the series to start a life with Owen's long-lost sister Megan (Abigail Spencer); by the season finale, Robbins, Kepner and Warren also depart the show, with Warren joining the fire department featured on ''Station 19'' before returning after the end of that series.
Midway through Season 16, Cormac Hayes (Richard Flood) becomes the new chief of pediatric surgery as Karev departs to reunite with Stevens. During Season 17, DeLuca is stabbed while chasing a child abductor/human trafficker and despite the efforts of Hunt and Altman, he dies. Avery and Koracick also depart in Season 17, with Avery moving to Boston to take over his family's charitable foundation and Koracick leaving to assist him. In Season 18, Hayes moves back to Ireland, Hunt and Altman flee the country, transplant surgeon Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman), a patient of Meredith's turned love interest, returns to Minnesota, and Bailey resigns as Chief of Surgery, leaving Meredith to take over the role.
In Season 19, new interns Simone Griffith (Alexis Floyd), Benson "Blue" Kwan (Harry Shum Jr.), Jules Millin (Adelaide Kane), Mika Yasuda (Midori Francis) and Lucas Adams (Niko Terho), Derek and Amelia's nephew, join the program; Meredith moves to Boston, reducing her role at Grey Sloan while she works on a cure for Alzheimer's disease, and Pierce departs to further her own career in Chicago. In Season 20, Marsh resigns from his role as Residency Director and moves to Boston with Meredith, leaving Bailey to be the new Residency Director. After a traumatic car accident in Season 21, Yasuda departs from the program. The rest of her class become residents with their own interns to teach in Season 22, including Griffith's one-night stand Wes Bryant (Trevor Jackson).
==Series synopsis== left|thumb|upright=1.25|Title card|alt= The title card of ''Grey{{'s}} Anatomy''
''Grey's Anatomy'' chronicles the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital (formerly Seattle Grace Hospital, Season 1–6; Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, Season 6–9; and then Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, Season 9–present), as the interns progressively evolve into seasoned doctors under the guidance of their residents, attendings, and the chief of surgery.
Each episode usually opens with a voice-over narration from Meredith Grey or another season regular, often foreshadowing the episode's theme.<ref name="GAMS">{{Cite web |last=Santucci |first=Pieracarla |title=Grey's Anatomy Made Simple |url=http://voices.yahoo.com/greys-anatomy-made-simple-4979.html?cat=39 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020055738/http://voices.yahoo.com/greys-anatomy-made-simple-4979.html?cat=39 |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Yahoo! Voices |publisher=Yahoo Inc}}</ref><ref name="karanovic.org">[http://www.karanovic.org/courses/mca008/archives/1190 Grey's Anatomy of the Narrative Analysis | Media and Cultural Analysis, Spring 2014] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222164558/http://www.karanovic.org/courses/mca008/archives/1190|date=December 22, 2015|format=}}. Karanovic.org (March 5, 2014). Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref> Most seasons typically mirror the physicians' academic year, with each completed year elevating the residents to a higher level in the surgical field. The season finale often culminates in a dramatic event, such as a character's death or departure.
The series focuses on the doctors' professional lives as surgeons, but also gives significant attention to their personal lives.<ref name="GAMS" /> Character development and relationships frequently take precedence over medical ethics concerns. While the physicians perform intricate surgeries and treat their patients' illnesses, they also exhibit a competitive drive and seek recognition.<ref name="AntHit">{{Cite news |last=Gilbert |first=Matthew |date=May 7, 2006 |title='Anatomy' of a hit |url=https://archive.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2006/05/07/anatomy_of_a_hit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211013947/http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2006/05/07/anatomy_of_a_hit/?camp=pm |archive-date=11 Dec 2013 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |work=Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe Electronic Publishing Inc}}</ref>
Upon arrival at the hospital each morning, residents may compete over who gets assigned a challenging case, often generating tension. A hospital superior typically assigns cases, further intensifying the dynamic between residents and their superiors. Episodes shift between the doctors' interactions with patients and their personal dynamics with colleagues. Once assigned a case, each doctor works to diagnose the patient, typically with the support of an attending physician, which usually results in surgery. Each episode typically features scenes of a surgery towards the center of the episode.
The show often portrays the doctors forming personal connections with their patients, with many cases indirectly reflecting the doctors' own personal struggles. One notable instance is Izzie Stevens' entanglement with her patient, Denny Duquette, in Season 2. Relationships between the doctors, whether romantic or platonic, frequently develop and create conflicts between their personal and professional lives.
Emotional moments are often underscored by an indie rock soundtrack, with "songtages" – tracks that run through a montage of scenes, connecting storylines with poignant lyrics – becoming a hallmark of the series.<ref name="Lawson">{{Cite news |last=Lawson |first=Mark |date=February 8, 2009 |title=Top of the docs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/feb/09/television-popandrock |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911021225/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/feb/09/television-popandrock |archive-date=September 11, 2014 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Studarus |first=Laura |title=How ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Reimagined Music for Network TV |url=https://www.shondaland.com/shondaland-series/greys-anatomy/how-grey-s-anatomy-reimagined-music-for-network-tv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251106180858/https://www.shondaland.com/shondaland-series/greys-anatomy/how-grey-s-anatomy-reimagined-music-for-network-tv |archive-date=2025-11-06 |access-date=2025-11-06 |website=www.shondaland.com}}</ref> Each episode concludes with a voice-over, generally providing contrast or a follow-up to the initial narration.<ref name="karanovic.org" />
== Cast, characters, and appearance period == {{main|List of Grey's Anatomy cast members|List of Grey's Anatomy characters|l1 = List of ''Grey's Anatomy'' cast members|l2 = characters}}
===Cast table=== <!--The following table is transcluded from List of Grey's Anatomy cast members. To edit it, edit that page.--> {{:List of Grey's Anatomy cast members}} === Main cast === The five characters who are first introduced in the series premiere as surgical interns are Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, Alex Karev, and George O'Malley.<ref name="AHDN">{{Cite episode |title=A Hard Day's Night |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=March 27, 2005 |season=1 |number=1 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Horton, Peter}}</ref> They are initially mentored by Dr. Miranda Bailey, a senior resident who becomes the hospital's Chief Resident,<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Forever Young |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 15, 2007 |season=4 |number=8 |credits=Writer: Wilding, Mark. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> and later an attending general surgeon, in Season 6.<ref name="Good">{{Cite episode |title=Good Mourning |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=September 24, 2009 |season=6 |number=1 |credits=Writer: Vernoff, Krista. Director: Ornelas, Ed}}</ref> The surgical program is initially headed by Richard Webber, the Chief of Surgery, who has a pre-existing personal relationship with Meredith, having had an affair with her mother, famed general surgeon Ellis Grey, when Meredith was a child. In Webber's employ are attending neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd, dubbed 'McDreamy' by the residents, and attending cardiothoracic surgeon Preston Burke. Shepherd is introduced as Meredith's love-interest, while Burke begins a relationship with Cristina.<ref name="shake">{{Cite episode |title=Shake Your Groove Thing |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=April 24, 2006 |season=1 |number=5 |credits=Writer: Hamilton, Ann. Director: Coles, John David}}</ref>
Introduced in the show's second season are obstetrician-gynecologist and neonatal surgeon, Addison Montgomery,<ref name="WZW">{{Cite episode |title=Who's Zoomin' Who? |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 22, 2005 |season=1 |number=9 |credits=Writers: Stanton, Gabrielle and Werksman, Harry. Director: Stanzler, Wendey}}</ref> plastic and ENT surgeon Mark Sloan (nicknamed 'McSteamy' by the interns), from New York,<ref name="Yesterday">{{Cite episode |title=Yesterday |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 19, 2006 |season=2 |number=18 |credits=Writer: Schmir, Mimi. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> and orthopedic surgeon Callie Torres.<ref name="What Have I Done to Deserve This?">{{Cite episode |title=What Have I Done to Deserve This? |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 26, 2006 |season=2 |number=19 |credits=Writer: McKee, Stacy. Director: Stanzler, Wendey}}</ref> Montgomery is Shepherd's estranged wife who arrives in Seattle seeking reconciliation with him,<ref name="Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head">{{Cite episode |title=Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=September 25, 2005 |season=2 |number=1 |credits=Writer: McKee, Stacy. Director: Horton, Peter}}</ref> Sloan is Shepherd's former best friend, who aided the breakdown of his marriage by having an affair with Montgomery,<ref name="Make Me Lose Control">{{Cite episode |title=Make Me Lose Control |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=October 9, 2005 |season=2 |number=3 |credits=Writer: Vernoff, Krisa. Director: Davidson, Adam}}</ref> while Torres is introduced as a love-interest, and eventual wife for O'Malley. The penultimate episode of Season 3 introduces Lexie Grey, Meredith's half-sister who unexpectedly decides to pursue her internship at Seattle Grace Hospital after her mother's sudden death, and begins an on-again, off-again relationship with Sloan.<ref name="Testing">{{Cite episode |title=Testing 1–2–3 |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 10, 2007 |season=3 |number=24 |credits=Writer: Heinberg, Allan. Director: Misiano, Christopher}}</ref> Burke and Yang, having been engaged,<ref name="Greatex">{{Cite episode |title=Great Expectations |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=January 25, 2007 |season=3 |number=13 |credits=Writer: Buchman, Eric. Director: Grossman, Michael}}</ref> endeavor to plan their wedding, while Montgomery departs the show in the Season 3 finale, relocating to California, seeking a new life, thus becoming the lead character of the spin-off ''Private Practice''. The Season 3 finale also shows Burke's exit from the show, after leaving Yang at the altar on their wedding day.<ref name="DWAHIA">{{Cite episode |title=Didn't We Almost Have It All? |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 10, 2007 |season=3 |number=25 |credits=Writers: Phelan, Tony and Rater, Joan. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> left|thumb|upright=1.25|The original lead characters of ''Grey's Anatomy''|alt= A photo displaying the original core cast members, of ''Grey{{'s}} Anatomy'' Grey, Yang, Stevens, and Karev are all promoted to residents in the Season 4 premiere,<ref name="ChangeG">{{Cite episode |title=A Change Is Gonna Come |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=September 27, 2007 |season=4 |number=1 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> while O'Malley is forced to repeat his internship year, following his failing of the intern exam.<ref name=DWAHIA/> Subsequently, Torres and O'Malley divorce, due to him having an affair with Stevens, initially concealing it from Torres.<ref name="Scars">{{Cite episode |title=Scars and Souvenirs |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=March 15, 2007 |season=3 |number=18 |credits=Writer: Cahn, Debora. Director: Frawley, James}}</ref><ref name="Crash1">{{Cite episode |title=Crash Into Me (Part 1) |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 22, 2007 |season=4 |number=9 |credits=Writers: Rhimes, Shonda and Vernoff, Krista. Directors: Grossman, Michael and Yu, Jessica}}</ref> Early in the fourth season, cardiothoracic surgeon Erica Hahn becomes Torres's love-interest.<ref name="Freedom2">{{Cite episode |title=Freedom (Part 2) |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 22, 2008 |season=4 |number=17 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> During the fifth season, Hahn departs from the series after a disagreement with Torres,<ref name="Rise">{{Cite episode |title=Rise Up |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 6, 2008 |season=5 |number=7 |credits=Writer: Harper, William. Director: Kerns, Joanna}}</ref> and O'Malley retakes his intern exam, passes and joins his fellow physicians as a resident.<ref name="Pass">{{Cite episode |title=Brave New World |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=October 16, 2008 |season=5 |number=4 |credits=Writer: Cahn, Debora. Director: Stoltz, Eric}}</ref> Two new characters are introduced, former United States Army trauma surgeon Dr. Owen Hunt,<ref name="OwenN">{{Cite episode |title=Dream a Little Dream of Me (Part 1) |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=September 25, 2008 |season=5 |number=1 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> and pediatric surgeon Dr. Arizona Robbins.<ref name="Arizona">{{Cite episode |title=Wish You Were Here |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=January 8, 2009 |season=5 |number=11 |credits=Writer: Cahn, Debora. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> Hunt becomes a love-interest for Yang,<ref name="Dream2">{{Cite episode |title=Dream a Little Dream of Me (Part 2) |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=September 25, 2008 |season=5 |number=2 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> while Robbins begins a relationship with Torres.<ref name="Mistake">{{Cite episode |title=An Honest Mistake |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 19, 2009 |season=5 |number=16 |credits=Writer: Nowalk, Peter. Director: Zisk, Randy}}</ref> When Stevens is diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma,<ref name="Cancer">{{Cite episode |title=I Will Follow You Into the Dark |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=March 12, 2009 |season=5 |number=17 |credits=Writer: Bans, Jenna. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> she and Karev get married at the conclusion of the fifth season.<ref name="Izix">{{Cite episode |title=What a Difference a Day Makes |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 7, 2009 |season=5 |number=22 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> In addition, Meredith and Shepherd marry, with their vows written on a blue post-it note.<ref name="NON">{{Cite episode |title=Now or Never |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 14, 2009 |season=5 |number=24 |credits=Writer: Cahn, Debora. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref>
O'Malley dies in the Season 6 premiere, due to injuries sustained from saving a woman from being hit by a bus,<ref name=Good/> and Stevens later departs Seattle following a communication breakdown with her then-husband Karev following the Seattle Grace merger with Mercy West Hospital.<ref name="ILYS">{{Cite episode |title=I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=January 21, 2010 |season=6 |number=12 |credits=Writers: Phelan, Tony, and Rater, Joan. Director: Deitch, Donna}}</ref> New characters are introduced as Seattle Grace Hospital merges with Mercy West Hospital.<ref name="Merge">{{Cite episode |title=I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watchin' Me |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=October 1, 2009 |season=6 |number=3 |credits=Writers: Phelan, Tony and Rater, Joan. Director: Pressman, Michael}}</ref> Residents April Kepner and Jackson Avery transfer to Seattle Grace Hospital from Mercy West Hospital, and Avery has a brief relationship with Lexie, until she reunites with Sloan.<ref name="Transfer">{{Cite episode |title=Invasion |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=October 15, 2009 |season=6 |number=5 |credits=Writer: Wilding, Mark. Director: Phelan, Tony}}</ref> Subsequently, Teddy Altman is introduced as the new Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery.<ref name="RaverH">{{Cite episode |title=New History |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 12, 2009 |season=6 |number=9 |credits=Writer: Heinberg, Allan. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> Ben Warren is also introduced in the sixth season, who becomes a romantic interest for Bailey throughout the series, eventually marrying her. In the Season 6 finale, a deceased patient's grieving husband embarks on a shooting spree at the hospital, injuring Karev, Shepherd, and Hunt.<ref name="Shoot">{{Cite episode |title=Sanctuary |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 20, 2010 |season=6 |number=23 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Cragg, Stephen}}</ref><ref name="Death">{{Cite episode |title=Death and All His Friends |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 20, 2012 |season=6 |number=24 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> In the shooting's emotional reverberations, Yang and Hunt abruptly marry, not wanting to risk separation.<ref name="Owina">{{Cite episode |title=With You I'm Born Again |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=September 23, 2010 |season=7 |number=1 |credits=Writer: Vernoff, Krista. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> Torres and Robbins eventually wed, in Season 7, officiated by Bailey.<ref name=WW/> In Season 8, Webber steps down as Chief of Surgery and allocates his job to Hunt.<ref name="ChiefD">{{Cite episode |title=Take the Lead |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=September 29, 2011 |season=8 |number=3 |credits=Writer: Harper, William. Director: Wilson, Chandra}}</ref> As the final year of residency for Meredith, Yang, Karev, Kepner and Avery is coming to a close, the doctors are all planning to relocate to different hospitals to pursue their specialty careers.<ref name="LeaveSG">{{Cite episode |title=Migration |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 10, 2012 |season=8 |number=23 |credits=Writers: Wilding, Mark and Bans, Jenna. Director: Cragg, Stephen}}</ref> However, all plans are put on hold when several doctors from Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital are engaged in a plane crash, which kills Lexie and endangers Meredith, Shepherd, Yang, Sloan and Robbins in the Season 8 finale.<ref name="LexieD">{{Cite episode |title=Flight |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 17, 2012 |season=8 |number=24 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> The season finale also sees Altman being courteously fired by Hunt as she struggles to decide whether or not to take the job as Chief at the United States Army Medical Command (MEDCOM).<ref name=LexieD/>
In the Season 9 premiere, Sloan dies due to sustained injuries from the plane crash following a brief relapse of temporary health ("the surge") and the remaining characters work through their post traumatic stress and Robbins's loss of limb by way of suing Seattle Grace Mercy West, as the hospital was responsible for putting the surgeons on the plane. Meanwhile, Jo Wilson, Stephanie Edwards, Leah Murphy and Shane Ross are introduced as a new group of interns. The ninth season continues with the struggle of the lawsuit and the animosity that it creates within the hospital, Yang and Hunt eventually divorce in order to help the lawsuit.<ref>[https://www.buddytv.com/greys-anatomy-recap-nothing-says-i-love-you-like-asking-for-a-divorce/ 'Grey's Anatomy' Recap: Nothing Says 'I Love You' Like Asking for a Divorce] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025173321/https://www.buddytv.com/greys-anatomy-recap-nothing-says-i-love-you-like-asking-for-a-divorce/ |date=October 25, 2022 }} Buddytv.com (November 29, 2012). Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=May 23, 2013 |title='Grey's Anatomy's' Shonda Rhimes: 'There's Something Great' About Cristina and Owen's Struggle |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greys-anatomy-season-10-spoilers-shonda-rhimes-cristina-owen-532838/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222101702/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-season-10-spoilers-shonda-rhimes-cristina-owen-532838 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> The doctors who were on the plane win the lawsuit, but the payout bankrupts the hospital. They all club together and buy Seattle Grace Mercy West, with the help of the Harper Avery Foundation, and they become the Board of Directors, once being called the "Grey-Sloan 7".<ref>[https://www.buddytv.com/greys-anatomy-recap-how-to-buy-a-hospital/ 'Grey's Anatomy' Recap: How to Buy a Hospital] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025173323/https://www.buddytv.com/greys-anatomy-recap-how-to-buy-a-hospital/ |date=October 25, 2022 }} Buddytv.com (February 15, 2013). Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref><ref>[http://hollywoodlife.com/2013/02/21/greys-anatomy-recap-avery-owns-hospital-season-9-episode-16/ 'Grey's Anatomy' Recap: Avery's In Charge Now — Season 9 Episode 16] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222143836/http://hollywoodlife.com/2013/02/21/greys-anatomy-recap-avery-owns-hospital-season-9-episode-16/ |date=December 22, 2015 }}. Hollywood Life (February 21, 2013). Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref><ref>Patrick, Andy. (March 14, 2013) [http://tvline.com/2013/03/14/greys-anatomy-recap-season-9-grey-sloan-memorial/ 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 9 Recap — Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216204647/http://tvline.com/2013/03/14/greys-anatomy-recap-season-9-grey-sloan-memorial/ |date=February 16, 2016 }}. TVLine. Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref> One of the changes they implement is renaming the hospital to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in memory of Lexie Grey and Mark Sloan. Robbins cheats on Torres with a visiting facial reconstruction surgeon and Webber gets electrocuted in the Season 9 finale, although survives the incident. ''Grey's Anatomy'' saw the departure of one of its major players, Cristina Yang, played by Sandra Oh, as well as the departure of interns Murphy and Ross, in the Season 10 finale. Amelia Shepherd, the sister of Derek, joined the main cast in Season 11, transitioning over from being a main character of the spin-off series, ''Private Practice'' which had recently ended. The 11th season also saw the introduction of the new Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maggie Pierce, Richard's secret daughter with Ellis Grey. Towards the end of the 11th season, Derek Shepherd witnesses a car accident and pulls over to help the injured, but his car is hit by a truck with him inside as he attempts to leave the scene. He later dies at another hospital following the doctors' mishandling of his injuries. Season 12 saw Andrew DeLuca join the main cast as a new intern at the hospital, as well as Nathan Riggs as a new cardiothoracic surgeon with a pre-existing off-screen history with Hunt. The Season 12 finale saw the departure of one of the show's longest-running characters, Callie Torres, played by Sara Ramirez. Edwards departed at the end of Season 13, deciding to quit her job as a surgeon after surviving a major fire at the hospital. Riggs departed and Altman returned to Seattle toward the beginning of Season 14. The fourteenth season also saw the introduction of Tom Koracick who worked as a new neurosurgeon alongside Amelia Shepherd, Levi Schmitt who is a new intern at the hospital, as well as Andrew's sister, Carina DeLuca, an obstetrician who enters into a relationship with Robbins. During the fourteenth season, Warren transitions out to become a main character of the series' second spin-off, ''Station 19'', after his character decides to quit working at the hospital to become a firefighter. Carina DeLuca eventually joins him as a main character of that spin-off series. Long-time characters, Robbins and Kepner depart the series in the Season 14 finale to pursue other career opportunities. Season 15 saw the introduction of Atticus "Link" Lincoln, as a new orthopedic surgeon, while Season 16 saw the introduction of Cormac Hayes, a new pediatric surgeon, and Winston Ndugu, a new cardiothoracic surgeon. The sixteenth season was the last to feature Alex Karev, who moved to Kansas to reunite with Stevens, leaving Grey as the last remaining intern from the original cast. Season 17 saw Nick Marsh, a transplant surgeon, join the ensemble of main characters as a new romantic interest for Meredith Grey. The seventeenth season also saw the departure of Andrew DeLuca, after he was stabbed and ultimately died after pursuing a sex trafficker, and was also the last season to feature both Jackson Avery, who moved to Boston in order to run a family foundation and Koracick, who also moved to Boston to assist Avery, as main characters. Hayes departed the series in Season 18 after deciding to return to Ireland with his kids.
Season 19 saw the introduction of five new interns with Simone Griffith, Mika Yasuda, Benson Kwan, Jules Millin and Lucas Adams, the latter of which is revealed to be a nephew of Amelia and Derek Shepherd. Meredith Grey, one of the last remaining original characters of the series, as well as Pierce, both depart Seattle during the course of Season 19 and appear in recurring and guest capacities afterwards, respectively. Yasuda and Schmitt depart in season 21, with Schmitt moving to Texas for his ped's fellowship and Yasuda quits the program following her sister's death.
===Recurring=== With the drama's setting being a hospital, numerous medical personnel appear regularly on the show, as well as several other recurring characters. Joe (Steven W. Bailey) is first shown as the owner of the Emerald City Bar and Grill, across the street from the hospital, which is a common relaxation area for the physicians.<ref name=WZW/> Also introduced in the pilot is the legendary former general surgeon, Dr. Ellis Grey (Kate Burton), Meredith's Alzheimer's-stricken mother, who appeared on the show until her death in season 3.<ref name=AHDN/> In the first season, Olivia Harper (Sarah Utterback), a nurse who appeared on the show occasionally until getting laid off in the merger with Mercy West,<ref name=Merge/> engages in a sexual relationship with O'Malley, giving him syphilis.<ref name=WZW/> Serving as an assistant and secretary to the Chief of Surgery, former nurse Patricia (Robin Pearson Rose) has appeared on the show since its debut.<ref name=AHDN/> Tyler Christian (Moe Irvin), a hospital nurse, makes occasional appearances throughout the series.<ref name=AHDN/> Within the second season, Bailey becomes pregnant by her husband, Tucker Jones (Cress Williams),<ref name="LetBe">{{Cite episode |title=Let It Be |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 13, 2005 |season=2 |number=8 |credits=Writer: Schmir, Mimi. Director: Glatter, Lesli Linka}}</ref> who makes frequent appearances on ''Grey's Anatomy'', until their divorce in season 5.<ref name=NON/> While Bailey takes a sabbatical, due to her pregnancy, the cheerful Dr. Sydney Heron (Kali Rocha) fills her position as the resident supervising Grey, Yang, Stevens, Karev and O'Malley,<ref name="Heron">{{Cite episode |title=Break on Through |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=January 29, 2006 |season=2 |number=15 |credits=Writer: Clack, Zoanne. Director: Paymer, David}}</ref> and makes occasional appearances until the fifth season.<ref name=Crash1/>
Thatcher and Susan Grey (Jeff Perry and Mare Winningham), Meredith's estranged father and step-mother, are introduced in season 2,<ref name="NameG">{{Cite episode |title=The Name of the Game |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=April 2, 2006 |season=2 |number=22 |credits=Writer: Robe, Blythe. Director: Mann, Seith}}</ref> with Susan making appearances until her death in season 3,<ref name="ByeSusan">{{Cite episode |title=The Other Side of This Life (Part 2) |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 3, 2007 |season=3 |number=23 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Grossman, Michael}}</ref> and Thatcher continuing to appear in the series until his death in season 15.<ref name="PYT">{{Cite episode |title=P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 10, 2011 |season=7 |number=14 |credits=Writer: Guzman, Austin. Director: Robin, Steve}}</ref> Adele Webber (Loretta Devine), is introduced as Richard's wife,<ref name="DennDie">{{Cite episode |title=Losing My Religion |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 15, 2006 |season=2 |number=27 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Tinker, Mark}}</ref> who eventually acquires Alzheimer's, in the seventh season,<ref name="Adele">{{Cite episode |title=This Is How We Do It |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=March 24, 2011 |season=7 |number=17 |credits=Writer: Nowalk, Peter. Director: Ornelas, Edward}}</ref> and continued to make appearances until her death in season 9.<ref name="Deter">{{Cite episode |title=The Girl With No Name |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=April 19, 2012 |season=8 |number=20 |credits=Writer: Nowalk, Peter. Director: Underwood, Ron}}</ref> Introduced as Preston's mother, Jane Burke (Diahann Carroll) makes occasional appearances until the fourth season. Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a patient with congestive heart failure, originates as one of Burke's patients,<ref name="Begin">{{Cite episode |title=Begin the Begin |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=January 15, 2006 |season=2 |number=13 |credits=Writer: Koenig, Kip. Director: Yu, Jessica}}</ref> who goes on to propose to Stevens, after weeks of bonding between the two.<ref name="SFS2">{{Cite episode |title=Deterioration of the Fight or Flight Response |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 15, 2006 |season=2 |number=26 |credits=Writers: Phelan, Tony and Rater, Joan. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> Facing death, Stevens cuts Duquette's left ventricular assist device (LVAD), to elevate his position on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) transplant list.<ref name="SevSec">{{Cite episode |title=17 Seconds |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 14, 2006 |season=2 |number=25 |credits=Writer: Wilding, Mark. Director: Minahan, Dan}}</ref> This ultimately ends in his death in the season 2 finale, marking his initial departure from the show,<ref name=DennDie/> and placing Stevens on disciplinary probation.<ref name="Angels">{{Cite episode |title=Let the Angels Commit |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 2, 2006 |season=3 |number=6 |credits=Writer: McKee, Stacy. Director: Yu, Jessica}}</ref> Initially conceived as a veterinarian hired for Shepherd's dog, Doc,<ref name=NameG/> Dr. Finn Dandridge (Chris O'Donnell) soon becomes a love-interest for Meredith, while Shepherd is with Montgomery.<ref name="FinLove">{{Cite episode |title=Damage Control |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 7, 2006 |season=2 |number=24 |credits=Writer: Schmir, Mimi. Director: Goldwyn, Tony}}</ref> Dandridge is included in a multi-episode story arc in seasons 2 and 3, consisting of 9 episodes, ending when Meredith reunites with Shepherd.<ref name="ByeFin">{{Cite episode |title=What I Am |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=October 12, 2006 |season=3 |number=4 |credits=Writer: Heinberg, Allan. Director: Lerner, Dan}}</ref>
[[File:Chyler Leigh headshot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|Chyler Leigh's character was introduced in the third season and was promoted to series regular in season 4.|alt= A photo of Chyler Leigh]]
In season 3, George's father, Harold O'Malley (George Dzundza), is diagnosed with cancer and dies, with his wife Louise (Debra Monk) and George's brothers Jerry (Greg Pitts) and Ronny (Tim Griffin) by his side.<ref name="6DP2">{{Cite episode |title=Six Days (Part 2) |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=January 18, 2007 |season=3 |number=12 |credits=Writer: Vernoff, Krista. Director: Yaitaines, Greg}}</ref> Louise goes on to appear occasionally, and was last seen in season 8.<ref name="HeartBox">{{Cite episode |title=Heart-Shaped Box |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 3, 2011 |season=8 |number=8 |credits=Writer: Guzman, Austin. Director: Yu, Jessica}}</ref> A ferryboat accident brings along Rebecca Pope (Elizabeth Reaser), who is initially introduced as a pregnant amnesiac Jane Doe patient.<ref name="WOW">{{Cite episode |title=Walk on Water |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 8, 2007 |season=3 |number=15 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> Pope eventually embarks on a relationship with Karev, until she is diagnosed with a personality disorder in season 4, and makes her final departure.<ref name=Freedom2/> Amidst the crisis of the ferryboat crash, Meredith falls into the water at the disaster site.<ref name=WOW/> Although rescued, she goes into cardiac arrest, waking up in what appears to be limbo.<ref name="DODL">{{Cite episode |title=Drowning on Dry Land |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 15, 2007 |season=3 |number=16 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> Within the limbo, Meredith is entertained by deceased acquaintances Duquette and Dylan Young (Kyle Chandler), who was killed during a bomb crisis in the second season,<ref name="AWKO">{{Cite episode |title=As We Know It |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 12, 2006 |season=2 |number=17 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Horton, Peter}}</ref> until eventually being resuscitated.<ref name="SKOM">{{Cite episode |title=Some Kind of Miracle |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 22, 2007 |season=3 |number=17 |credits=Writers: Rhimes, Shonda and Noxon, Marti. Director: Arkin, Adam}}</ref> Seeking a cure to her depression, Meredith undergoes therapy sessions with the hospital psychiatrist, Dr. Katharine Wyatt (Amy Madigan),<ref name="WTWTA">{{Cite episode |title=Where the Wild Things Are |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=April 24, 2008 |season=4 |number=12 |credits=Writer: Clack, Zoanne. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> who in addition serves as a psychiatrist to Hunt.<ref name="HTFD">{{Cite episode |title=Here's to Future Days |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 14, 2009 |season=5 |number=23 |credits=Writer: Heinberg, Allan. Director: D'Elia, Bill}}</ref>
The season 4 premiere introduces several new interns, to be trained under Meredith, Yang, Stevens, Karev, and eventually O'Malley.{{Ref label|B|b|b}} Among them are Dr. Steve Mostow (Mark Saul), who continues to make appearances,<ref name=ChangeG/> and Dr. Sadie Harris (Melissa George), who formed a friendship with Meredith while the two were in college.<ref name="TTTB">{{Cite episode |title=These Ties That Bind |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 13, 2008 |season=5 |number=8 |credits=Writer: McKee, Stacy. Director: Stoltz, Eric}}</ref> Harris is fired in the fifth season, due to not actually having a medical degree, and departs the show immediately after.<ref name=Mistake/> Meredith and Shepherd's relationship reaches a crisis, and the two separate, leaving Shepherd to entertain a relationship with Rose (Lauren Stamile), a nurse.<ref name=Crash1/> Rose appears frequently until season 5, when Derek and Meredith decide to rekindle their flame.<ref name=OwenN/> Throughout the fifth season, Stevens experiences full-out hallucinations of Duquette,<ref name=Arizona/> signaling that she is ill,<ref name="STH">{{Cite episode |title=Stairway to Heaven |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=January 22, 2009 |season=5 |number=13 |credits=Writer: Wilding, Mark. Director: Liddi Brown, Allison}}</ref> and once she is lucid, he departs, marking his final appearance.<ref name=HTFD/> Following the announcement of her relationship with Robbins (Jessica Capshaw), Callie's father Carlos Torres (Hector Elizondo) initially contests his daughter's concurrence in homosexuality,<ref name="SS">{{Cite episode |title=Sweet Surrender |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=April 23, 2009 |season=5 |number=20 |credits=Writer: Washington, Sonay. Director: Phelan, Tony}}</ref> but eventually accepts it,<ref name=Transfer/> and he reappears several times throughout the series.<ref name="WW">{{Cite episode |title=White Wedding |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 5, 2011 |season=7 |number=20 |credits=Writer: McKee, Stacy. Director: Wilson, Chandra}}</ref>
The hospital's merging with Mercy West introduces new residents: Dr. Reed Adamson (Nora Zehetner) and Dr. Charles Percy (Robert Baker),<ref name=Transfer/> but the two are both murdered in the season 6 finale.<ref name=Shoot/><ref name=Death/> Also introduced in the sixth season is Dr. Ben Warren (Jason George), an anesthesiologist<ref name="Push">{{Cite episode |title=Push |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=March 11, 2012 |season=6 |number=17 |credits=Writer: Cahn, Debora. Director: Wilson, Chandra}}</ref> and eventual husband to Dr. Miranda Bailey,<ref name=LexieD/> as well as Sloan Riley (Leven Rambin), Dr. Mark Sloan's estranged pregnant daughter who seeks kinship with him.<ref name=RaverH/> Robbins receives a grant to aid children in Malawi, which leads to a falling-out between her and Torres.<ref name="TMT">{{Cite episode |title=That's Me Trying |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 4, 2010 |season=7 |number=7 |credits=Writer: Guzman, Austin. Director: Phelan, Tony}}</ref> While in Malawi, Robbins is replaced by Dr. Robert Stark (Peter MacNicol),<ref name="SGG">{{Cite episode |title=Something's Gotta Give |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 11, 2010 |season=7 |number=8 |credits=Writer: Harper, William. Director: Szwarc, Jeannot}}</ref> a pediatric surgeon with an interest in Dr. April Kepner,<ref name="NR">{{Cite episode |title=Not Responsible |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 24, 2011 |season=7 |number=16 |credits=Writer: Cahn, Debora. Director: Allen, Debbie}}</ref> who appears occasionally until season 8. Following the breakdown of Dr. Torres's relationship with Dr. Robbins, Dr. Torres becomes pregnant with Dr. Sloan's baby.<ref name="SMU">{{Cite episode |title=Start Me Up |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=January 13, 2011 |season=7 |number=12 |credits=Writer: Krinsky, Natalie. Director: Jackson, Mark}}</ref> Torres's relationship with Robbins is subsequently mended,<ref name="DDMPDG">{{Cite episode |title=Don't Deceive Me (Please Don't Go) |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=February 3, 2011 |season=7 |number=13 |credits=Writer: Wilding, Mark. Director: McKidd, Kevin}}</ref> and the couple endeavors to raise their new daughter, Sofia Robbin Sloan Torres, with the help of Dr. Sloan.<ref name="IALWB">{{Cite episode |title=It's a Long Way Back |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=April 28, 2011 |season=7 |number=19 |credits=Writer: Harper, William. Director: Robin, Steve}}</ref> Dr. Lucy Fields (Rachael Taylor), an obstetrician-gynecologist, is introduced in the seventh season, and serves as a love-interest for Dr. Alex Karev,<ref name="SBTS">{{Cite episode |title=Song Beneath the Song |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=March 31, 2011 |number=18 |credits=Writer: Rhimes, Shonda. Director: Phelan, Tony}}</ref> until eventually taking up Robbins' job in Africa.<ref name="UM">{{Cite episode |title=Unaccompanied Minor |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=May 19, 2011 |season=7 |number=22 |credits=Writer: Cahn, Debora. Director: Corn, Rob}}</ref> Shepherd and Meredith also become new parents, with their adoption of Zola, a baby girl from Malawi.{{Ref label|C|c|c}}<ref name=UM/> Conceived as a patient with a tumor condition who later develops diabetes, Henry Burton (Scott Foley) befriends Dr. Altman and eventually joins her in marriage only to get treated using her medical insurance,<ref name="AAAP">{{Cite episode |title=Adrift and at Peace |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=December 2, 2010 |season=7 |number=10 |credits=Writers: Phelan, Tony and Rater, Joan. Director: Liddi-Brown, Allison}}</ref> until he dies while undergoing heart surgery in season 8.<ref name="DWTN">{{Cite episode |title=Dark Was the Night |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=November 10, 2011 |season=8 |number=9 |credits=Writer: Cahn, Debora. Director: Liddi-Brown, Allison}}</ref> Dr Catherine Avery (played by Debbie Allen), a urologist, is introduced in the show's eighth season and subsequently makes recurring appearances in all subsequent seasons thus far. Her character becomes a romantic interest for Dr Richard Webber, and eventually his second wife following the death of his first wife, Adele.
In the season 9 premiere, interns Dr. Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington), Dr. Shane Ross (Gaius Charles), Dr. Stephanie Edwards (Jerrika Hinton), Dr. Leah Murphy (Tessa Ferrer) and Dr. Heather Brooks (Tina Majorino) are introduced.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |date=August 16, 2012 |title=Exclusive: True Blood, ''Veronica Mars Alum Tina Majorino Lands a Grey's'' Gig |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/greys-anatomy-tina-majorino-1052050/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010043126/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Greys-Anatomy-Tina-Majorino-1052050.aspx |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=TV Guide}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=September 7, 2012 |title=Matt's Inside Line: Exclusive Fringe First Look! Plus Scoop on Grey's, Glee, Covert and More |url=http://tvline.com/2012/09/07/fringe-season-5-premiere-photo-greys-anatomy-glee-spoilers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926171807/http://tvline.com/2012/09/07/fringe-season-5-premiere-photo-greys-anatomy-glee-spoilers/ |archive-date=September 26, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2012 |website=TVLine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanhope |first=Kate |date=August 23, 2012 |title=''Grey's Anatomy'' Admits Newcomer Tessa Ferrer for Recurring Role |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/grey-anatomy-tessa-ferrer-1052287/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926135305/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Grey-Anatomy-Tessa-Ferrer-1052287.aspx |archive-date=September 26, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2012 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> Steven Culp and William Daniels play Dr. Parker and Dr. Craig Thomas, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt |date=August 31, 2012 |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': ''Desperate Housewives''{{'}} Steven Culp to Play Doctor |url=http://tvline.com/2012/08/31/greys-anatomy-season-9-steven-culp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012165113/http://tvline.com/2012/08/31/greys-anatomy-season-9-steven-culp/ |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2012 |website=TVLine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=September 10, 2012 |title=The Doctors Must Pick Up The Pieces After a Tragic Plane Crash on The Season 9 Premiere of 'Grey's Anatomy' |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/09/10/the-doctors-must-pick-up-the-pieces-after-a-tragic-plane-crash-on-the-season-9-premiere-of-greys-anatomy/148103 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123180515/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/09/10/the-doctors-must-pick-up-the-pieces-after-a-tragic-plane-crash-on-the-season-9-premiere-of-greys-anatomy/148103/ |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2013 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> Dr. Parker is Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Dr. Craig Thomas (William Daniels) is an attending cardiothoracic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, where Cristina worked temporarily. Dr. Alana Cahill (Constance Zimmer)<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 7, 2013 |title=Constance Zimmer Talks Shaking Up 'Grey's,' Playing The Bitch & More |work=HuffPost |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/greys-anatomy-dr-alana-cahill-seattle-grace-constance-zimmer_n_2641966 |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708134128/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/07/greys-anatomy-dr-alana-cahill-seattle-grace-constance-zimmer_n_2641966.html |archive-date=July 8, 2015}}</ref> introduced in season 9 is appointed to cut costs at the hospital and she eventually decides the best course of action would be to seek out a new buyer<ref>{{Cite web |last=Natalie Abrams |date=November 16, 2012 |title=Grey's Anatomy Scoop: Entourage's Constance Zimmer Checks In to Seattle Grace |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/grey-anatomy-constance-zimmer-1056417/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708121032/http://www.tvguide.com/news/grey-anatomy-constance-zimmer-1056417/ |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> until the 4 crash survivors and Torres on the behalf of Sloan pool their money together in a bid to purchase the hospital themselves. Kepner starts dating a paramedic named Matthew Taylor (Justin Bruening)<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 4, 2012 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Spoilers Justin Bruening for Recurring Role |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greys-anatomy-spoilers-justin-bruening-397469/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317154527/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-spoilers-justin-bruening-397469 |archive-date=March 17, 2014}}</ref> and they form a deep relationship over the course of seasons 9 and 10 and she eventually agreed to marry before reconciling with Avery in the middle of her wedding ceremony to Matthew.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Natalie Abrams |date=September 29, 2013 |title=A Grey's Anatomy Wedding and More Scoop on Season 10 |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/greys-anatomy-wedding-season10-1071442/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708152257/http://www.tvguide.com/news/greys-anatomy-wedding-season10-1071442/ |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> Lauren Boswell (Hilarie Burton) is introduced as a craniofacial surgeon consulting on a case at Grey Sloan Memorial<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matt Webb Mitovich |date=May 8, 2013 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Season 9 Preview — Hilarie Burton on Arizona, Lauren, Callie – TVLine |url=http://tvline.com/2013/05/08/greys-anatomy-season-9-preview-hilarie-burton-arizona-lauren/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710235429/http://tvline.com/2013/05/08/greys-anatomy-season-9-preview-hilarie-burton-arizona-lauren/ |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |website=TVLine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2013 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Season 10 Spoilers: Hilarie Burton Returns to Ruin Callie & Arizona's Marriage? |url=http://www.enstarz.com/articles/20210/20130621/greys-anatomy-season-10-spoilers-hilarie-burton-returns-ruin-callie-arizona-marriage.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133354/http://www.enstarz.com/articles/20210/20130621/greys-anatomy-season-10-spoilers-hilarie-burton-returns-ruin-callie-arizona-marriage.htm |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |website=ENSTARZ}}</ref> who showed romantic interest in Arizona and eventually ended up having a one-night stand with her.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 8, 2013 |title='Grey's Anatomy's' Hilarie Burton on Lauren and Arizona's Growing Flirtation |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greys-anatomy-spoilers-arizona-hilarie-burton-519551/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710060411/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-spoilers-arizona-hilarie-burton-519551 |archive-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref>
Dr. Heather Brooks dies in the premiere of season 10. She goes to search for Dr. Webber and finds him lying in the basement of the hospital. Trying to save Dr. Webber, she accidentally steps into a puddle and electrocutes herself while hitting her head as she falls.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andy Patrick |date=September 27, 2013 |title='Grey's Anatomy': Heather Brooks Dies In Season 10 Premiere — Recap – TVLine |url=http://tvline.com/2013/09/26/greys-anatomy-heather-brooks-dies-season-10-premiere-recap-tina-majorino/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709131503/http://tvline.com/2013/09/26/greys-anatomy-heather-brooks-dies-season-10-premiere-recap-tina-majorino/ |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |website=TVLine}}</ref> Also introduced in season 10 was Dr. Karev's estranged father Jimmy Evans (James Remar)<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2013 |title='Grey's Anatomy' season 10: James Remar to play a surgeon's father |url=http://www.hypable.com/greys-anatomy-season-10-spoiler-james-remar-to-play-a-surgeons-father/ |website=Hypable |access-date=July 7, 2015 |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708091438/http://www.hypable.com/greys-anatomy-season-10-spoiler-james-remar-to-play-a-surgeons-father/ |url-status=live }}</ref> who tries to form a relationship with his son but fails repeatedly, and dies in a botched surgery.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Grey's Anatomy' Season 10: James Remar reveals his top-secret character |url=http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/greys_anatomy_season_10_james_remar_reveals_his_top-secret_character-2013-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708072738/http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/greys_anatomy_season_10_james_remar_reveals_his_top-secret_character-2013-09 |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |website=Zap2It}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=August 18, 2013 |title=Dexter' Star Joins 'Grey's Anatomy |work=HuffPost |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/greys-anatomy-james-remar_n_3776042 |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708123426/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/18/greys-anatomy-james-remar_n_3776042.html |archive-date=July 8, 2015}}</ref> The conclusion of season 10 has Cristina leaving Grey Sloan for Dr. Burke's job as head of Klausman Institute for Medical Research in Zurich, while Dr. Ross makes a last-minute decision to follow her in order to study under her. Dr. Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary)<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |date=March 18, 2015 |title=On this week's 'Grey's Anatomy,' Kelly McCreary gets sucker punched – and she enjoys it! |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/03/18/this-weeks-greys-anatomy-kelly-mccreary-gets-sucker-punched-and-she-enjoys-it |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714234221/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/03/18/this-weeks-greys-anatomy-kelly-mccreary-gets-sucker-punched-and-she-enjoys-it |archive-date=July 14, 2015}}</ref> unknowingly drops a bombshell that she is the child of Dr. Webber and the late Dr. Grey, and was given up at birth for adoption. Dr. Meredith Grey has to accommodate another half-sister in her life.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nellie Andreeva |date=October 23, 2014 |title=Kelly McCreary Upped To Regular On 'Grey's Anatomy' |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/kelly-mccreary-promoted-regular-greys-anatomy-858466/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822084515/http://deadline.com/2014/10/kelly-mccreary-promoted-regular-greys-anatomy-858466/ |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> Also, Dr. Yang privately gives her shares in the hospital to Dr. Karev, also giving him her seat on the board. But Dr. Webber all but promises the seat to Dr. Bailey, so the board has to decide between them. Season 11 begins with new surgical residents coming to the hospital. Introduced in season 11 is Dr. Nicole Herman (Geena Davis),<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 8, 2014 |title='Grey's Anatomy': Geena Davis Joins Season 11 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greys-anatomy-geena-davis-joins-724340/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810212357/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-geena-davis-joins-724340 |archive-date=August 10, 2014}}</ref> who is Chief of Fetal Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial. Dr. Herman selects Robbins for a fetal surgery fellowship and becomes her mentor. Herman features in a 12-episode arc before departing in episode 14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liz Raftery |date=March 6, 2015 |title=Grey's Anatomy: Was Dr. Herman's Operation a Success? |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/greys-anatomy-recap-dr-herman-operation-amelia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708124701/http://www.tvguide.com/news/greys-anatomy-recap-dr-herman-operation-amelia/ |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |website=TV Guide}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lauren Cox |date=March 6, 2015 |title='Grey's Anatomy': Amelia Saves Dr. Herman In Surgery — Season 11, Episode 14 – Hollywood Life |url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2015/03/05/greys-anatomy-amelia-saves-dr-herman-surgery-season-11-episode-14-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708172237/http://hollywoodlife.com/2015/03/05/greys-anatomy-amelia-saves-dr-herman-surgery-season-11-episode-14-review/ |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |website=Hollywood Life}}</ref> Season 14 sees the introduction of Taryn Helm (played by Jaicy Elliot), a new intern who eventually becomes a resident, with recurring appearances in the series in all subsequent seasons thus far.
==Production and development==
===Conception=== Shonda Rhimes wanted to make a show that she would enjoy watching,<ref name="chicagotribune">{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Maureen |date=December 21, 2005 |title=Shonda Rhimes, creator of 'Grey's Anatomy' and a Chicagoan of the Year |work=Chicago Tribune |url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2005/12/shonda_rhimes_a.html |access-date=May 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621165401/http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2005/12/shonda_rhimes_a.html |archive-date=June 21, 2009}}</ref> and thought it would be interesting to create a show about "smart women competing against one another".<ref name="NYT">{{Cite news |last=Rhodes |first=Joe |date=April 14, 2005 |title=Thriving Ratings for a New Patient on ABC |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/14/arts/television/thriving-ratings-for-a-new-patient-on-abc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107211442/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A04E2DA133EF937A25757C0A9639C8B63 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>
When asked how she decided to develop a medical drama, Rhimes responded: {{cquote|I was obsessed with the surgery channels... My sisters and I would call each other up and talk about operations we'd seen on the Discovery Channel. There's something fascinating about the medical world{{emdash}}you see things you'd never imagine, like the fact that doctors talk about their boyfriends or their day while they're cutting somebody open. So when ABC asked me to write another pilot, the [operating room] seemed like the natural setting.<ref name=oprah/>}}
The series was pitched to ABC Entertainment, which gave it the greenlight. It was picked up as a mid-season replacement for ''Boston Legal'' in the 2005 television season.<ref name="business library">{{Cite news |last=Collier, Aldore |date=October 2005 |title=Shonda Rhimes: the force behind Grey's Anatomy |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_12_60/ai_n15632370/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602112859/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_12_60/ai_n15632370/ |archive-date=June 2, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2012 |work=Business Library |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> Francie Calfo, executive vice president of development at ABC Entertainment, noted that ABC was looking for a medical show that stood apart from the others airing at the time. She pointed out: {{cquote|Medical shows are hard, and it was hard trying to figure out where ours could be different. But where everybody else is speeding up their medical shows, [Rhimes] found a way to slow it down, so you get to know the characters. There's definitely a strong female appeal to it.<ref name="NYT" /> }}
{{quote box|quote=''ER'' is high-speed medicine. The camera flies around, adrenaline is rushing. My show is more personal. The idea for the series began when a doctor told me it was incredibly hard to shave her legs in the hospital shower. At first, that seemed like a silly detail. But then I thought about the fact that it was the only time and place this woman might have to shave her legs. That's how hard the work is.|source=—Rhimes on the creation of ''Grey's Anatomy''<ref name=oprah/>|align=right|width=25em}}
While creating the characters and writing the initial script, the series' writers did not have specific character descriptions in mind, instead hoping to cast the best actor available for each role. Shonda Rhimes has expressed that if the network had not permitted her to create characters this way, she would have been hesitant to continue with the series.<ref name="oprah">{{Cite web |last=Winfrey |first=Oprah |date=December 2006 |title=Oprah Talks to Shonda Rhimes |url=https://www.oprah.com/omagazine/oprah-interviews-greys-anatomy-creator-shonda-rhimes/all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702135932/http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Oprah-Interviews-Greys-Anatomy-Creator-Shonda-Rhimes/1 |archive-date=July 2, 2013 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=O, The Oprah Magazine |publisher=Harpo Productions, Inc}}</ref> Female roles, in particular, were crafted to be multi-faceted and complex characters.
Rhimes offered her insight:{{cquote|I wanted to create a world in which you felt as if you were watching very real women. Most of the women I saw on TV didn't seem like people I actually knew. They felt like ideas of what women are. They never got to be nasty or competitive or hungry or angry. They were often just the loving wife or the nice friend. But who gets to be the bitch? Who gets to be the three-dimensional woman?<ref name=oprah/> }}
thumb|left|upright|The cover of the book after which ''Grey's Anatomy'' was named.
The show's title, ''Grey's Anatomy'', was devised as a play on words, referencing both Henry Gray's classic English medical textbook, ''Gray's Anatomy'' (first published in 1858 and still in print), and the title character Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo).<ref>Roschke, Ryan (November 30, 2017). [https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/What-Does-Grey-Anatomy-Mean-44214116 "In Case You Didn't Know, This Is How Grey's Anatomy Got Its Title"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116135316/https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/What-Does-Grey-Anatomy-Mean-44214116|date=January 16, 2018}}. PopSugar.</ref><ref>Standring, Susan (November 2005). [http://www.ajnr.org/content/26/10/2703 "Gray's Anatomy, 39th Edition: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116081401/http://www.ajnr.org/content/26/10/2703|date=January 16, 2018}}. ''American Journal of Neuroradiology''. 26 (10) 2703–2704.</ref><ref>Holtz, Andrew (January 5, 2010). [https://books.google.com/books?id=eVIRz3n5uPMC&q=Grey%27sAnatomy%2Cmeredithgrey%2CHenryGray%2Canatomy%2C1858&pg=PT15 ''The Real Grey's Anatomy: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Real Lives of Surgical Residents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130145155/https://books.google.com/books?id=eVIRz3n5uPMC&pg=PT15&lpg=PT15&dq=Grey%27s+Anatomy%2C+meredith+grey%2C+Henry+Gray%2C+anatomy%2C+1858#v=onepage&q=Grey'sAnatomy%2Cmeredithgrey%2CHenryGray%2Canatomy%2C1858|date=January 30, 2018}}. "Introduction". Penguin. Google Books. Retrieved January 15, 2018.</ref><ref>Horbury, Alison (July 28, 2015). [https://books.google.com/books?id=vJdMCgAAQBAJ&q=HenryGray%2CGray%27sAnatomy%2CMeredithgrey&pg=PT172 ''Post-feminist Impasses in Popular Heroine Television: The Persephone Complex''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130145155/https://books.google.com/books?id=vJdMCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT172&lpg=PT172&dq=Henry+Gray%2C+Gray%27s+Anatomy%2C+Meredith+grey#v=onepage&q=HenryGray%2CGray'sAnatomy%2CMeredithgrey|date=January 30, 2018}}. Palgrave Macmillan. Google Books. Retrieved January 15, 2018.</ref> All but one episode has been titled after a song, with notable examples including "A Hard Day's Night", "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" (which lent its name to two episodes) and "How to Save a Life".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Abby |date=2018-01-18 |title=For the First Time in 'Grey's Anatomy' History, Tonight's Episode Won't Have a Song as the Title |url=https://www.glamour.com/story/greys-anatomy-episode-domestic-abuse |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Glamour |language=en-US}}</ref> The episode that breaks from the pattern is "1-800-799-7233", which references the National Domestic Violence Hotline, although a song with that name did exist at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Melody |date=2024-08-08 |title=Grey's Anatomy Broke 301-Episode Trend for a Powerful Reason Most Fans Missed |url=https://www.cbr.com/greys-anatomy-broke-trend-powerful-reason/ |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> According to then showrunner Krista Vernoff, the title change was suggested by actor Giacomo Gianniotti (who plays Andrew DeLuca). The original name of the episode was "Four Seasons in One Day".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyler |first=Adrienne |last2=Russell |first2=Tom |date=2020-10-11 |title=Grey's Anatomy: The Only Episode Title That Isn't A Song Reference (& Why) |url=https://screenrant.com/greys-anatomy-episodes-song-titles-domestic-violence-number/ |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Screen Rant |language=en}}</ref>
Before the series debuted on March 27, 2005, a few early screenings were shown to close friends and family of the producers and actors. The show was initially scheduled to run in the ''Boston Legal'' time slot for four weeks.<ref name="NYT" /> Due to its high ratings and viewership, ABC decided to keep it in that time slot for the remainder of the season.<ref name="NYT" /> ABC Entertainment President, Steve McPherson, explained the scheduling change: "Ultimately, we decided that, without having adequate lead time or marketing dollars to devote to moving either show so late in the season, we'd continue to let [''Grey's Anatomy''] build on its tremendous momentum through May."<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 11, 2005 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Keeps Sunday Time Slot |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/greys-anatomy-keeps-sunday-time-slot.amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022200539/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,153085,00.html |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |work=Fox News}}</ref>
Prior to its broadcast, there were discussions about changing the show's title from ''Grey's Anatomy'' to ''Complications'', though this change never took place.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reece |first1=Adrianne |title=Grey’s Anatomy Almost Had A Different (And Kinda Bland) Name |url=https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/greys-anatomy-original-title |website=Elite Daily |access-date=21 March 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321023905/https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/greys-anatomy-original-title |archive-date=21 March 2026 |date=7 June 2023}}</ref>
===Production team=== <div style="width:40em; font-size:85%; padding-left:5px; width:360px; background-color: #f8f9fa; float:right; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1;"> '''List of showrunners throughout the series' run:''' * Season 1–5: Shonda Rhimes * Season 6–7: Shonda Rhimes & Krista Vernoff * Season 8: Shonda Rhimes, Tony Phelan & Joan Rater * Season 9–10: Tony Phelan & Joan Rater * Season 11–13: Stacy Mckee & William Harper * Season 14–15: William Harper & Krista Vernoff * Season 16–19: Krista Vernoff * Season 20: Meg Marinis </div> ''Grey's Anatomy'' is produced by Shondaland and 20th Television, in association with Lionsgate Television (formerly known as The Mark Gordon Company) and, until 2024, ABC Signature (formerly Touchstone Television until 2007 and ABC Studios between 2007 and 2020).<ref name="UM" /> Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Krista Vernoff, Mark Gordon, Rob Corn, and Mark Wilding have all served as executive producers throughout the series.<ref name="Credits">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Cast and Details |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/greys-anatomy/cast/191535#aCredits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320145113/http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/greys-anatomy/cast/191535#aCredits |archive-date=March 20, 2013 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> In later seasons, Steve Mulholland, Kent Hodder, Nancy Bordson, James D. Parriott, and Peter Horton have also been executive producers, with Allan Heinberg joining the team in 2006.<ref name="Credits" /> By Season 8, the executive producers were Rhimes, Beers, Gordon, Vernoff, Corn, Wilding, and Heinberg.<ref name="ATS">{{Cite web |title=About the Show |url=https://abc.com/show/b7d90f97-dbb2-4ab5-b141-f9cbeae53581/about-the-show |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615183950/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/about-the-show |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref>
Rhimes serves as the series' head writer, or its most prolific writer. In the show's early years, she often promoted the series by answering fan questions on her Twitter account.<ref name="srtwitter">{{Cite web |last=Rhimes, Shonda |title=Shonda Rhimes on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/#!/shondarhimes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103181657/https://twitter.com/notch/status/192755231275229185#!/shondarhimes/ |archive-date=November 3, 2016 |access-date=July 1, 2012 |publisher=Twitter}}</ref> Other key members of the writing staff include Vernoff, Wilding, Peter Nowalk, Stacy McKee, William Harper, Zoanne Clack, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater, and Debora Cahn.<ref name="Credits" /> From seasons 2 through 7, the writers maintained a blog titled ''Grey Matter'', where the writer of an episode provided insights into the writing process.<ref name="Grey Matter Intro">{{Cite web |title=Grey Matter: From the Writers of Grey's Anatomy |url=http://www.greyswriters.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008004304/http://www.greyswriters.com/ |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |access-date=July 1, 2012 |website=Grey Matter |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}} It was later moved to [http://blogs.abc.com/ blogs.abc.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706141032/http://blogs.abc.com/|date=July 6, 2018}}.</ref>
Directors vary by episode, with Rob Corn being the most frequent director, followed by Tom Verica. Horton, Edward Ornelas, and Jessica Yu have also directed numerous episodes. Cast members Chandra Wilson, Debbie Allen and Kevin McKidd have each directed multiple episodes as well.<ref name="WMD">{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=March 9, 2012 |title='Grey's Anatomy's' Kevin McKidd, Chandra Wilson to Direct Again (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/grey-anatomys-kevin-mckidd-chandra-wilson-directing-298161 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430133324/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/grey-anatomys-kevin-mckidd-chandra-wilson-directing-298161 |archive-date=April 30, 2012 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
Susan Vaill has edited ''Grey's Anatomy'' since its inception, with David Greenspan joining as an editor in 2006.<ref name="MOH">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Seattle Grace: Message of Hope |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/seattle-grace-message-of-hope/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201094037/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/seattle-grace-message-of-hope/ |archive-date=February 1, 2012 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref><ref name="Linked">{{Cite web |last=Greenspan, David |title=David Greenspan |url=http://www.linkedin.com/pub/david-greenspan/3/980/847 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |publisher=LinkedIn}}</ref> Casting directors Linda Lowy and John Brace have been part of the production team since 2005. The show's production design is led by Donald Lee Harris, with Brian Harms assisting as art director. Mimi Melgaard heads costume design, with Thomas Houchins supervising costumes. Ellen Vieira serves as the makeup artist, while Jerilynn Stevens is the hairstylist. The Director of Photography is Herbert Davis, and the music coordinator is Danny Lux.<ref name="MOH" />
The show's medical authenticity is ensured by consultants Karen Lisa Pike, M.D. and Linda Klein, R.N.<ref name="KLP">{{Cite news |last=Marsi |first=Steve |date=February 28, 2006 |title=How Grey's Anatomy Keeps it Real |url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2006/02/how-greys-anatomy-keeps-it-real.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223134910/http://www.tvfanatic.com/2006/02/how-greys-anatomy-keeps-it-real.html |archive-date=December 23, 2012 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |work=TV Fanatic |publisher=SheKnows Entertainment}}</ref> In an interview, Ellen Pompeo (who plays Meredith Grey) shared that the cast frequently consults the medical team for accuracy, asking about procedures and surgeries to ensure authenticity. Many cast members observed real-life surgeries to prepare for their roles.
In addition to their work on the show, the production staff participates in a ''Grey's Anatomy'' softball team, which competes against teams from other television shows, such as ''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation''.<ref name="mattersoftball">{{Cite web |last=Vernoff, Krista |date=September 25, 2009 |title=Krista Vernoff on 'Good Mourning' and 'Goodbye' ... |url=http://www.greyswriters.com/2009/09/krista-vernoff-on-good-mourning-and-goodbye.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022173856/http://www.greyswriters.com/2009/09/krista-vernoff-on-good-mourning-and-goodbye.html |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=June 30, 2012 |website=Grey Matter |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref>
===Casting=== {{quote box | quote = She brought this energy that felt very fresh. From the beginning, I've been shaping Cristina around Sandra a little bit. One of my favorite things to do is take as much of her dialogue out of a scene as possible because she does so much nonverbally. Then I just watch what she manages to do without having a word to say. | source = —Rhimes on Oh's audition<ref name="OhAud">{{Cite web |last=Oakley |first=Colleen |date=April 9, 2007 |title=Interview with Shonda Rhimes |url=https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a333/greys-anatomy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419193336/http://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity-lifestyle/celebrities/greys-anatomy |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=Marie Claire |publisher=Hearst Communication, Inc}}</ref> | align = left | width = 25em }}
''Grey's Anatomy'' used a color-blind casting technique, resulting in a racially diverse ensemble. Each role was cast without the character's race being pre-determined, keeping Rhimes's vision of diversity.<ref name="CBCT">{{Cite news |last=Fogel |first=Matthew |date=May 8, 2005 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Goes Colorblind |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/08/arts/television/08foge.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728113749/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/08/arts/television/08foge.html |archive-date=July 28, 2013}}</ref> The production staff began casting with the program's title character, Dr. Meredith Grey,<ref name=oprah/> which Rhimes said was a challenging role to cast.<ref name="LAT1">{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Maureen |date=September 30, 2005 |title=Chicago as a 'Grey' area? |work=Chicago Tribune |url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2005/09/the_windy_citys.html |access-date=January 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609053002/http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2005/09/the_windy_citys.html |archive-date=June 9, 2008}}</ref> "I kept saying we need a girl like that girl from ''Moonlight Mile'' (2002){{Ref label|A|a|a}}," said Rhimes, "and after a while, they were like, 'We think we can get that girl from ''Moonlight Mile''."<ref name=LAT1/> The next to be cast, Sandra Oh (Dr. Cristina Yang), was initially invited to audition for the character of Bailey, but pressed to read for the role of Cristina instead.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ8avIEuD9I |title=Grey's Anatomy – Sandra Oh Audition |publisher=Paley Center |year=2007 |time=0:05–0:15 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104161126/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ8avIEuD9I |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |url-status=live |people=Sandra Oh}}</ref> Many actors read for the role of Dr. Derek Shepherd. Rob Lowe was offered the role, but turned it down as he had already agreed to star in another medical drama ''Dr. Vegas''. When Patrick Dempsey read for the part, "he was just perfect," according to Rhimes.<ref name=LAT1/>
The only character developed with a racial description in mind was Dr. Miranda Bailey, who is portrayed by Chandra Wilson. Her character was first described as a tiny blonde with curly hair, but when Wilson began speaking, Rhimes reported: "[Wilson] is exactly who Miranda is."<ref name=oprah/> James Pickens Jr. was selected to appear as Dr. Richard Webber in the series' pilot and first season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Richard Webber (James Pickens, Jr.) Bio |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/richard-webber/94912 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303231552/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/richard-webber/94912 |archive-date=March 3, 2011 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> Katherine Heigl wanted to portray Dr. Izzie Stevens as a brunette but was requested to retain her natural blonde for the part.<ref name="Cosmo">{{Cite web |last=Bardin |first=Brantley |date=November 2006 |title=Katherine Heigl Gives Us Fever |url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/exclusive/Katherine-Heigl-Gives-Us-Fever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312095332/http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/exclusive/Katherine-Heigl-Gives-Us-Fever |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=May 9, 2009 |website=Cosmopolitan}}</ref> Isaiah Washington, who portrayed Dr. Preston Burke, initially read for the role of Shepherd but was cast as Burke, because the actor who had been intended to play Burke, Paul Adelstein, had to withdraw due to commitments to the movie ''Be Cool''.<ref name=CBCT/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-10-12 |title=Report: 'Grey's Anatomy' hunks fight on set |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/report-greys-anatomy-hunks-fight-set-2d80556035 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}}</ref> T. R. Knight signed on for the pilot as Dr. George O'Malley, expecting that the role might be short-lived, because he liked that the character was multi-faceted.<ref name="dual">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= |title=Grey's Anatomy – T.R. Knight On Auditioning |publisher=Paley Center |year=2007 |time=0:30–1:20 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029222518/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjbdKWt8LdE |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |url-status=live |people=T.R. Knight}}</ref> Rounding out the season 1 cast was Justin Chambers as Dr. Alex Karev, a character who was not originally included in the show's pilot, but added through digital editing and additional scenes.<ref name="Alex">{{Cite web |title=Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) Bio |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/alex-karev/94911 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303231517/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/alex-karev/94911 |archive-date=March 3, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cronin |first=Brian |date=February 3, 2016 |title=TV Legends Revealed: Which 'Grey's Anatomy' Actor Was Added to the Pilot With CGI? |url=https://www.cbr.com/tv-legends-revealed-which-greys-anatomy-actor-was-added-to-the-pilot-with-cgi/ |access-date=March 9, 2021 |website=Comic Book Resources |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126185558/https://www.cbr.com/tv-legends-revealed-which-greys-anatomy-actor-was-added-to-the-pilot-with-cgi/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Rhimes later shifted focus away from physical descriptions of characters, instead emphasizing the feelings and qualities they conveyed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thewrap.com/greys-anatomy-30-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-in-honor-of-its-300th-episode/ | title='Grey's Anatomy:' 30 Facts You Probably Didn't Know in Honor of Its 300th Episode (Photos) | date=November 9, 2017 }}</ref>
[[File:Eric Dane March 2015.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Eric Dane originally auditioned for the pilot episode of ''Grey's Anatomy'', but was not cast at that time.]]
Season 2 marked the introduction of attending doctors Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) and Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez). They were initially cast as recurring characters, but both were given star billing at the opening of Season 3.<ref name="1SR">{{Cite web |last=Yuan |first=Jada |date=September 18, 2006 |title=Belle Curves: Sara Ramirez |url=https://nymag.com/arts/tv/reviews/21334/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810151248/http://nymag.com/arts/tv/reviews/21334/ |archive-date=August 10, 2011 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=New York Magazine}}</ref><ref name="1ED">{{Cite web |last=Marsi |first=Steve |date=February 22, 2007 |title=Q & A With Eric Dane |url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2007/02/eric-dane-a-preview-of-the-official-greys-anatomy-magazine-interview.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330201805/http://www.tvfanatic.com/2007/02/eric-dane-a-preview-of-the-official-greys-anatomy-magazine-interview.html |archive-date=March 30, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=TV Fanatic |publisher=SheKnows Entertainment}}</ref> Ramirez was cast after ABC executives offered them a role in the network show of their choice;<ref name="rams">{{Cite episode |title=On Location: Oprah on the Set of 'Grey's Anatomy' |series=The Oprah Winfrey Show |date=November 17, 2006 |season=21 |number=45}}</ref> Dane had previously auditioned unsuccessfully for a role in the pilot episode.<ref name=1ED/> Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) also joined the show in Season 2, after making a guest appearance in the season 1 finale<ref>{{Cite web |title=Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) Bio |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/private-practice/bio/addison-montgomery/24676 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606000050/http://abc.go.com/shows/private-practice/bio/addison-montgomery/24676 |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=June 26, 2012 |website=Private Practice |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref>
In October 2006, Washington allegedly insulted Knight with a homophobic slur, during an on-set altercation with Dempsey, and ABC terminated Washington's contract at the end of Season 3.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2007 |title=ABC drops Washington from Grey's Anatomy |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/abc-drops-washington-from-grey-s-anatomy-1.662998 |url-status=live |access-date=August 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106023330/http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/tv/story/2007/06/08/abc-greys-washington.html |archive-date=November 6, 2012}}</ref> Washington returned for a guest appearance in season 10. At the conclusion of Season 3, Walsh departed the show to pursue the ''Grey's Anatomy'' spin-off, ''Private Practice'', but continues to make guest appearances.<ref name="WSJ spinoff article">{{Cite news |last=Wyatt, Edward |date=April 28, 2007 |title=Well-Known Secret: 'Grey's Anatomy' Spinoff for ABC |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/28/arts/television/28grey.html |access-date=August 26, 2012 }}</ref>
Chyler Leigh joined the cast as a main character in Season 4 as Dr. Lexie Grey, Meredith's half-sister. Leigh had appeared as a guest-star in the final 2 episodes of Season 3.<ref name="HiLex">{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2007 |title=Production Begins On New Season Of 'Grey's Anatomy;' Chyler Leigh Joins The Cast |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/07/12/production_begins_on_new_season_of_grey_ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708232041/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/07/12/production_begins_on_new_season_of_grey_ |archive-date=July 8, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=StarPulse}}</ref> On the selection of Leigh for the role of Lexie, Rhimes said: "Chyler stood out ... It felt like she could be Meredith's sister, but she had a depth that was very interesting."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keeps |first=David A. |date=September 27, 2007 |title=Nine Things You Don't Know about Grey's Chyler Leigh |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/grey's-anatomy-chyler-42038/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726151647/http://www.tvguide.com/news/grey%27s-anatomy-chyler-42038.aspx |archive-date=July 26, 2013 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=TV Guide}}</ref>
Dr. Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith), who first appeared on ''Grey's Anatomy'' in Season 2, returned as a series regular in Season 4.<ref name="daily news">{{Cite web |last=Claustro |first=Lisa |date=December 13, 2007 |title=Smith 'Didn't Really Think' Grey's Anatomy Stint Would 'Work Out' |url=https://www.buddytv.com/smith-didnt-really-think-greys-anatomy-stint-would-work-out/ |access-date=June 30, 2008 |publisher=BuddyTV |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901160725/https://www.buddytv.com/smith-didnt-really-think-greys-anatomy-stint-would-work-out/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly after the announcement that Smith would be a regular member of the cast, ''Entertainment Weekly''{{'s}} Michael Ausiello, reported that her character, Hahn, would depart from ''Grey's Anatomy'' on November 6, 2008.<ref name="EW">{{Cite magazine |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=November 2, 2008 |title=Grey's Anatomy Discharges Dr. Hahn |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/11/03/brooke-smith-le/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201224502/http://insidetv.ew.com/2008/11/03/brooke-smith-le/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> ''E! Online''{{'s}} Kristin Dos Santos asserted that Smith's dismissal from the show had been forced by the ABC network, as part of an attempt to "de-gay" ''Grey's Anatomy''.<ref name="gay">{{Cite web |last=Dos Santos |first=Kristin |date=November 3, 2008 |title=Grey's De-Gayed: Brooke Smith Axed; Melissa George's Role Rewritten |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/66996/greys_de-gayed_brooke_smith_axed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081107153945/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b66996_greys_de-gayed_brooke_smith_axed.html |archive-date=November 7, 2008 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=E! Online |publisher=NBCUniversal}}</ref> Rhimes countered these claims, saying that "we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke's character would sustain in the long run".<ref name="EW" />
Season 5 introduced actor Kevin McKidd (Dr. Owen Hunt), who was signed as a series regular after originally being cast for a specific story-arc.<ref name="maincast1">{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2008 |title=Kevin McKidd Joins 'Grey's Anatomy' Cast As Series Regular |url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/kevin-mckidd-joins-greys-anatomy-cast-as-series-regular_article_12136 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030081006/http://www.accesshollywood.com/kevin-mckidd-joins-greys-anatomy-cast-as-series-regular_article_12136 |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2012 |website=Access Hollywood |publisher=NBCUniversal}}</ref> In addition, Jessica Capshaw (Dr. Arizona Robbins) was originally introduced for a three-episode arc, but her contract was extended until the end of the season; she became a series regular in the sixth season.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=June 17, 2009 |title=Exclusive: 'Grey's Anatomy' promotes Jessica Capshaw |url=https://ew.com/article/2009/06/17/exclusive-greys-anatomy-promotes-jessica-capshaw/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806051802/http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/06/17/exclusive-greys-anatomy-promotes-jessica-capshaw/ |archive-date=August 6, 2009 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref>
Knight departed the show at the conclusion of Season 5, citing an unhappiness with the development and lack of screen-time for his character.<ref name="Deve">{{Cite web |last=Malkin |first=Marc |date=May 27, 2009 |title=T.R. Knight: A Grey's Anatomy Goner |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/125996/tr_knight_greys_anatomy_goner |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529185907/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/marc_malkin/b125996_tr_knight_greys_anatomy_goner.html |archive-date=May 29, 2009 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=E! Online |publisher=NBCUniversal}}</ref> Directly following Knight's departure, ''Entertainment Weekly'' reported that Heigl had not returned to the set as scheduled after her maternity leave.<ref name="heigl">{{Cite magazine |date=March 11, 2010 |title='Grey's Anatomy' exclusive: Katherine Heigl is (almost) outta there! |url=https://ew.com/article/2010/03/11/greys-anatomy-katherine-heigl-leaving/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100313093442/http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/03/11/greys-anatomy-katherine-heigl-leaving/ |archive-date=March 13, 2010 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> It was later confirmed that Heigl would not return to the show at all.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2010 |title=Sources Confirm: Katherine Heigl is Leaving "Grey's Anatomy" |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/171689/sources_confirm_katherine_heigl_leaving |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321120216/http://www.eonline.com/news/watch_with_kristin/sources_confirm_katherine_heigl_leaving/171689 |archive-date=March 21, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=E! Online |publisher=NBCUniversal}}</ref>
Kim Raver, who was cast as recurring character Dr. Teddy Altman in season 6, was given star billing later in the season.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=October 23, 2009 |title=Kim Raver becomes series regular on 'Grey's Anatomy' |url=https://ew.com/article/2010/01/04/kim-raver-joins-greys-anatomy/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301134129/http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/01/04/kim-raver-joins-greys-anatomy/ |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> Sarah Drew (Dr. April Kepner) and Jesse Williams (Dr. Jackson Avery), who both made their series debuts as recurring characters in the sixth season, and received star-billing in the seventh.<ref name="JWSB">{{Cite magazine |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=June 8, 2010 |title='Grey's Anatomy' exclusive: Jesse Williams gets full-time upgrade |url=https://ew.com/article/2010/06/08/greys-anatomy-jesse-williams-series-regular/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609123029/http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/06/08/greys-anatomy-jesse-williams-series-regular/ |archive-date=June 9, 2010 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref><ref name="SDSB1">{{Cite magazine |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=June 9, 2010 |title=Exclusive: 'Grey's Anatomy' promotes Sarah Drew |url=https://ew.com/article/2010/06/09/greys-anatomy-promotes-sarah-drew/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515214706/http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/06/09/greys-anatomy-promotes-sarah-drew/ |archive-date=May 15, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref>
The six original actors' contracts expired after Season 8, but in May 2012, Pompeo, Oh, Chambers, Wilson, Pickens Jr. and Dempsey renewed their contracts with the show for another two years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 9, 2012 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Stars Patrick Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh And Justin Chambers Close Deals To Return |url=https://deadline.com/2012/05/greys-anatomy-stars-patrick-dempsey-ellen-pompeo-sandra-oh-and-justin-chambers-close-deals-to-return-269385/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510235456/http://www.deadline.com/2012/05/greys-anatomy-stars-patrick-dempsey-ellen-pompeo-sandra-oh-and-justin-chambers-close-deals-to-return/ |archive-date=May 10, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2012 |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=PMC}}</ref> At the conclusion of season 8, Leigh's character Lexie Grey departed from the show at Leigh's request, and with Rhimes's agreement.<ref name="leighstatement">{{Cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt |date=June 2012 |title=Grey's Anatomy Exclusive: Chyler Leigh Breaks Her Silence About Shocking Departure |url=http://tvline.com/2012/06/01/greys-anatomy-chyler-leigh-explains-exit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501091850/http://tvline.com/2012/06/01/greys-anatomy-chyler-leigh-explains-exit/ |archive-date=May 1, 2013 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |website=TVLine |publisher=PMC}}</ref><ref name="chylerexit">{{Cite web |last=Wieselman |first=Jarett |date=May 18, 2012 |title='Grey's' Creator Defends Finale Death |url=http://www.theinsider.com/tv/52435_Lexi_Dies_on_Greys_Anatomy_Shonda_Rhimes_Defends_Finale/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523052819/http://www.theinsider.com/tv/52435_Lexi_Dies_on_Greys_Anatomy_Shonda_Rhimes_Defends_Finale/index.html |archive-date=May 23, 2012 |access-date=June 19, 2012 |website=The Insider |publisher=CBS}}</ref> Raver's character Teddy Altman was also written out of the show during the Season 8 finale. Rhimes said that Raver had been offered a contract renewal, but declined.<ref name="raverexit">{{Cite magazine |last=Gonzalez |first=Sandra |date=May 18, 2012 |title='Grey's Anatomy' season finale: Boss explains two shocking exits |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/05/18/greys-anatomy-season-finale-boss-explains-two-shocking-exits/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519110842/http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/05/18/greys-anatomy-season-finale-boss-explains-two-shocking-exits/ |archive-date=May 19, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref>
In July 2012, Dane (Sloan) confirmed that he was departing the show to pursue other projects; he made his final appearances in the first two episodes of Season 9.<ref name="DaneDepart">{{Cite web |last=Ausiello, Michael |date=July 26, 2012 |title=Grey's Anatomy Exclusive: Eric Dane Checks Out! |url=http://tvline.com/2012/07/26/grey-anatomy-eric-dane-leaving/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728013516/http://tvline.com/2012/07/26/grey-anatomy-eric-dane-leaving/ |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |access-date=July 26, 2012 |website=TVLine |publisher=PMC}}</ref> With the start of season 10, Camilla Luddington, Gaius Charles, Jerrika Hinton and Tessa Ferrer were introduced to the show as series regulars. They were first introduced to the show in season 9 as the new interns. On August 13, 2013, Oh (Cristina) announced that the show's tenth season would be her final one because she had decided to pursue more diverse career opportunities.<ref name="OhDepart">{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=August 13, 2013 |title=Sandra Oh to Exit 'Grey's Anatomy' (Exclusive) |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/sandra-departing-greys-anatomy-season-594134/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815194052/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sandra-departing-greys-anatomy-season-594134 |archive-date=August 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=August 13, 2013 |title=Sandra Oh Will Leave 'Grey's Anatomy' at the End of the Tenth Season |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/08/13/sandra-oh-will-leave-greys-anatomy-at-the-end-of-the-tenth-season/197468/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817082026/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/08/13/sandra-oh-will-leave-greys-anatomy-at-the-end-of-the-tenth-season/197468/ |archive-date=August 17, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2013 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> In March 2014, it was announced that Isaiah Washington, who portrayed Preston Burke in the first three seasons of the show, would make a guest appearance to coincide with the departure of series regular Sandra Oh, his former on-screen love-interest.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 7, 2014 |title=Isaiah Washington set for Grey's Anatomy return |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26479733 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307192230/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26479733 |archive-date=March 7, 2014}}</ref> Neither Charles's nor Ferrer's contracts were renewed for Season 11.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2014 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Season 10 Spoilers: Leah And Shane To Leave Hospital Along With Cristina? [VIDEO] |url=http://www.enstarz.com/articles/35373/20140326/greys-anatomy-season-10-spoilers-leah-and-shane-to-leave-hospital-along-with-cristina-video.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409133646/http://www.enstarz.com/articles/35373/20140326/greys-anatomy-season-10-spoilers-leah-and-shane-to-leave-hospital-along-with-cristina-video.htm |archive-date=April 9, 2014 |website=ENSTARZ}}</ref>
On May 2, 2014, it was announced that, in addition to Pompeo and Dempsey, all the original remaining cast members—apart from Oh—signed 2-year deals, extending their contracts through seasons 11 and 12. Despite joining the series in season 2, Sara Ramirez was on the same negotiation schedule as the season 1 cast and also signed a new two-year deal.<ref>Gonzalez, Sandra. (August 13, 2013) [https://www.ew.com/article/2014/01/23/greys-anatomy-ellen-pompeo-and-patrick-dempsey-season-11 'Grey's Anatomy': Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey renew contracts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310064431/http://www.ew.com/article/2014/01/23/greys-anatomy-ellen-pompeo-and-patrick-dempsey-season-11 |date=March 10, 2016 }}. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref><ref>Ausiello, Michael. (May 2, 2014) [http://tvline.com/2014/05/02/greys-anatomy-season-11-justin-chambers-sara-ramirez-staying-new-contracts/ 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 11: Justin Chambers, Sara Ramirez Sign New Contracts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503031657/http://tvline.com/2014/05/02/greys-anatomy-season-11-justin-chambers-sara-ramirez-staying-new-contracts/ |date=May 3, 2014 }}. TVLine. Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.wetpaint.com/sara-ramirez-expiring-contract-departure-793856/ Grey's Anatomy Star Sara Ramirez Talks Expiring Contract and Potential Departure] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123624/http://www.wetpaint.com/sara-Ramirez-expiring-contract-departure-793856/ |date=December 22, 2015 }}. ''Wetpaint'' (November 13, 2013). Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref> On April 23, 2015, Dempsey departed the show during the show's 11th season, despite the fact that he still had a year left in his contract.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=April 23, 2015 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Shocker: Star Patrick Dempsey Exits |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greys-anatomy-patrick-dempsey-exits-789395/ |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208172358/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greys-anatomy-patrick-dempsey-exits-789395/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Dempsey decided to leave because the show was too time-consuming. He wanted to spend more time with his family, so in season 11 his character died. On the night of the Season 12 finale, May 19, 2016, Sara Ramirez announced that they would be leaving the show following the decision not to renew their contract.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 19, 2016 |title=Sara Ramirez Leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' After More Than 10 Years |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/sara-ramirez-callie-torres-leaving-greys-anatomy-shonda-rhimes-reaction-1201779222/ |access-date=June 3, 2018 |archive-date=May 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519140141/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/sara-ramirez-callie-torres-leaving-greys-anatomy-shonda-rhimes-reaction-1201779222/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On January 17, 2018, it was announced by ABC that Ellen Pompeo's contract had been renewed through Season 16. Not only did the contract renewal ensure that Pompeo would return as Meredith Grey, but it made her a producer of ''Grey's Anatomy'' and a co-executive producer of ''Station 19''. The deal made Pompeo the highest-paid actress currently on a dramatic TV series, with her making $575,000 per episode and over $20 million yearly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Lacey |date=January 17, 2018 |title=Ellen Pompeo, TV's $20 Million Woman, Reveals Her Behind-the-Scenes Fight for "What I Deserve" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/ellen-pompeo-tvs-20-million-woman-reveals-her-behind-scenes-fight-what-i-deserve-1074978/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117231421/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/ellen-pompeo-tvs-20-million-woman-reveals-her-behind-scenes-fight-what-i-deserve-1074978 |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> On March 8, 2018, it was announced that series regulars Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew would not be returning for Season 15 after executive producers decided to let them go.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 8, 2018 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Shocker: Jessica Capshaw & Sarah Drew To Exit ABC Medical Drama After Season 14 |url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/greys-anatomy-jessica-capshaw-sarah-drew-exit-abc-medical-drama-1202316987/ |access-date=June 3, 2018 |archive-date=October 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010033853/https://deadline.com/2018/03/greys-anatomy-jessica-capshaw-sarah-drew-exit-abc-medical-drama-1202316987/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2018, it was confirmed that Kim Raver, who made returning guest appearances in Season 14, would once again become a series regular, beginning with season 15.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |title=Grey's Anatomy promotes Kim Raver to series regular again |url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/05/21/greys-anatomy-kim-raver-series-regular-season-15/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=May 21, 2018 |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528193109/https://ew.com/tv/2018/05/21/greys-anatomy-kim-raver-series-regular-season-15/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2020, Justin Chambers announced that he had departed the series to pursue more diverse career opportunities and that his final episode had aired on November 14, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=January 10, 2020 |title=Justin Chambers Leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' After 15 Years |url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/justin-chambers-leaving-greys-anatomy-exit-15-years-16-seasons-alex-karev-abc-1202826876/ |access-date=January 10, 2020 |website=Deadlien Hollywood |archive-date=January 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110204605/https://deadline.com/2020/01/justin-chambers-leaving-greys-anatomy-exit-15-years-16-seasons-alex-karev-abc-1202826876/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2021, Giacomo Gianniotti departed the series after wanting to pursue new things such as directing.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kinane |first=Ruth |date=March 12, 2021 |title=Giacomo Gianniotti on his devastating Grey's Anatomy departure: 'It was totally DeLuca' |url=https://ew.com/tv/giacomo-gianniotti-greys-anatomy-exit-interview/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818202558/https://ew.com/tv/giacomo-gianniotti-greys-anatomy-exit-interview/ |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |access-date=August 18, 2021}}</ref> In May 2021, Jesse Williams and Greg Germann both left the main cast, although Germann is expected to remain on the show in a guest capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 6, 2021 |title=Jesse Williams Leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' After 12 Seasons |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/jesse-williams-leaving-greys-anatomy-jackson-avery-12-seasons-1234750666/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520212313/https://deadline.com/2021/05/jesse-williams-leaving-greys-anatomy-jackson-avery-12-seasons-1234750666/ |archive-date=May 20, 2021 |access-date=May 21, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=May 20, 2021 |title=Grey's Anatomy: Greg Germann Exits as Series Regular Ahead of Season 18 |url=https://tvline.com/2021/05/20/greys-anatomy-greg-germann-leaving-tom-koracick/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521093813/https://tvline.com/2021/05/20/greys-anatomy-greg-germann-leaving-tom-koracick/ |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |access-date=May 22, 2021 |website=TVLine}}</ref> In September 2021, it was announced that Kate Walsh would be returning as Addison Montgomery for multiple episodes in season 18.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=September 2, 2021 |title='Grey's Anatomy': Kate Walsh To Return In Season 18 As Addison |url=https://deadline.com/2021/09/greys-anatomy-kate-walsh-reprise-role-addison-season-18-1234826737/ |access-date=September 2, 2021 |website=Deadlien Hollywood |archive-date=September 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903002121/https://deadline.com/2021/09/greys-anatomy-kate-walsh-reprise-role-addison-season-18-1234826737/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2022, it was announced that Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho, Adelaide Kane, Midori Francis and Harry Shum Jr. joined the cast as series regular for the nineteenth season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=September 6, 2022 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Gives First Look At New Season 19 Cast Members & More In 'Meet The Interns' Video |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/greys-anatomy-first-look-new-season-19-cast-members-meet-the-interns-ellen-pompeo-harry-chum-jr-1235109158/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906173044/https://deadline.com/2022/09/greys-anatomy-first-look-new-season-19-cast-members-meet-the-interns-ellen-pompeo-harry-chum-jr-1235109158/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2022, it was announced that Ellen Pompeo will appear in only eight episodes of the upcoming nineteenth season, but that she will continue to narrate the episodes and will remain an executive producer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 3, 2022 |title=Ellen Pompeo To Reduce 'Grey's Anatomy' On-Screen Presence In Season 19 As She Takes On Hulu Series Role |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/ellen-pompeo-reduce-greys-anatomy-meredith-grey-season-19-episode-count-hulu-series-1235084085/ |access-date=August 3, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806000507/https://deadline.com/2022/08/ellen-pompeo-reduce-greys-anatomy-meredith-grey-season-19-episode-count-hulu-series-1235084085/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2024, it was announced that Jake Borelli will leave the series in season 21, along with Midori Francis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2024-05-13 |title=Jake Borelli Leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' Next Season As Veteran Series Regulars Eye Episode Reductions |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/jake-borelli-leaving-greys-anatomy-levi-schmitt-cast-episode-reductions-1235912077/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> In June 2024, it was announced that Jason George would be reupped to a series regular after appearing in a recurring capacity since the series' fifteenth season due to appearing on ''Station 19''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/jason-george-return-greys-anatomy-season-21-ben-warren-1235971421/ | title=Jason George Returning to 'Grey's Anatomy' as Series Regular | date=June 12, 2024 }}</ref> In August 2024, it was announced that Michael Thomas Grant will recur as new hospital chaplain James.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Charlie |date=2024-08-08 |title=Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Taps Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist Alum to Play Its New Gay Chaplain (Exclusive) |url=https://tvline.com/casting-news/greys-anatomy-michael-thomas-grant-cast-gay-chaplain-1235282877/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=TVLine |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Filming locations and techniques===
[[File:Space Needle from Elliott Bay.jpg|right|thumb|upright|alt=The space needle in Seattle, Washington.|The Space Needle, in Seattle, is the background to many exterior shots.]] Rhimes initially considered setting the medical drama in her hometown, Chicago, but ultimately decided on Seattle to distinguish ''Grey's Anatomy'' from the Chicago-based series ''ER''.<ref name="LAT1" />
Fisher Plaza, the former headquarters of Fisher Communications (now merged into Sinclair Broadcast Group) and home to Sinclair's ABC-affiliated KOMO radio and television stations in Seattle, is used for some exterior shots of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Notably, air ambulances land on the KOMO-TV news copter's helipad, suggesting the hospital's proximity to the Space Needle (located across the street from Fisher Plaza), the Seattle Monorail, and other iconic landmarks.
However, the hospital used for most exterior and some interior shots is not located in Seattle; these scenes are filmed at the VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center in North Hills, Los Angeles, California, and shots from an interior walkway occasionally show dry California mountains in the background.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Grey's Anatomy Season One DVD: Commentary Feature |publisher=Buena Vista Home Entertainment |year=2005}}</ref> Most scenes are filmed at The Prospect Studios in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, just east of Hollywood, where ''Grey's Anatomy'' occupies six sound stages. Some outdoor scenes are shot at Warren G. Magnuson Park in Seattle.
The exterior of Meredith Grey's house, also known as the Intern House, is a real location. In the show, Grey's home address is 613 Harper Lane, though this is not a real address. The physical house is located at 303 W. Comstock St., in Queen Anne, Seattle, Washington.
Many of the props used in the show are functional medical equipment, including a working MRI machine.<ref name="filmed">{{Cite web |last=Clarendon |first=Dan |date=December 20, 2010 |title=Where Is Grey's Anatomy Filmed, Anyway? |url=http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/where-is-greys-anatomy-filmed-anyway |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017095547/http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/where-is-greys-anatomy-filmed-anyway |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=May 24, 2012 |website=Wetpaint |publisher=The Cambio Network}}</ref> When asked about operating room scenes, Sarah Drew (who plays April Kepner) said:{{Cquote|We work with bovine organs, which is cow's organs, The smell is repulsive and makes us all gag. And we use an actual soldering tool to solder the organs. It smells like burning flesh. There's also a lot of silicone and blood matter, red jello mixed with blood and chicken fat. It's pretty gross.<ref name="bovineorgans">{{Cite news |date=September 20, 2010 |title=Grey's Anatomy star signals more laughs |publisher=RTÉ ten |url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/2010/0920/greysanatomy.html |url-status=dead |access-date=May 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220064944/http://www.rte.ie/ten/2010/0920/greysanatomy.html |archive-date=December 20, 2010}}</ref> }}
Costumes are used to differentiate between attending surgeons and residents: attending surgeons wear navy blue scrubs, while residents wear light blue scrubs.<ref name="AG">{{Cite episode |title=Almost Grown |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=October 21, 2010 |season=7 |number=5 |credits=Writer: Tanen, Brian. Director: Wilson, Chandra}}</ref> The series is filmed using a single-camera setup, similar to many other dramas.<ref name="all">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy |url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/greys-anatomy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505021432/http://www.emmys.com/shows/greys-anatomy |archive-date=May 5, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2012 |website=Emmy Awards |publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences}}</ref> ''Grey's Anatomy'' often utilizes the "walk-and-talk" filming technique, a method popularized by earlier series such as ''St. Elsewhere'', ''ER'', and ''The West Wing''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Grey's Anatomy Season Four DVD: On Set With Patrick and Eric Additional Feature |publisher=Buena Vista Home Entertainment |year=2008 |people=Eric Dane and Patrick Dempsey}}</ref>
==Broadcast history== {{Main|List of Grey's Anatomy episodes{{!}}List of ''Grey's Anatomy'' episodes}}
{{:List of Grey's Anatomy episodes}} [[File:Sara Ramírez3.jpg|upright=0.75|thumb|Sara Ramirez served as the lead vocalist for the musical episode.|alt=Sara Ramirez posing for the camera in a red dress]]
''Grey's Anatomy''{{'s}} first season commenced airing as a mid-season replacement to ''Boston Legal'' on March 27, 2005, and concluded on May 22, 2005. The 9-episode season aired on Sundays in the 10:00pm EST time slot, following ''Desperate Housewives'', although it had initially been slated for a January 2005 debut in the Monday 10:00pm EST time slot.<ref name="NYT" /> The show was renewed by ABC for a second season,<ref name="two renewal">{{Cite news |last=Elliott, Stuart |date=June 1, 2005 |title=ABC's Sales for the Fall Nearly Done |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/01/business/media/01adco.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114120353/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/01/business/media/01adco.html |archive-date=January 14, 2015}}</ref> that aired in the same time slot as season 1. Premiering on September 25, 2005, and concluding on May 15, 2006, the season consisted of 27 episodes.<ref name="27eps">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Episode Recap Guide (Season 2) |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020232511/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-2 |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Breaking News - 2004 Broadcast Upfront Presentations: Abc, Part 1 {{!}} TheFutonCritic.com |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2004/05/18/2004-broadcast-upfront-presentations-abc-part-1-16607/6591/ |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=www.thefutoncritic.com |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301172121/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2004/05/18/2004-broadcast-upfront-presentations-abc-part-1-16607/6591/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As the original first season order was for 13 episodes, 5 episodes were held for season 2, as ABC decided to close the first season of ''Grey's Anatomy'' on the same night as ''Desperate Housewives''{{'}} finale.<ref name="BTPSt">{{Cite web |last=Rhimes |first=Shonda |date=November 9, 2005 |title=From Shonda Rhimes, creator, Executive Producer and writer of 'Bring the Pain' |url=http://www.greyswriters.com/2005/11/from_shonda_rhi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515034229/http://www.greyswriters.com/2005/11/from_shonda_rhi.html |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |access-date=May 11, 2012 |website=Grey Matter |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> During season 2, ''Grey's Anatomy'' produced 2 specials recapping the events of recent episodes, narrated by Bailey, entitled "Straight to the Heart" and "Under Pressure". The show was renewed for a third season, which was relocated to the coveted Thursday 9:00 pm EST time slot. The show has remained on Thursdays since then.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman, Craig |date=September 24, 2006 |title=Can 'Grey's' rise to challenge of Thursdays? |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/can-greys-rise-challenge-thursdays-wbna14893769 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=Today |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729090301/https://www.today.com/popculture/can-greys-rise-challenge-thursdays-wbna14893769 |url-status=live }}</ref> Commencing on September 21, 2006, and ending on May 17, 2007, season 3 consisted of 25 episodes.<ref name="25eps">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Episode Recap Guide (Season 3) |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023085038/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-3 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> 2 more specials were produced during the show's third season, entitled "Complications of the Heart" and "Every Moment Counts", which were narrated by Bailey and Morgan, respectively.
ABC renewed ''Grey's Anatomy'' for a fourth season, which aired from September 27, 2007, to May 22, 2008, and ultimately consisted of 17 episodes.<ref name="pp lineup" /><ref name="17eps">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Episode Recap Guide (Season 4) |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023085030/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-4 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> Season 4 had a reduced number of episodes, due to the 2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike, which caused production to cease from February to April, leaving the show with no writing staff during that time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levine |first=Stuart |date=October 18, 2007 |title=Writers strike could pull plug on TV favorites |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/writers-strike-could-pull-plug-tv-favorites-wbna21251689 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132500/https://www.today.com/popculture/writers-strike-could-pull-plug-tv-favorites-wbna21251689 |archive-date=January 4, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=Today}}</ref> At the beginning of season 4, the show aired its final special entitled "Come Rain Or Shine", created to transition viewers from ''Grey's Anatomy'' to ''Private Practice'', which was narrated by the editors of ''People'' magazine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TV Listings for – September 19, 2007 – TV Tango |url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings?filters%5Bdate%5D%5Bmonth%5D=9&filters%5Bdate%5D%5Bday%5D=19&filters%5Bdate%5D%5Byear%5D=2007&commit.x=28&commit.y=13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221037/http://www.tvtango.com/listings?filters%5Bdate%5D%5Bmonth%5D=9&filters%5Bdate%5D%5Bday%5D=19&filters%5Bdate%5D%5Byear%5D=2007&commit.x=28&commit.y=13 |archive-date=November 16, 2020}}</ref> The show received a renewal for a fifth season,<ref name="EarlyR">{{Cite web |last=Serpe |first=Gina |date=February 11, 2008 |title=ABC Reups Nine for '09 |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=ebc18369-d19f-4390-8845-299d884deba0&entry=index |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617043312/http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=ebc18369-d19f-4390-8845-299d884deba0&entry=index |archive-date=June 17, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=E! Online |publisher=NBCUniversal}}</ref> which premiered on September 25, 2008, and concluded on May 14, 2009, consisting of 24 episodes.<ref name="24eps">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Episode Recap Guide (Season 5) |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023085211/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-5 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> The series was renewed for a sixth season consisting of 24 episodes,<ref name="24s6">{{Cite web |last=Fienberg |first=Daniel |date=April 23, 2009 |title='Ugly Betty' leads a dozen ABC renewals |url=http://www.hitfix.com/articles/ugly-betty-leads-a-dozen-abc-renewals |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206042557/http://www.hitfix.com/articles/ugly-betty-leads-a-dozen-abc-renewals |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |work=HitFix}}</ref> which commenced on September 24, 2009, and ended on May 20, 2010.<ref name="24ep61">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Episode Recap Guide (Season 6) |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023085133/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-6 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> During season 6, ''Grey's Anatomy'' aired a series of webisodes entitled ''Seattle Grace: On Call'' at ABC.com.<ref name="SGOC">{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2009 |title=ABC.com to Premiere 'Seattle Grace: On Call', a New Original Webisode Series Featuring Characters from 'Grey's Anatomy' |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/11/19/abccom-to-premiere-seattle-grace-on-call-a-new-original-webisode-series-featuring-characters-from-greys-anatomy-33543/20091119abc02/ |access-date=February 8, 2022 |publisher=The Futon Critic |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301172104/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/11/19/abccom-to-premiere-seattle-grace-on-call-a-new-original-webisode-series-featuring-characters-from-greys-anatomy-33543/20091119abc02/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ABC renewed the show for a seventh season,<ref name="SSRN">{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2010 |title=ABC Unveils 2010–11 Primetime Schedule |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2010/05/18/abc-unveils-2010-11-primetime-schedule/20100518abc01/ |access-date=August 4, 2012 |publisher=The Futon Critic |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425060708/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2010/05/18/abc-unveils-2010-11-primetime-schedule/20100518abc01/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which premiered on September 23, 2010, and concluded on May 19, 2011, consisting of 22 episodes.<ref name="22eps">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Episode Recap Guide (Season 7) |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023085109/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-7 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> This was followed up with ''Seattle Grace: On Call'', ''Seattle Grace: Message of Hope'', aired during the beginning of season 7.<ref name=MOH/> Also during season 7, the series produced a musical episode entitled "Song Beneath the Song", featuring songs that became famous through their use in ''Grey's Anatomy''.<ref name="GM">{{Cite web |last=Rhimes |first=Shonda |date=March 31, 2011 |title=Shonda Rhimes on "Song Beneath The Song".. |url=http://www.greyswriters.com/2011/03/shonda-rhimes-on-song-beneath-the-song.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407230011/http://www.greyswriters.com/2011/03/shonda-rhimes-on-song-beneath-the-song.html |archive-date=April 7, 2011 |access-date=April 12, 2011 |website=Grey Matter |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> The show received a 24-episode eighth season renewal,<ref name="grays">{{Cite magazine |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=January 10, 2011 |title='Grey's Anatomy,' 'Modern Family,' 'Castle' plus three more ABC shows get early renewals |url=https://ew.com/article/2011/01/10/greys-modern-family-castle-abc-renewal/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317120617/http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/01/10/greys-modern-family-castle-abc-renewal/ |archive-date=March 17, 2011 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> which commenced on September 22, 2011, with a 2-hour episode, and ended on May 17, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Episode Recap Guide (Season 8) |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023085059/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide?season=season-8 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> ''Grey's Anatomy'' was renewed for a ninth season,<ref name="GAS9R">{{Cite news |date=May 11, 2012 |title='Once Upon A Time' Renewed Along With 'Revenge,' 'Grey's Anatomy' And More By ABC |work=The Huffington Post |publisher=AOL Inc |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/10/once-revenge-greys-renewals_n_1508131.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528190831/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/10/once-revenge-greys-renewals_n_1508131.html |archive-date=May 28, 2012}}</ref> which premiered on September 27, 2012, and ended on May 16, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webb Mitovich |first=Matt |date=July 26, 2012 |title=Fall TV: ABC Announces Premiere Dates — Which Launches Are Being Held for October? |url=http://tvline.com/2012/07/26/fall-tv-abc-announces-premiere-dates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728013510/http://tvline.com/2012/07/26/fall-tv-abc-announces-premiere-dates/ |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2012 |website=TVLine |publisher=PMC}}</ref> ''Grey's Anatomy'' was renewed for a tenth season on May 10, 2013<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael Ausiello |date=May 10, 2013 |title=ABC Renewed Shows 2013 — Scandal, Grey's, Nashville and More! |url=http://tvline.com/2013/05/10/abc-renewed-shows-list-2013-revenge-scandal-nashville/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607144248/http://tvline.com/2013/05/10/abc-renewed-shows-list-2013-revenge-scandal-nashville/ |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |access-date=January 24, 2014 |publisher=TVLine}}</ref> and premiered on September 27, 2013, with a 2-hour episode, and ended on May 15, 2014.
On May 8, 2014, ABC renewed the series for an 11th season that aired from September 25, 2014, to May 14, 2015.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Bricker |first=Tierney |date=May 8, 2014 |title=ABC Renews Scandal, Grey's Anatomy, Revenge and 2 More Shows |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/527221/abc-renews-scandal-grey-s-anatomy-revenge-and-2-more-shows |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511015801/http://www.eonline.com/news/527221/abc-renews-scandal-grey-s-anatomy-revenge-and-2-more-shows |archive-date=May 11, 2014 |access-date=May 8, 2014 |website=E! Online}}</ref> In addition, the show was relocated to the Thursday 8:00 pm EST time slot. After four seasons outside the Top 25 rated shows, ''Grey's Anatomy'' was the No. 15 show in the 2013–2014 season, the show's tenth. The show also re-entered the Top 5 shows in the 18–49 viewer demographic. On May 7, 2015, ABC renewed the series for a 12th season that premiered on September 24, 2015, and concluded on May 19, 2016.<ref name="twelve">{{Cite web |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=May 7, 2015 |title=ABC Renews Castle, Secrets and Lies, Nashville, Galavant, S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Carter and 16 Other Series |url=http://tvline.com/2015/05/07/abc-renewals-2015-castle-nashville/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509022701/http://tvline.com/2015/05/07/abc-renewals-2015-castle-nashville/ |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |access-date=May 7, 2015 |website=TVLine}}</ref> The 13th season aired from September 22, 2016, to May 18, 2017.<ref name="thirteen">{{Cite magazine |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |date=March 3, 2016 |title=Grey's Anatomy, Quantico, and more renewed at ABC |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/03/greys-anatomy-quantico-abc-renewals-2016 |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063457/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/03/greys-anatomy-quantico-abc-renewals-2016 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref> The 14th season aired from September 28, 2017, to May 17, 2018. The 15th season aired from September 27, 2018, to May 16, 2019. The 16th season aired from September 26, 2019, to April 9, 2020. The 17th season aired from November 12, 2020, to June 3, 2021. On May 10, 2021, the series was renewed for an 18th season,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 10, 2021 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Renewed For Season 18 With Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson & James Pickens Jr. Set To Return |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/greys-anatomy-renewed-season-18-ellen-pompeo-chandra-wilson-james-pickens-jr-station-19-season-5-abc-1234753110/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510174258/https://deadline.com/2021/05/greys-anatomy-renewed-season-18-ellen-pompeo-chandra-wilson-james-pickens-jr-station-19-season-5-abc-1234753110/ |archive-date=May 10, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2021 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> which premiered on September 30, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donnelly |first=Jim |date=July 15, 2021 |title=ABC's Fall 2021 Premiere Dates & TV Schedule: See All the New and Returning Shows 2021–2022 |url=https://abc.com/news/8515d197-9860-4b85-b2d9-d0e243564428/category/1138628 |access-date=July 24, 2021 |website=ABC.com |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724095021/https://abc.com/news/insider/abc-2021-2022-tv-season-new-shows-returning-shows-lineup |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 10, 2022, the series was renewed for a 19th season,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=January 10, 2022 |title=''Grey's Anatomy'' Renewed For Season 19 By ABC; Ellen Pompeo Closes Deal To Continue As Meredith |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/greys-anatomy-renewed-season-19-abc-ellen-pompeo-deal-continue-meredith-grey-ep-1234903876/ |access-date=January 10, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110184215/https://deadline.com/2022/01/greys-anatomy-renewed-season-19-abc-ellen-pompeo-deal-continue-meredith-grey-ep-1234903876/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which premiered on October 6, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Ryan |date=June 16, 2022 |title=ABC Announces Fall Premiere Dates: ''Grey's'', ''Abbott Elementary'' and More |url=https://tvline.com/2022/06/16/abc-premiere-dates-fall-2022-list-greys-anatomy-season-19/ |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=TVLine |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702172209/https://tvline.com/2022/06/16/abc-premiere-dates-fall-2022-list-greys-anatomy-season-19/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 24, 2023, ABC renewed the series for a 20th season with Meg Marinis now serving as the showrunner.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grey's Anatomy Renewed for Season 20 at ABC, Names New Showrunner|url=https://tvline.com/2023/03/24/greys-anatomy-renewed-season-20-new-showrunner-meg-marinis-abc/|website=TVLine|last=Nemetz|first=Dave|date=March 24, 2023|access-date=March 24, 2023|archive-date=March 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324231453/https://tvline.com/2023/03/24/greys-anatomy-renewed-season-20-new-showrunner-meg-marinis-abc/|url-status=live}}</ref> The 20th season premiered on March 14, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|last=Petski|first=Denise|title=ABC Midseason Premiere Dates: 'The Bachelor', '9-1-1', 'Abbott Elementary', 'Grey's Anatomy', More|url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/abc-midseason-premiere-dates-the-bachelor-9-1-1-abbott-elementary-1235614105/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=November 16, 2023|access-date=November 16, 2023|archive-date=November 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116220546/https://deadline.com/2023/11/abc-midseason-premiere-dates-the-bachelor-9-1-1-abbott-elementary-1235614105/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2024, ABC announced the show had been picked up for a 21st season, with Marinis remaining as the show-runner.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Berman |first1=Marc |title=''Grey's Anatomy'' Greenlit For Season 21 by ABC |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2024/04/03/greys-anatomy-greenlit-for-season-21-by-abc/?sh=291cec2f3caa |magazine=Forbes |access-date=April 3, 2024 |location=United States |issn=0015-6914 |oclc=6465733 |language=en |date=April 3, 2024}}</ref> In a statement, Rhimes expressing her gratitude for Marnis, who joined the series during the third season, telling ''The Hollywood Reporter'': "Meg Marinis' storytelling is a gift that continues to keep the show vibrant, compelling and alive, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for next season."<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |title=''Grey's Anatomy'' Renewed for Season 21 at ABC |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greys-anatomy-renewed-season-21-abc-1235864975/ |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Eldridge Industries |access-date=April 2, 2024 |location=United States |issn=0018-3660 |oclc=44653726 |date=April 2, 2024}}</ref><!--The 21st season premiered on September 26, 2024.<ref name="Season 21 Premiere Date">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/abc-fall-premiere-dates-2024-1236005824/|title=ABC Fall Premiere Dates: ''Abbott Elementary'', ''Grey's Anatomy'', ''Golden Bachelorette'', Ryan Murphy's ''Doctor Odyssey'' & More|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Erik|last=Pedersen|date=July 10, 2024|access-date=September 4, 2024}}</ref>--> On April 3, 2025, ABC renewed the series for a 22nd season which premiered on October 16, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title='Grey's Anatomy' Renewed For Season 22 By ABC With Veteran Cast Eyeing Return|url=https://deadline.com/2025/04/greys-anatomy-renewed-season-22-abc-ellen-pompeo-cast-1236358105/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=April 3, 2025|access-date=April 3, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Schwartz|first=Ryan|title=ABC Sets Fall Premiere Dates for 9-1-1: Nashville, High Potential, Grey's and More — Most Scripted Shows Held for October|url=https://tvline.com/news/abc-fall-tv-premiere-dates-2025-911-greys-anatomy-1235466281/|website=TVLine|date=July 17, 2025|access-date=July 17, 2025}}</ref> On March 30, 2026, ABC renewed the series for a 23rd season.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=March 30, 2026|title=''Grey's Anatomy'' Renewed For Season 23 By ABC As 2 Longtime Cast Members Depart|url=https://deadline.com/2026/03/greys-anatomy-renewed-season-23-abc-cast-return-status-1236769222/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=March 30, 2026}}</ref>
==Distribution== ''Grey's Anatomy'' episodes air regularly on ABC in the United States. Each episode is approximately 43 minutes long and is broadcast in both high and standard-definition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=September 24, 2012 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Full Season 8 Available Online at ABC.com/GreysAnatomy Through October 6 |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/09/24/greys-anatomy-full-season-8-available-online-at-abc-comgreysanatomy-through-october-6/150055/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004012323/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/09/24/greys-anatomy-full-season-8-available-online-at-abc-comgreysanatomy-through-october-6/150055/ |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=September 26, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> The series' episodes are also available for download in both qualities on the iTunes Store and Amazon Video.<ref name="ITHSD">{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2005 |title=Grey's Anatomy, Season 8 |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/greys-anatomy-season-8/id460131426 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524100211/http://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/greys-anatomy-season-8/id460131426 |archive-date=May 24, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=iTunes |publisher=Apple}}</ref><ref name="AIV">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Season 7, Ep. 3 'Superfreak' |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046FA6EU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110185033/http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046FA6EU |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Amazon Video}}</ref> ABC Video-On-Demand offers recent episodes for temporary viewing, while episodes can also be streamed on ABC's official ''Grey's Anatomy'' website, as well as on Hulu and Xfinity.<ref name="on demand">{{Cite web |last=Steinberg, Brian |date=February 26, 2008 |title=Watch 'Grey's Anatomy' When You Want, Just Don't Skip Ads |url=http://adage.com/article/media/watch-grey-s-anatomy-skip-ads/125354/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110185033/http://adage.com/article/media/watch-grey-s-anatomy-skip-ads/125354/ |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |access-date=June 29, 2012 |website=Advertising Age |publisher=Crain Communications, Inc}}</ref><ref name="GAVFE">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Video and Full Episodes |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213173236/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/video |archive-date=February 13, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref><ref name="HGAA">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Full Episodes and Clips streaming online |url=http://www.hulu.com/greys-anatomy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529032510/http://www.hulu.com/greys-anatomy |archive-date=May 29, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Hulu |publisher=NBCUniversal}}</ref>
In 2009, ABC signed a deal to allow episodes to stream on Netflix.<ref name="GANFX">{{Cite magazine |last=McMillan |first=Graeme |date=December 8, 2010 |title=Netflix Adds More ABC, Disney Shows For Instant Streaming |url=https://techland.time.com/2010/12/08/netflix-adds-more-abc-disney-shows-for-instant-streaming/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415131853/http://techland.time.com/2010/12/08/netflix-adds-more-abc-disney-shows-for-instant-streaming/ |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |magazine=Time |publisher=Time Warner Inc}}</ref> The show is syndicated on Lifetime, with one-hour blocks airing weekdays at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm EST.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johns |first=Anna |date=July 24, 2006 |title=And the Grey's Anatomy reruns go to.. |url=http://www.aoltv.com/2006/07/24/and-the-greys-anatomy-reruns-go-to/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027185823/http://www.aoltv.com/2006/07/24/and-the-greys-anatomy-reruns-go-to/ |archive-date=October 27, 2012 |access-date=September 2, 2011 |website=HuffPost |publisher=AOL Inc}}</ref> In certain regions, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, the full series is available on Disney+.
==Home media releases== [[File:Justin Cambers 2014 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|An interview with Justin Chambers is on the season 4 DVD.]] Since its debut, Buena Vista Home Entertainment has released the first 13 seasons on DVD to regions 1, 2, and 4.<ref name="S8DVD">{{Cite web |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': The Complete Eighth Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00684J49U |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Amazon |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211223210/http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00684J49U |url-status=live }}</ref> The season 1 DVD, released on February 14, 2006, features an alternate title sequence, bloopers, behind-the-scenes footage, audio commentaries, and an extended edition of the pilot episode.<ref name="S1DVD">{{Cite web |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': The Complete First Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005JO9J |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Amazon |date=February 14, 2006 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301172113/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005JO9J |url-status=live }}</ref> The season 2 DVD, released on September 12, 2006, which includes extended episodes, an interview with Wilson, deleted scenes, a set tour, a "Q&A" with the cast, and a segment on the special effects creation.<ref name="S2DVD">{{Cite web |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': The Complete Second Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FIMG5Y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061029005240/http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FIMG5Y |archive-date=October 29, 2006 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Amazon|date=September 12, 2006 }}</ref> The season 3 DVD was released on September 11, 2007, with bonus features including extended episodes, an interview with star Dempsey, audio commentaries, and bloopers.<ref name="S3DVD">{{Cite web |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': The Complete Third Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P6YNSO |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Amazon |date=September 11, 2007 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224244/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P6YNSO |url-status=live }}</ref>
The season 4 DVD released on September 9, 2008, features an interview with Heigl and Chambers, extended episodes, bloopers, and deleted scenes.<ref name="S4DVD">{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2008 |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': The Complete Fourth Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018CWEXK |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Amazon |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126043828/http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018CWEXK |url-status=live }}</ref> The season 5 DVD was released on September 15, 2009, and includes unaired scenes, bloopers, and extended episodes.<ref name="S5DVD">{{Cite web |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': The Complete Fifth Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VPJZ0O |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Amazon |date=September 15, 2009 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301172046/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VPJZ0O |url-status=live }}</ref> The season 6 DVD, released on September 14, 2010, features deleted scenes, an extended finale, and bloopers.<ref name="S6DVD">{{Cite web |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': The Complete Sixth Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003F3NE1Q |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Amazon |date=September 14, 2010 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301172043/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003F3NE1Q |url-status=live }}</ref> The season 7 DVD, released on September 13, 2011, includes an extended edition of and a behind-the-scenes featurette on the musical episode, bloopers, as well as deleted scenes.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': The Complete Seventh Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003F3NE1Q |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=Amazon |date=September 14, 2010 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301172043/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003F3NE1Q |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, the season 8 DVD was released on September 4, 2012, with several bonus features and deleted scenes.<ref name=S8DVD/>
The season 9 DVD released on August 27, 2013, with several bonus features and deleted scenes. The season 10 DVD was released on September 2, 2014, with new several bonus features and deleted scenes. The season was officially released on DVD as a 6-disc box-set under the title of ''Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Tenth Season – Live For The Moments'' on September 2, 2014. In view of the departure of the character of Cristina Yang in the season finale, the DVD set featured an extended episode ''Do You Know?'' and a special feature from Sandra Oh titled "''An Immeasurable Gift''".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buy Grey's Anatomy: Season 10 on DVD-Video from EzyDVD.com.au |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-10/dp/6155891 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085225/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-10/dp/6155891 |archive-date=August 19, 2014 |website=ezydvd.com.au}}</ref> Season 11 released on DVD as a 6-disc box set on August 18, 2015, with interviews with new series regular Caterina Scorsone and a special feature for Dempsey's departure, titled "''How To Say Goodbye Dr. Derek Shepherd''". Season 12 released on DVD as a 6-disc box set on August 30, 2016. Season 13 released on DVD as a 6-disc box set on August 29, 2017.
=== DVD releases <span class="anchor" id="DVD Releases"></span> === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center;" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Season ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Episodes ! scope="col" colspan="4" | DVD release dates |- ! scope="col" | Region 1 ! scope="col" | Region 2 ! scope="col" | Region 4 ! scope="col" | Discs |- | scope="row" | 1 | 9 | {{Start date|2006|2|14}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=November 16, 2005 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 1 Press Release Shows Several Extras! |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy/4519 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027083032/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy/4519 |archive-date=October 27, 2007 |access-date=November 16, 2005 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2006|7|10}}<ref name="S1R2">{{Cite web |date=July 10, 2006 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 1 DVD |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000EMGHCY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221023/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000EMGHCY |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=Amazon UK}}</ref> | {{Start date|2006|4|26}}<ref name="S1R4">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 1 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-1-2-disc-set/dp/785915 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809160519/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-1-2-disc-set/dp/785915 |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=EzyDVD }}</ref> | 2 |- | scope="row" | 2 | 27 | {{Start date|2006|9|12}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=April 28, 2006 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Extended Episodes on Season 2 Set – With Cover Art! |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy/5559 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021091809/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy/5559 |archive-date=October 21, 2007 |access-date=April 28, 2006 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2007|5|28}}<ref name="S2R2">{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2007 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 2 DVD |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000O3HG0U |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221029/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000O3HG0U |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=Amazon UK}}</ref> | {{Start date|2007|1|10}}<ref name="S2R4">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 2 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-the-complete-season-2-8-disc-fat-pack/dp/800845 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430074018/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-the-complete-season-2-8-disc-fat-pack/dp/800845 |archive-date=April 30, 2013 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=EzyDVD }}</ref> | 6 |- | scope="row" | 3 | 25 | {{Start date|2007|9|11}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=May 30, 2007 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Seriously! We've Got the 3rd Season DVD Street Date! **Large Art, Extras Added* |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy/7398 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070920011141/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy/7398 |archive-date=September 20, 2007 |access-date=May 30, 2007 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2008|9|15}}<ref name="S3R2">{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2008 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 3 DVD |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000WEZW2A |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221045/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000WEZW2A |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=Amazon UK}}</ref> | {{Start date|2007|10|31}}<ref name="S3R4">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 3 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-3-seriously-extended-7-disc-fat-pack/dp/809336 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323032524/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-3-seriously-extended-7-disc-fat-pack/dp/809336 |archive-date=March 23, 2014 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=EzyDVD }}</ref> | 7 |- | scope="row" | 4 | 17 | {{Start date|2008|9|9}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=April 28, 2008 |title=Grey's Anatomy – It's a Full Staff from Seattle Grace on the Cover of Grey's 4th Season DVDs! |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-4-Box-Art/9500 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430160601/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-4-Box-Art/9500 |archive-date=April 30, 2008 |access-date=April 28, 2008 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2009|11|23}}<ref name="S4R2">{{Cite web |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 4 DVD |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001ECQQV0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221053/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001ECQQV0 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=Amazon UK}}</ref> | {{Start date|2008|11|5}}<ref name="S4R4">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 4 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-4-expanded-5-disc-box-set/dp/802097 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809162428/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-4-expanded-5-disc-box-set/dp/802097 |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=EzyDVD }}</ref> | 5 |- | scope="row" | 5 | 24 | {{Start date|2009|9|15}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=March 13, 2009 |title=Grey's Anatomy – DVD & High-Def Blu-ray Releases of The Complete 5th Season Announced **UPDATE: New Info, Extras, Packages** |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-5/11494 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315231323/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-5/11494 |archive-date=March 15, 2009 |access-date=March 13, 2009 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2010|8|23}}<ref name="S5R2">{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2010 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 5 DVD |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001P8OG3M |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221049/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001P8OG3M |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=Amazon UK}}</ref> | {{Start date|2009|11|4}}<ref name="S5R4">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 5 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-5-more-moments-7-disc-box-set/dp/806246 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809161047/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-5-more-moments-7-disc-box-set/dp/806246 |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=EzyDVD }}</ref> | 7 |- | scope="row" | 6 | 24 | {{Start date|2010|9|14}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=June 4, 2010 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Finalized Package Art for The Complete 6th Season! |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-6/13868 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607033732/http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-6/13868 |archive-date=June 7, 2010 |access-date=June 4, 2010 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2011|12|05}}<ref name="S6R2">{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2011 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 6 DVD |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002SNB434 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221020/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002SNB434 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=Amazon UK}}</ref> | {{Start date|2010|11|3}}<ref name="S6R4">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 6 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-complete-6th-season-6-disc-set/dp/813707 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912025815/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-complete-6th-season-6-disc-set/dp/813707 |archive-date=September 12, 2014 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=EzyDVD }}</ref> | 6 |- | scope="row" | 7 | 22 | {{Start date|2011|9|13}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=March 31, 2011 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Early Info with Release Date, Cost and Box Cover for 'The Complete 7th Season' **UPDATE: Extras!** |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-7/15192 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403042645/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-7/15192 |archive-date=April 3, 2011 |access-date=March 31, 2011 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2012|5|28}}<ref name="S7R2">{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2012 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 7 DVD |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003OBZ5SO |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221021/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003OBZ5SO |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=Amazon UK}}</ref> | {{Start date|2011|11|2}}<ref name="S7R4">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 7 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-complete-7th-season/dp/6100476 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304115423/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-complete-7th-season/dp/6100476 |archive-date=March 4, 2012 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |publisher=EzyDVD }}</ref> | 6 |- | scope="row" | 8 | 24 | {{Start date|2012|9|4}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Grey's Anatomy – DVD Set is Scheduled for 'The Complete 8th Season' |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-8/16909 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508142029/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-8/16909 |archive-date=May 8, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2012 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2012|12|3}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 8 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007BDEVEU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221026/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007BDEVEU |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2012 |publisher=Amazon UK}}</ref> | {{Start date|2012|10|17}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 8 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-complete-8th-season/dp/6117573 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129061830/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-complete-8th-season/dp/6117573 |archive-date=November 29, 2012 |access-date=August 7, 2012 |publisher=EzyDVD }}</ref> | 6 |- | scope="row" | 9 | 24 | {{Start date|2013|08|27}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=May 14, 2013 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Completely Revised Box Art, Possible Earlier Date for 'The Complete 9th Season' |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-9/18458 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607170624/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-9/18458 |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |access-date=May 14, 2013 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2013|11|04}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 9 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00B74MMG8 |access-date=August 21, 2013 |website=Amazon.co.uk |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301172644/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00B74MMG8 |url-status=live }}</ref> | {{Start date|2013|10|2}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upcoming Australian Releases: TV on DVD & Blu-ray |url=http://www.stack.net.au/TVonDVDReleaseDates.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002010919/http://www.stack.net.au/TVonDVDReleaseDates.php |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |website=Stack Magazine }}</ref> | 6 |- | scope="row" | 10 | 24 | {{Start date|2014|9|2}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=June 6, 2014 |title=Grey's Anatomy – ABC/Disney Announces ''The Complete 10th Season'' on DVD |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-10-Press-Release/19891 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609053721/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-10-Press-Release/19891 |archive-date=June 9, 2014 |access-date=June 6, 2014 |website=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2014|11|3}}<ref name="Season10DVDR2">{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2014 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 10 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KYSFROC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221050/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KYSFROC |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=June 16, 2014 |website=amazon.co.uk}}</ref> | {{Start date|2014|10|8}}<ref name="Season10DVDR4">{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2014 |title=Grey's Anatomy: Season 10 [DVD] |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-10/dp/6155891 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085225/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-10/dp/6155891 |archive-date=August 19, 2014 |access-date=August 16, 2014 |website=ezydvd.com.au }}</ref> | 6 |- | scope="row" | 11 | 25 | {{Start date|2015|8|18}}<ref name="Season11DVD">{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=June 22, 2015 |title=Grey's Anatomy – ABC/Disney's Official Press Release for 'The Complete 11th Season' |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-11-Press-Release/21234 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623023127/http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-11-Press-Release/21234 |archive-date=June 23, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |website=TV Shows on DVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2015|10|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 11 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YEMABAO |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221024/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YEMABAO |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=July 13, 2015 |website=amazon.co.uk}}</ref> | {{Start date|2015|10|7}}<ref name="Season10DVDR4" /> | 6 |- | scope="row | 12 | 24 | {{Start date|2016|8|30}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=May 13, 2016 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Street Date for 'The Complete 12th Season' Announced by ABC/Disney |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-12/22268 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517071441/http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-12/22268 |archive-date=May 17, 2016 |access-date=May 13, 2016 |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2016|10|3}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2016 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 12 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01JS45XR8/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221047/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01JS45XR8/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=December 29, 2016 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> | {{Start date|2016|11|2}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Season 12 (DVD) |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-12/dp/6176810 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160412/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/greys-anatomy-season-12/dp/6176810 |archive-date=December 30, 2016 |access-date=December 29, 2016 |publisher=EzyDVD }}</ref> | 6 |- | scope="row | 13 | 24 | {{Start date|2017|8|29}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=July 17, 2017 |title=Grey's Anatomy – The Studio Cracks Open the Press Release for 'The Complete 13th Season' |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-13/23468 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821051149/http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Greys-Anatomy-Season-13/23468 |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |access-date=March 11, 2018 |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD }}</ref> | {{Start date|2017|10|23}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2017 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 13 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-13-DVD/dp/B0723BSHCJ/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221034/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-13-DVD/dp/B0723BSHCJ/ref=sr_1_2?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1520762523&sr=1-2&keywords=Grey%27s+Anatomy&dpID=516HY2OTytL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2018 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> | {{Start date|2017|11|8}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Season 13 (DVD) |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/Greys-Anatomy-Season-13/dp/6212554 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221045/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/Greys-Anatomy-Season-13/dp/6212554 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2018 |publisher=EzyDVD}}</ref> | 6 |- | scope="row | 14 | 24 | October 2, 2018 | {{Start date|2018|10|22}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 14 [DVD] |date=October 22, 2018 |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-14-DVD/dp/B07H2VPXY1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726173011/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-14-DVD/dp/B07H2VPXY1/ |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |access-date=September 19, 2021 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> | November 7, 2018 | 6 |- | scope="row | 15 | 25 | November 12, 2019 | {{Start date|2019|11|25}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 15 [DVD] |date=November 25, 2019 |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-Boxset-DVD/dp/B07YN7NF3C/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322211403/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-Boxset-DVD/dp/B07YN7NF3C |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |access-date=September 19, 2021 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> | November 13, 2019 | 7 |- | scope="row | 16 | 21 | September 1, 2020 | {{Start date|2020|11|30}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 16 [DVD] |date=November 30, 2020 |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-16-DVD/dp/B08G9JS879/ |access-date=September 19, 2021 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920034544/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-16-DVD/dp/B08G9JS879/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | November 11, 2020 | 5 |- | scope="row | 17 | 17 | November 8, 2021 | {{Start date|2021|11|08}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 17 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-17-DVD/dp/B09F494FL9/ |access-date=September 19, 2021 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921133145/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-17-DVD/dp/B09F494FL9 |url-status=live }}</ref> | November 17, 2021 | 5 |- | scope="row | 18 | 20 | November 9, 2022 | {{Start date|2022|11|21}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 18 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greys-Anatomy-Season-18-DVD/dp/B0BJD2KHMB/ref=d_pd_sbs_sccl_3_1/257-9915904-0030154?pd_rd_w=q1Uvq&content-id=amzn1.sym.6c8d29e1-38cd-431e-9df4-498e4a8afa66&pf_rd_p=6c8d29e1-38cd-431e-9df4-498e4a8afa66&pf_rd_r=5Q90XVZ3X0VT4TDBAM2T&pd_rd_wg=zDD7C&pd_rd_r=f7c95b0f-8c1d-4b5e-8ba7-96c67e38146b&pd_rd_i=B0BJD2KHMB&psc=1/ |access-date=September 19, 2022 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |archive-date=March 1, 2024 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==Reception==
===Critical response=== {{quote box | quote = ''Grey's Anatomy'' offers a different and perhaps more valuable idea of what it means to be strong: the capacity to suffer terribly, break down completely, and then get up again, confident that you're bigger than the sum of the tragedies you've suffered—because everyone else is, too. The layers of history have grown pretty dense and rich, and the friendships that form around them as the characters suffer and survive is the glue of the series, and what—despite a few inevitable hit-or-miss patches—elevates it to something special. | source = —Laura Hudson of ''Wired''<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hudson |first=Laura |date=June 24, 2015 |title=WIRED Binge-Watching Guide: Grey's Anatomy |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/06/binge-guide-greys-anatomy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321171604/https://www.wired.com/2015/06/binge-guide-greys-anatomy/ |archive-date=March 21, 2017}}</ref> | align = right | width = 30em }}
''Grey's Anatomy'' has been well received among critics. As of August 2023, the show holds an average score of 84% on ''Rotten Tomatoes''.<ref>[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/grey_s_anatomy "Grey's Anatomy (2005 – )"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825120346/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/greys_anatomy |date=August 25, 2023 }}. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 03, 2023.</ref> Emily St. James of ''The A.V. Club'' gave an insight on the series' overwhelming success and the lows, writing that the quality arc is "all over the place". She noted the steady build-up in the first season; the series skyrocketing into a phenomenon in the second season; the gradual dip in season three; and "some seriously bumpy moments" in the fourth season, which was interrupted by the writers' strike. St. James felt that the "climb begins again in season five".<ref name="VanDerWerff">{{Cite web |last=VanDerWerff |first=Emily |date=June 24, 2013 |title=Sure, Grey's Anatomy was a big hit, but was it good TV? |url=https://www.avclub.com/sure-grey-s-anatomy-was-a-big-hit-but-was-it-good-tv-1798238881 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622114355/http://www.avclub.com/article/sure-igreys-anatomyi-was-a-big-hit-but-was-it-good-99320 |archive-date=June 22, 2015 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=The A.V. Club}}</ref> Samantha Highfill of ''Entertainment Weekly'' in a review wrote, "I believe the show's best season to date is season 2. Let me make it clear that I'm not saying seasons 3 through 9 were bad. In my opinion, there have only been a few lulls in the show's history, and most of them didn't last a full season." adding, "I still enjoy the show, and I'll honestly never stop watching. By any standards, ''Grey's Anatomy'' has been successful television, ranking highly in the ratings for nine seasons and entering the cultural lexicon via phrases as cloying yet catchy as 'McDreamy', the show has had its periods of being intensely irritating, and it has had its periods when it seems as if Shonda Rhimes has taken leave of her faculties, but it's also got an amazingly high batting average, particularly with every solid season that passes along in this second act of its run." The site lauded the show saying, "On average, it's been very good TV, filled with interesting, driven characters who run the gamut of professions within the show's hospital setting. It's been, by turns, a good soap, a good romantic comedy, a good medical drama, and a good interpersonal show about an unexpected workplace family."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Highfill |first=Samantha |date=February 28, 2014 |title='Grey's Anatomy': What season 10 could learn from season 2 |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2014/02/28/greys-anatomy-season-10 |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622112501/http://www.ew.com/article/2014/02/28/greys-anatomy-season-10 |archive-date=June 22, 2015}}</ref>
The first season received positive reviews which steadily built up, with Gary Levin of ''USA Today'' calling ''Grey's Anatomy'' one of the top shows on television.<ref name="top show">{{Cite news |last=Levin, Gary |date=May 17, 2005 |title=ABC seeks to build on momentum |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-05-16-abc-schedule_x.htm |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060823074316/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-05-16-abc-schedule_x.htm |archive-date=August 23, 2006}}</ref> The New York ''Daily News'' named ''Grey's Anatomy'' a "winner", and ''Newsday'' expressed a positive opinion by stating "You simply can't stop watching." ''The Washington Post''{{'s}} Tom Shales was critical of season one, finding it reminiscent of ''ER'' and commenting that "the show is much more a matter of commercial calculation than an honest attempt to try something fresh and different."<ref name="WP01">{{Cite news |last=Shales |first=Tom |date=March 26, 2005 |title='Grey's Anatomy': No Heart, No Brain |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2302-2005Mar25.html |url-status=dead |access-date=November 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050417074529/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2302-2005Mar25.html |archive-date=April 17, 2005}}</ref> Shortly after its initial airing, the ''Chicago Tribune''{{'s}} Maureen Ryan called ''Grey's Anatomy'' the new ''Friends'' (a concluded National Broadcasting Company (NBC) sitcom following the lives of a group of young adults, that for all of its 10-year run was in the top-5 for viewer ratings).<ref name=chicagotribune/> The second season received high critical acclaim: top critics like Emily St. James of ''The A.V. Club'' called the show a "phenomenon", adding the show was "one of the best TV shows around", while Samantha Highfill of ''Entertainment Weekly'' later during the tenth season called the second "the show's best season to date". However, Kevin Carr of ''7M Pictures'' opined that ''Grey's Anatomy'' is a mere combination of ''Scrubs'', ''ER'', ''Sex and the City'' and ''The Love Boat''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 2 (2006) |url=http://megaseries.me/streaming-series/greys-anatomy-saison-2-streaming-vf/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103133801/http://megaseries.me/streaming-series/greys-anatomy-saison-2-streaming-vf/ |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |access-date=September 3, 2011 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Flixster, Inc}}</ref> It further garnered positive reviews: Christopher Monfette of ''IGN'' added "The second season of this medical drama expertly wove its signature elements of complex relationships, whimsical banter and challenging life-lessons; all to a montage-fetish, indie-rock soundtrack."<ref name="ignga3">{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2007 |title=Grey's Anatomy: Season 3 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/15/greys-anatomy-season-3-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612144625/http://tv.ign.com/articles/817/817635p1.html |archive-date=June 12, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=IGN |publisher=News Corporation}}</ref> Todd Gilchrist, also from ''IGN'', called the season "terrific" adding, "Indeed, one of the best currently on television. While it remains to be seen what the creators do with it, now that it's become an outright event program, the season demonstrates that Rhimes and co. know what to do with the opportunities presented them. Whether you're male or female, this is the kind of entertainment that small-screen devotees and folks fed up with television need to see."<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 14, 2006 |title=Grey's Anatomy – Season 2 Uncut |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/greys-anatomy-season-2-uncut |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617124255/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/greys-anatomy-season-2-uncut |archive-date=June 17, 2015 |website=IGN}}</ref>
[[File:Ellen Pompeo LF.JPG|thumb|left|upright=0.75|Critics have highlighted Ellen Pompeo's acting as due for an Emmy Award on multiple occasions.<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.com/emmy-awards-2015-snubs-outlander-jane-virgin-daredevil-more-overlooked-nominations-2012205 Emmy Awards 2015 Snubs: 'Outlander,' 'Jane the Virgin,' 'Daredevil' And More Overlooked For Nominations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923222014/http://www.ibtimes.com/emmy-awards-2015-snubs-outlander-jane-virgin-daredevil-more-overlooked-nominations-2012205 |date=September 23, 2015 }}. Ibtimes.com (July 16, 2015). Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref>|alt= A photo of Ellen Pompeo]]
The title character of ''Grey's Anatomy'', Meredith, has received both widespread critical acclaim and weary feedback by critics along the course of the show, with the development of the character garnering praise from majority critics. Earlier reactions for Meredith were mixed; in a 2006 review, Alessandra Stanley of ''The New York Times'' dubbed her "the heroine of ''Grey's Anatomy''".<ref name="heroine">{{Cite news |last=Stanley |first=Alessandra |date=September 12, 2006 |title=TV Review: Men In Trees |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/12/arts/television/12tree.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024031030/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/12/arts/television/12tree.html |archive-date=October 24, 2015}}</ref> A reviewer for ''BuddyTV'' praised the distinct uniqueness in the character calling Meredith an "unconventional heroine" adding that the character was "Neither black nor white but always ... wait for it ... many shades of grey." The reviewer went on to add that even in her lighter moments, she has still been "dark and twisty."<ref name="buddytv.com">{{Cite web |title='Grey's Anatomy' Season 11 Finale Recap: Shiny, Happy People |url=https://www.buddytv.com/greys-anatomy-season-11-finale-recap-shiny-happy-people/ |access-date=June 24, 2015 |website=buddytv.com |date=May 14, 2015 |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901160726/https://www.buddytv.com/greys-anatomy-season-11-finale-recap-shiny-happy-people/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The sentiment was shared by Glenn Diaz who remarked, "You gotta love Mer when she's gloomy." When Pompeo did not receive a nomination at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, for her work as Meredith, Mary McNamara of the ''Los Angeles Times'' suggested that Pompeo, "has worked very hard ... to make Meredith Grey an interesting character", and should have received a nomination.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McNamara |first=Mary |date=July 17, 2009 |title=Seven Emmy nods a good fit |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jul-17-et-emmy-overview17-story.html |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413055451/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/env-et-emmy-overview17-2009jul17%2C0%2C1458112.story |archive-date=April 13, 2013}}</ref> ''IGN''{{'s}} Monfette, less impressed by the character, criticized her storyline as "some bizarrely under-developed sub-plot about depression and giving Derek a season's worth of reconsidering to do."<ref name=ignga3/> Robert Rorke of the ''New York Post'' was critical of Meredith's relationship with Derek Shepherd, writing: "She used to be the queen of the romantic dilemmas, but lately, she's been a little dopey, what with the endless 'McDreamy' soliloquies."<ref name="nypgreys">{{Cite news |last=Rorke |first=Robert |date=November 12, 2006 |title=Heart Throb – Grey's Anatomy's Katherine Heigl on Sex Love, and Cupcakes |work=New York Post |url=https://nypost.com/2006/11/12/heart-throb-greys-anatomys-katherine-heigl-on-sex-love-and-cupcakes/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024061235/http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/heart_throb_grey_anatomy_katherine_gYfGt4Bm2UM72hIRc8P7SJ |archive-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> The development of the character has received praise from critics. Reviewing the first part of the eighth season, TV Fanatic wrote: "this season belongs to Meredith Grey. She is the ''heart and soul'' of the show and has been outstanding. This is a character that used to be so dark and twisty and has now grown into a more mature woman. Ellen Pompeo has been at the top of her game this season." Rick Porter reviewing the episode "How to Save a Life" from the 11th season for ''Zap2it'' wrote, "Without Meredith, and without one of Pompeo's strongest performances in her long time on the show, 'How to Save a Life' would have run the risk of coming across as a baldly manipulative death episode, the likes of which the show has done several times before. He added {{"'}}How to Save a Life' may not be the ideal Emmy-submission episode for Ellen Pompeo, considering Meredith is off screen for more than half of it. But it's among the best work she's ever done on the show."<ref>{{Cite web |title='Grey's Anatomy': Ellen Pompeo totally saved 'How to Save a Life' |url=http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/greys_anatomy_ellen_pompeo_saved_how_to_save_a_life-2015-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427184726/http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/greys_anatomy_ellen_pompeo_saved_how_to_save_a_life-2015-04 |archive-date=April 27, 2015 |website=Zap2It}}</ref> Janalen Samson of ''BuddyTV'' lauded the Meredith's development throughout the series, saying "When one considers how this character has grown over eleven seasons, it really is amazing. Kudos to Ellen Pompeo for her fine work. She's actually done the impossible, because I actually care what happens to Meredith Grey."<ref name="buddytv.com" /> Reviewing the season 12 premiere, "Sledgehammer", critics including Alex Hawkins of the ''Western Gazette'' again highlighted Pompeo's being due for an Emmy Award.
The majority of the supporting cast of ''Grey's Anatomy'' have been well received as well, with the ''New York Post''{{'s}} Rorke deeming Stevens to be "the heart-and-soul" of ''Grey's Anatomy'', whereas Eyder Peralta of the ''Houston Chronicle'' was critical of her character development, stating: "[She's] the reason I don't watch ''Grey's Anatomy'' anymore."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peralta |first=Eyder |date=February 16, 2007 |title=Tsk. Tsk. Ethics these days. |url=http://blog.chron.com/tmi/2007/02/tsk-tsk-ethics-these-days/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012173716/http://blog.chron.com/tmi/2007/02/tsk-tsk-ethics-these-days/ |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |access-date=July 21, 2009 |website=Houston Chronicle}}</ref> Kelli Catana of ''The Huffington Post'' named Yang "the best damn character" and deemed "the Grey/Yang relationship the most true friendship on network television."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Catana |first=Kelli |date=May 18, 2012 |title=The Grey's Anatomy Season Finale Sucks Me in Again |work=HuffPost |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/greys-anatomy_b_1526861 |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522021559/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kelli-catana/greys-anatomy_b_1526861.html |archive-date=May 22, 2012}}</ref> ''Television Without Pity'' writer Lauren Shotwell claimed Yang is "the only one of these five [residents] that regularly acts like an actual doctor". Analyzing Alex Karev, Rachel Simon called him "underrated", and she pointed out that his personal growth never seems to get acknowledged, as "Alex has evolved, slowly and realistically, into a genuinely good person whose faults don't miraculously disappear, but take a backseat to much better qualities."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simon |first=Rachel |date=October 17, 2012 |title=y's Anatomy's Alex Karev Is Totally Underrated |url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/6825-greys-anatomys-alex-karev-is-totally-underrated |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210062657/http://www.bustle.com/articles/6825-greys-anatomys-alex-karev-is-totally-underrated |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |publisher=Bustle}}</ref> Robert Bianco of ''USA Today'' said Dempsey has a "seemingly effortless way of humanizing Derek's 'dreamy' appeal with ego and vanity".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bianco |first=Robert |date=May 15, 2013 |title=The cure for bromidic TV: 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'House' |work=USA Today |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-05-14-greys-house_x.htm |access-date=January 25, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082908/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-05-14-greys-house_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> His friendship with Mark Sloan has been well received. Victor Balta said "they've demonstrated an easy chemistry that makes for some of the great comic relief around Seattle Grace Hospital."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Balta |first=Victor |date=November 13, 2008 |title=How adorable! TV's best bromances |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/how-adorable-tv-s-best-bromances-wbna27687479 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210054012/http://www.today.com/id/27687479/ns/today-entertainment/t/how-adorable-tvs-best-bromances/ |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |website=Today}}</ref> Addison Montgomery was deemed "sassy and bright and interesting."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Grey's Anatomy Needs Addison Back – Vulture |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/01/greys-anatomy-needs-addison-private-practice.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127165958/http://www.vulture.com/2013/01/greys-anatomy-needs-addison-private-practice.html |archive-date=January 27, 2013 |website=Vulture|date=January 23, 2013 }}</ref> ''TV Guide'' said of Walsh's stint on ''Grey's Anatomy'' that she "adds spice to an already hot show."<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2005 |title=I would like first to clarify ... |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/like-clarify-59783/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429145011/http://www.tvguide.com/news/like-clarify-59783.aspx |archive-date=April 29, 2010 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> Callie Torres, after having previously received mixed reviews, was praised for her bisexual storyline. Critics added that the character was anchored by stellar performances by Sara Ramirez. Lexie Grey, having initially been criticized, became a critics' favorite in the series. Alex Keen of ''The Trades'' wrote that Lexie's "presence and confidence have increased quite a bit ... and actress, Chyler Leigh, does a fantastic job of making this progression feel seamless. Since the series has defused the tension between Little Grey and Big Grey (aka Meredith), Lexie has clear sailing through the season and steals the show as one of the best current characters on the series."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keen |first=Alex |date=September 21, 2009 |title=DVD Review: Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Fifth Season |url=http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=11383 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210052423/http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=11383 |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |access-date=April 13, 2018 |website=The Trades |publisher=Burlee LLC}}</ref>
With the departure of several cast members throughout the seasons, many new characters have been added to the drama's ensemble. McKidd and Capshaw were referred to as "fresh additions" to the series, by Monfette of ''IGN''.<ref name="IGN3">{{Cite web |last=Monfette |first=Chris |date=May 29, 2009 |title=Grey's Anatomy: Season 5 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/29/greys-anatomy-season-5-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624214909/http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/988/988165p1.html |archive-date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=IGN |publisher=News Corporation}}</ref> Matt Roush of ''TV Guide'' commented: "Hunt is the most encouraging thing to happen to ''Grey's Anatomy'' in quite a while."<ref name="TVGMR">{{Cite web |last=Roush |first=Matt |date=November 14, 2008 |title=Ask Matt: Will Big Bang Make an Emmy Splash? What's Next for Ghost Whisperer and More! |url=https://www.tvguide.com/Roush/Big-Bang-Theory-66993.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308063405/http://www.tvguide.com/Roush/Big-Bang-Theory-66993.aspx |archive-date=March 8, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> Matt Mitovich of ''TV Guide'' noted that Robbins "quickly established herself as a fan favorite",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matt Mitovich |date=June 17, 2009 |title=Grey's Anatomy Status Report: Knight's Fate Revealed, and More |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/knight-exits-greys-1007001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013083626/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Knight-Exits-Greys-1007001.aspx |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=TVGuide.com}}</ref> describing her as "a breath of fresh air in the often-angsty halls of Seattle Grace.<ref>"{{Cite web |title=ABC Makes It Official: Heigl Is Staying on Grey's |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/abc-heigl-staying-1007116/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625145756/http://www.tvguide.com/news/abc-heigl-staying-1007116/ |archive-date=June 25, 2016 |access-date=May 16, 2016}}</ref> On April Kepner and Jackson Avery, Courtney Morrison of ''TVFanatic'' wrote, "April has grown since her character was introduced ... she's honest. A girl with principles is a girl you want to do well." He described her and Avery as "a couple for whom viewers can root". Speaking of the new cast members, in addition to the remaining original ones, Robert Bianco from ''USA Today'' called them the show's "best ensemble in years".<ref name="BEIY">{{Cite news |last=Bianco |first=Robert |date=October 6, 2010 |title=These TV series are back, but are they better than ever? |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2010-10-06-returnees06_ST_N.htm |url-status=live |access-date=May 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420013117/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2010-10-06-returnees06_ST_N.htm |archive-date=April 20, 2012}}</ref>
Regarding season 3, Bill Carter of ''The New York Times'' called ''Grey's Anatomy'' "television's hottest show", adding: "[No show] is expected to challenge ''Grey's Anatomy'' for prime-time pre-eminence."<ref name="hottest">{{Cite news |last=Carter, Bill |date=October 9, 2006 |title=In TV Land This Season, a Few Happy Surprises but No Breakthrough Hits |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/09/business/media/09network.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114120317/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/09/business/media/09network.html |archive-date=January 14, 2015}}</ref> Contrasting with Carter's view, Monfette of ''IGN'' said that it speedily found itself "mired in the annoying and absurd", adding: "This third season may very well represent a case of over-writing a concept that has, perhaps tragically, run bone-dry on narrative fuel."<ref name="ignga3" /> At the conclusion of season 3, ''Entertainment Weekly''{{'s}} Gregory Kirschling said "the show lacked a defining happy, warm-gooseflesh moment", adding that the season "didn't leave you dying for the [next] season premiere".<ref name="yacha">{{Cite magazine |last=Kirschling, Gregory |date=May 20, 2007 |title=The ''Grey's Anatomy'' finale: I do's and don'ts |url=https://ew.com/recap/greys-anatomy-finale-i-dos-and-donts/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730182824/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20039420,00.html |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> Speaking of the fourth season, Laura Burrows of ''IGN'' said the series became "a little more than mediocre, but less than fantastic", adding: "This season proved that even strong chemistry and good acting cannot save a show that suffers from the inevitable recycled plot."<ref name="ignga4">{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2008 |title=Grey's Anatomy: Season 4 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/27/greys-anatomy-season-4-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618001051/http://tv.ign.com/articles/876/876534p1.html |archive-date=June 18, 2009 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=IGN}}</ref>
In contrast to the moderately negative feedback the third and fourth seasons received, Alan Sepinwall of ''The Star-Ledger'' said of the fifth season: "Overall, it feels more like the good old days than ''Grey's Anatomy'' has in a long time." Misha Davenport from the ''Chicago Sun-Times'' said season 5 "hits on all the things the show does so well", adding: "There is romance, heartbreak, humor and a few moments that will move fans to tears."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Season 5 Critic Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/greys-anatomy/season-5/critic-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203050218/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/greys-anatomy/season-5/critic-reviews |archive-date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=September 3, 2011 |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> Brian Lowry of ''Variety'', less impressed, opinionated that the season 5 displayed the show running out of storylines.<ref name="varbri">{{Cite news |last=Lowry |first=Brian |date=September 24, 2008 |title=Grey's Anatomy |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2008/tv/reviews/grey-s-anatomy-2-1200470312/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114180724/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938491?refCatId=31 |archive-date=November 14, 2012}}</ref> Speaking of the sixth season, Bianco of ''USA Today'' wrote: "''Grey's'' has always loved grand gestures. You like them or you don't; the only real question is whether the show pulls them off or it doesn't. This year, it did."<ref name="bang">{{Cite news |last=Bianco, Robert |date=May 21, 2010 |title='Grey's Anatomy' ends season with a bang |work=USA Today Company |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2010-05-20-greys-anatomy_N.htm |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627092347/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2010-05-20-greys-anatomy_N.htm |archive-date=June 27, 2012}}</ref>
The series has a score of 66 out of 100 on ''Metacritic'', based on five reviews for season 7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Season 7 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/greys-anatomy/season-7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926153603/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/greys-anatomy/season-7 |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=September 3, 2011 |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> In response to the season, Bianco from ''USA Today'' commented: "Happily, it now seems to have landed on solid ground." Also of the seventh season, ''Entertainment Weekly''{{'}}s Jennifer Armstrong said: "It's in the shooting's emotional reverberations that the show is regenerating after the past few hit-and-miss seasons," whereas Verne Gay of ''Newsday'' commented: "Unfortunately, they've settled on far-too-easy and facile answers for the most part."<ref name="7CritR">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Season 7 Critic Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/greys-anatomy/season-7/critic-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122080029/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/greys-anatomy/season-7/critic-reviews |archive-date=January 22, 2011 |access-date=September 3, 2011 |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> ''HitFix'' gave a positive review saying that, "season 7 overall has been one of the show's strongest ever." and added, "There was a time when ''Grey's Anatomy'' was this show where I suffered through a lot of stuff that made me cringe to get to those genius melodrama moments it could do so well. Over the last couple of years, it's evolved into a show that's much more consistent in tone, where it may not move me as often as it did in the early years but also very rarely makes me question my reasons for watching."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sepinwall |first=Alan |date=May 20, 2011 |title=Season finale review: Greys Anatomy – Unaccompanied Minor: All come crashing down |url=https://uproxx.com/sepinwall/greys-anatomy-unaccompanied-minor-all-come-crashing-down/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524214453/http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/greys-anatomy-unaccompanied-minor-all-come-crashing-down |archive-date=May 24, 2015 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=Uproxx}}</ref> Speaking of season 8, ''Entertainment Weekly''{{'s}} Mandi Bierly called it a "so-so season",<ref name="soso">{{Cite magazine |last=Bierley |first=Mandi |date=May 29, 2012 |title=TV Season Finale Awards: YOUR 2012 Winners!: Best Ending to An Otherwise So-So Season |url=https://ew.com/gallery/tv-season-finale-awards-your-2012-winners/?slide=374194#374194 |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601190509/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20593459_20599320,00.html |archive-date=June 1, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> and Lesley Goldberg of ''The Hollywood Reporter'' called it "emotional".<ref name="emotionals">{{Cite news |last=Goldberg, Lesley |date=May 17, 2012 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Recap: Who Met Their Maker in the Deadly Season Finale? |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greys-anatomy-season-8-finale-recap-shonda-rhimes-326296/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815045038/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-season-8-finale-recap-shonda-rhimes-326296 |archive-date=August 15, 2012}}</ref> Also acknowledging the fan base, Verne Gay of ''Newsday'' wrote "''Grey's'' has had a good season and has an intensely loyal fan base to prove it" regarding the eighth season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gay, Verne |date=May 16, 2012 |title='Grey's Anatomy' season finale review |url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/grey-s-anatomy-season-finale-review-f40261 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128112914/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/grey-s-anatomy-season-finale-review-1.3719837 |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |website=Newsday}}</ref>
The ninth season received positive reviews, with Rob Salem of ''Toronto Star'' calling it "a solid return to form."<ref>{{Cite news |title='Grey's Anatomy', 'Elementary' and 'Last Resort': Thursday night TV reviews |work=The Star |location=Toronto |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/tvreviews/2012/09/28/greys_anatomy_elementary_and_last_resort_thursday_night_tv_reviews.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006011817/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/tvreviews/2012/09/28/greys_anatomy_elementary_and_last_resort_thursday_night_tv_reviews.html |archive-date=October 6, 2017}}</ref> Praising the friendship between Meredith and Cristina of ''Entertainment Weekly'' wrote, "There's still one good reason to keep watching: Where else can you find such deep friendships between female co-workers".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Maerz |first=Melissa |date=December 4, 2012 |title=Grey's Anatomy review |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/12/04/greys-anatomy-review/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416000938/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20651680,00.html |archive-date=April 16, 2013 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> The tenth season was also marked with praise, with Annie Barrett for ''Entertainment Weekly'' writing "There's true sorrow here along with the passion, which keeps their dynamic so intriguing to me."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Barrett |first=Annie |date=September 27, 2013 |title=Grey's Anatomy season premiere recap: After the Storm |url=https://ew.com/recap/greys-anatomy-season-10-premiere/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> Caroline Siede from ''The A.V. Club'' wrote in her review for the tenth season "At its best, ''Grey's Anatomy'' is about everyday bravery, sacrifice, and courage. At its worst, it's a melodramatic, moralizing soap opera. Both sides are on display as the show heads confidently into its 10th season."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siede |first=Caroline |date=September 27, 2013 |title=''Grey's Anatomy'': "Seal Our Fate" |url=https://www.avclub.com/greys-anatomy-seal-our-fate-1798178118 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930080924/http://www.avclub.com/articles/seal-our-fate%2C103411/ |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=The A.V. Club}}</ref> Many sources, including Rachel Simon of ''Bustle'' and Nicole Pomarico of ''Wetpaint'', claimed that Sandra Oh's performance during her final season on ''Grey's Anatomy'' is worthy of an Emmy nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bustle |url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/27044-greys-anatomys-sandra-oh-deserves-an-emmy-nomination-heres-why |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703110237/http://www.bustle.com/articles/27044-greys-anatomys-sandra-oh-deserves-an-emmy-nomination-heres-why |archive-date=July 3, 2014 |website=bustle.com|date=June 5, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Could Grey's Anatomy Season 10 Earn Sandra Oh an Emmy? |url=http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/2014-06-18-season-10-sandra-oh-emmy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714115307/http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/2014-06-18-season-10-sandra-oh-emmy |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |website=Wetpaint, Inc.|date=June 18, 2014 }}</ref>
Bryce Olin of ''Netflix'' ranked ''Grey's'' 9th among the ''50 Best TV Shows on Netflix'' stating, "It's a tough call, but based on ''Grey's'' casting choices and revolutionary portrayals of female doctors in the series, I'm willing to argue that ''Grey's Anatomy'' is the best medical drama of all time. Obviously, Shonda Rhimes didn't reinvent the wheel with the series, but there's no denying its popularity." adding, "I understand its significance in the pop culture sphere." He also stated that the show could go higher in the ranks with the upcoming season stating, "Apparently, ''Grey's Anatomy'' fans are passionate about their show, although it seems like they've been closeted for the last few years. I'd love to move ''Grey's Anatomy'' even higher on the ranking, but I'll have wait until the eleventh season comes to Netflix."<ref>[http://netflixlife.com/tvshows/43/ 50 Best TV Shows on Netflix Right Now] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222080200/http://netflixlife.com/tvshows/43/ |date=December 22, 2015 }}. Netflixlife.com. Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref><ref>Schmidt, Patrick. (April 24, 2015) [http://netflixlife.com/2015/04/24/50-best-tv-shows-on-netflix-greys-anatomy-moves-up/ 50 Best TV Shows on Netflix: Grey's Anatomy Moves Up] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222101441/http://netflixlife.com/2015/04/24/50-best-tv-shows-on-netflix-greys-anatomy-moves-up/ |date=December 22, 2015 }}. Netflixlife.com. Retrieved on December 3, 2016.</ref>
The show was criticized for its handling of a controversy: the ''Grey's Anatomy'' scandal revolved around actor Isaiah Washington using a homophobic slur on set. Mainstream media coverage scapegoated this scandal as "black masculinity for perpetrating homophobia, thus containing both sexual and racial difference in the name of tolerance."<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Courtney W. Bailey |date=March 2011 |title=Coming Out as Homophobic: Isaiah Washington and the Grey's Anatomy Scandal |journal=Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies |volume=8 |issue=1}}</ref>
====Critics' top 10 lists==== Critics included ''Grey's Anatomy'' in top ten lists for five of its 14 seasons; these are listed below in order of rank.
{{Col-begin}} {{Col-break}} {| class="collapsible" ! style="width:14em; background:#C4C3D0; text-align:left"| 2005<ref name="best2005">{{Cite web |title=Best of 2005 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/bests/2005/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218183714/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/bests/2005/ |archive-date=February 18, 2009 |access-date=December 14, 2008 |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> |- | colspan=2| * No. 4 ''USA Today'' * No. 6 ''The New York Times'' * No. 7 ''The Boston Globe'' * No. 9 ''San Jose Mercury News'' * – ''Chicago Tribune''{{Ref label|D|d|d}} |} {{Col-break}} {| class="collapsible" ! style="width:14em; background:#C4C3D0; text-align:left"| 2006<ref name="Best2006">{{Cite web |title=Best of 2006 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/bests/2006/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322232659/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/bests/2006/ |archive-date=March 22, 2010 |access-date=December 14, 2008 |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> |- | colspan=2| * No. 2 ''USA Today'' * No. 2 ''San Jose Mercury News'' * No. 4 ''TV Guide'' * No. 9 ''Orlando Sentinel'' |} {{Col-break}} {| class="collapsible" ! style="width:14em; background:#C4C3D0; text-align:left"| 2007<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best of 2007 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/bests/2007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722081541/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/bests/2007/ |archive-date=July 22, 2010 |access-date=December 14, 2008 |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> |- | colspan=2| * No. 6 ''USA Today'' |} {{Col-break}} {| class="collapsible" ! style="width:14em; background:#C4C3D0; text-align:left"| 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best of 2010 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/feature/tv-critics-pick-ten-best-tv-shows-of-2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625100247/http://www.metacritic.com/feature/tv-critics-pick-ten-best-tv-shows-of-2010 |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> |- | colspan=2| * No. 10 ''Movieline'' |} {{Col-break}} {| class="collapsible" ! style="width:14em; background:#C4C3D0; text-align:left"| 2015<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2015 |title=The Best Television Of 2015 |url=https://www.npr.org/2015/12/27/460841228/the-best-television-of-2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103014749/http://www.npr.org/2015/12/27/460841228/the-best-television-of-2015 |archive-date=January 3, 2016 |access-date=May 22, 2016 |website=NPR}}</ref> |- | colspan=2| *No. 7 ''NPR'' |}
{{col-end}}
===Impact=== {{quote box | quote = ''Grey's Anatomy'' makes an impact on how people's perception of the world is created. | source = —Brian Quick, University of Illinois<ref name="realworldoc" /> | align = left | width = 25em }}
[[File:Patrick Dempsey 2011 (cropped).jpg|upright=0.75|thumb| ''Grey's Anatomy'' introduced the "Mc-labeling" surge when it dubbed Patrick Dempsey's character, Derek Shepherd, "McDreamy".|alt=Patrick Dempsey wearing a cap looking away from the camera]]
''Grey's Anatomy'' has been recognized for its significant influence on popular culture. ''Entertainment Weekly'''s executive editor, Lori Majewski, remarked, "''Grey's Anatomy'' isn't just a show, it's a phenomenon. When [the] final shows air, every place in New York City is empty. You could get a table at the best restaurants."<ref name="impact">{{Cite web |last=Majewski |first=Lori |date=December 20, 2006 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Tops Entertainment Weekly Year-End List |url=https://www.kltv.com/story/5841024/greys-anatomy-tops-entertainment-weekly-year-end-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114135629/http://www.kltv.com/story/5841024/greys-anatomy-tops-entertainment-weekly-year-end-list?clienttype=printable |archive-date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=June 27, 2012 |website=KLTV |publisher=WorldNow}}</ref> Similarly, Jace Lacob of ''The Daily Beast'' compared its success to that of ''Friends'', calling it a "cultural phenomenon".<ref name="impact2">{{Cite web |last=Lacob, Jace |date=November 3, 2010 |title=Grey's Anatomy's 7th Year Surge |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2010/11/03/greys-anatomy-private-practice-shonda-rhimes-speaks-out.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602145801/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2010/11/03/greys-anatomy-private-practice-shonda-rhimes-speaks-out.html |archive-date=June 2, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2012 |website=The Daily Beast}}</ref> Media analyst Steve Sternberg of ''Magna Global USA'' explained the show's broad appeal, noting that "roughly 80 percent of households during prime time only have one TV set on. People are looking for shows they can watch with other household members."<ref name="NYT" />
In its early seasons, ''Grey's Anatomy'' introduced the trend of "Mc-labeling", beginning with the character Derek Shepherd being dubbed "McDreamy". This trend became so pervasive that The ''National Post'' labeled it a "phenomenon".<ref name="mclabel">{{Cite web |title=The McDreamy phenomenon |url=https://nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=0c4ef60c-ffb9-470e-9960-407e6afeaef5 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=National Post}}</ref> It was later parodied on shows like ''ER'' and ''Degrassi: The Next Generation''.<ref name="mclabel1">{{Cite web |last=Arnold, Dessylyn |date=May 30, 2007 |title=A Look at the Pop Culture Behind Grey's Anatomy |url=http://voices.yahoo.com/a-look-pop-culture-behind-greys-anatomy-362632.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729014820/http://voices.yahoo.com/a-look-pop-culture-behind-greys-anatomy-362632.html |archive-date=July 29, 2014 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |publisher=Yahoo! Voices}}</ref> Mark Lawson of ''The Guardian'' credited ''Grey's Anatomy'' with popularizing the "songtage", or musical montage segments.<ref name="Lawson" /> This trend was parodied by ''Mad TV'' in 2006, which spoofed the show's emotional moments and musical montages.<ref name="parodymad">{{Cite web |last=Martin, Rebecca |date=December 23, 2010 |title=Hilarious MADtv Grey's Anatomy Parody! |url=http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/video/hilarious-madtv-greys-anatomy-preview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106015105/http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/video/hilarious-madtv-greys-anatomy-preview |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=Wetpaint |publisher=The Cambio Network}}</ref>
The series has also been praised for redefining what is considered "good" television. ''The A.V. Club'' writes, "Since ''The Sopranos'' burst onto the scene, we've too often classified a show as 'good' based on how closely it adhered to the dark, violent, male-centric template set out by that particular show. It's time for that to end. At its best, ''Grey's Anatomy'' has been among the very best shows on TV, and at its worst, it's been at least fascinating to watch. TV is at its best when it emotionally connects, and even when it seems to be otherwise merrily hurtling off a cliff, ''Grey's Anatomy'' is nothing but emotional connection."
The show was ranked No. 66 on ''Entertainment Weekly'''s "New TV Classics" list in 2007 and was declared the third-highest rated show on ''IMDb'' for the first ten years of the platform (2002–2012).<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=June 18, 2007 |title=The New Classics: TV |url=https://ew.com/article/2007/06/18/new-classics-tv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716041112/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20207339%2C00.html |archive-date=July 16, 2014 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schillaci |first=Sophie A. |date=January 25, 2012 |title=Johnny Depp, 'The Dark Knight,' 'Lost' Named to IMDb's Top 10 of the Last Decade |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/brad-pitt-johnny-depp-dark-knight-lost-imdb-top-10-284912/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422190007/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/brad-pitt-johnny-depp-dark-knight-lost-imdb-top-10-284912 |archive-date=April 22, 2014 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> The premise of ''Grey's Anatomy'' inspired the creation of ''A corazón abierto'', a Colombian adaptation, which in turn spawned a Mexican version of the same name.<ref name="columbian adaption">{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=April 27, 2010 |title=ABC Press Release: "Grey's Anatomy" Adaptation "A Corazón Abierto" Premieres to Huge Ratings In Colombia |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/27/greys-anatomy-adaptation-a-corazon-abierto-premieres-to-huge-ratings-in-colombia/49914 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429183357/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/27/greys-anatomy-adaptation-a-corazon-abierto-premieres-to-huge-ratings-in-colombia/49914 |archive-date=April 29, 2010 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref><ref name="mexicancora">{{Cite web |title=A Corazón Abierto Premieres in Mexico |url=http://www.ttvmedianews.com/scripts/templates/estilo_nota.asp?nota=eng%2FTV+Abierta%2FContenidos%2F2011%2F11_noviembre%2F11_estreno_A_Corazon_Abierto_Mexico |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912115337/http://www.ttvmedianews.com/scripts/templates/estilo_nota.asp?nota=eng%2FTV+Abierta%2FContenidos%2F2011%2F11_noviembre%2F11_estreno_A_Corazon_Abierto_Mexico |archive-date=September 12, 2014 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=ttvMediaNews |publisher=Print.Division}}</ref>
A study conducted by Brian Quick from the University of Illinois suggested that the show's portrayal of doctors as "smart, good looking, capable, and interesting" led viewers to associate real-world doctors with those traits.<ref name="realworldoc">{{Cite web |last=Adlersberg, Jay |date=February 25, 2011 |title=The effects of Grey's Anatomy |url=https://abc7ny.com/archive/7980614/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130145157/http://abc7ny.com/archive/7980614/ |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |website=WABC-TV |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> However, Dr. Karen Zink, a surgical resident, deemed the show's portrayal of interns unrealistic, commenting, "None of [the characters] have bags under their eyes. They all leave the hospital dressed cute, with their hair done and makeup on. That is so far away from the reality of interns."<ref name="Bags">{{Cite book |last=Holtz, Andrew |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eVIRz3n5uPMC |title=The Real Grey's Anatomy: A Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Real Lives of Surgical Residents |publisher=Penguin |year=2010 |isbn=978-0425232118 |page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130145155/https://books.google.com/books?id=eVIRz3n5uPMC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=makeup |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The show has even had real-world life-saving impacts. In 2011, a woman in Sheboygan, Wisconsin survived an asthma attack after her daughter and a friend performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) they learned from ''Grey's Anatomy''.<ref name="cprsave">{{Cite news |last=Ford, Rebecca |date=December 5, 2011 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Credited for Saving Life |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greys-anatomy-cpr-saves-life-269675/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203191721/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-cpr-saves-life-269675 |archive-date=February 3, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> In 2017, an Israeli woman saved her husband by performing cardiac massage she learned from the show.<ref>{{Cite news |title=saved her husband by what she have learned from Gray's Anatomy |url=http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART2/895/338.html?hp=1&cat=402&loc=22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918202612/http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART2/895/338.html?hp=1&cat=402&loc=22 |archive-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref> She continued the procedure for 20 minutes until paramedics arrived and transferred the husband to Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
In the 14th season, the episode titled "1-800-799-7233", named after the National Domestic Violence Hotline, was well received by audiences, who used social media to raise awareness about domestic violence and the hotline itself.<ref name="hotline">{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2018 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Fans Are Changing Their Twitter Names To The Domestic Violence Hotline To Raise Awareness |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/greys-anatomy-fans-are-changing-their-twitter-names-to-the-domestic-violence-hotline-to-raise-awareness-7956212 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119044919/https://www.bustle.com/p/greys-anatomy-fans-are-changing-their-twitter-names-to-the-domestic-violence-hotline-to-raise-awareness-7956212 |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |access-date=January 19, 2018 |website=Bustle}}</ref>
===U.S. television ratings=== ''Grey{{'}}s Anatomy'' has received high viewership and ratings since its debut. The first 4 seasons of the program each ranked in the top 10 among all viewers, reaching its peak Nielsen ratings in the second season, attracting an average of 19.44 million viewers per episode, and ranking at #5 overall. Following the show's time-slot being relocated, overall rankings steadily declined, dropping below the top 10 in its fifth season. ''Grey's Anatomy'' made its greatest fall from its sixth to seventh season, slipping from #16 to #31. The series is on a steady decline in terms of overall viewership and rankings, yet ''Grey's Anatomy'' still holds value in charts when numbers are pulled from the digital video recorder (DVR). It was the most recorded show between 2007 and 2011, based on cumulative totals, and has been for several years in a row.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rice |first=Lynette |date=September 1, 2011 |title=The most Tivo'ed show on TV is ... |url=http://insidetv.ew.co/ref%3Em/2011/09/01/top-10-most-tivoed-shows/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=September 2, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2014}}</ref>
The most-watched episode of the series is "It's the End of the World", with 37.88 million viewers, aided by a lead-in from Super Bowl XL.<ref name="abcmedianet.com">{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2006 |title=Weekly Program Rankings: 1/30/06-2/05/06 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=020706_05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707092114/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=020706_05 |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> ''Grey's Anatomy'' was the most expensive program on television in the 2007–08 season measured by advertising revenue, with earnings of US$400,000 per 30 seconds.<ref name="2007Rev">{{Cite web |last=Poggi |first=Jeanine |date=September 30, 2016 |title=TV Ad Pricing Chart: A Show in Its 13th Season Returns to the Top 10 Most Expensive Buys |url=http://adage.com/article/news/tv-ad-pricing-chart/305899/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616190923/http://adage.com/article/news/tv-ad-pricing-chart/305899/ |archive-date=June 16, 2017 |access-date=June 24, 2017 |website=Advertisement Age}}</ref> The show was named the fourth (behind ''Desperate Housewives'', ''Two and a Half Men'', and ''American Idol''),<ref name="2011Rev">{{Cite news |last=Pomerantz |first=Dorothy |date=March 16, 2011 |title=In Pictures: TV's Biggest Moneymakers |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/2011/03/16/american-idol-desperate-housewives-sheen-business-entertainment-tv-money-makers_slide_5.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427045958/http://www.forbes.com/2011/03/16/american-idol-desperate-housewives-sheen-business-entertainment-tv-money-makers_slide_5.html |archive-date=April 27, 2013}}</ref> and the fifth-highest (behind ''Glee'', ''Two and a Half Men'', ''The X Factor'' and ''American Idol'') revenue-earning show, with the earnings of US$2.67 million and US$2.75 million per half hour in 2011 and 2012 respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pomerantz |first=Dorothy |date=April 10, 2012 |title=TV's Biggest Moneymakers |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2012/04/10/tvs-biggest-moneymakers-2/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419231835/http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2012/04/10/tvs-biggest-moneymakers-2/ |archive-date=April 19, 2013}}</ref> While ''Grey's Anatomy'' is no longer ranked in the top numbers for overall ratings, the show's ranking in the key 18–49 demographic has remained high. As of season 8, the series is the highest-rated drama on television in the target demographic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitovich, Matt Webb |date=May 25, 2012 |title=TV Season Rankings: Sunday Night Football Ends Idol's Streak; Once, POI and Rob Score Wins |url=http://tvline.com/2012/05/25/tv-season-rankings-2011-2012-sunday-night-football-american-idol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905025221/http://tvline.com/2012/05/25/tv-season-rankings-2011-2012-sunday-night-football-american-idol/ |archive-date=September 5, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |website=TVLine |publisher=PMC}}</ref> In 2016, a ''New York Times'' study of the 50 TV shows with the most Facebook Likes found that ''Grey's Anatomy'' was "most popular in a swath of the middle of the country, particularly in areas with a lower percentage of college graduates".<ref name="katz20161227">{{Cite news |last=Katz |first=Josh |date=December 27, 2016 |title='Duck Dynasty' vs. 'Modern Family': 50 Maps of the U.S. Cultural Divide |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/12/26/upshot/duck-dynasty-vs-modern-family-television-maps.html |access-date=February 8, 2017}}</ref>
Below is a table of ''Grey's Anatomy''{{'}}s seasonal rankings in the U.S. television market, based on average total viewers per episode. Each U.S. network television season starts in September and ends in late May, which coincides with the completion of May sweeps.
{{Television season ratings | show_caption = y | hide_18_49_rating = y
| link1 = Grey's Anatomy season 1#Ratings | timeslot1 = Sunday 10:00 p.m. | timeslot_length1 = 1 | episodes1 = 9 | start1 = {{Start date|2005|3|27}} | startrating1 = 16.25<ref name="bare_url">{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2005 |title=Weekly Program Rankings: 3/21/05-3/27/05 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=032905_05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402152845/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=032905_05 |archive-date=April 2, 2012 |access-date=July 1, 2009 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | end1 = {{End date|2005|5|22}} | endrating1 = 22.22<ref name="bare_url_a">{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2005 |title=Weekly Program Rankings: 5/16/05-5/22/05 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516042311/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_04 |archive-date=May 16, 2009 |access-date=July 1, 2009 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | season1 = 2004–05 | rank1 = 9<ref name="season1" /> | viewers1 = 18.46<ref name="season1">{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2005 |title=Season Program Rankings: 9/20/04-5/22/05 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329105021/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_05 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 |access-date=May 19, 2010 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | 18_49_rank1 = 5<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 27, 2005 |title=Primetime series |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011090232/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471 |archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> | 18_49_rating1 =
| link2 = Grey's Anatomy season 2#Ratings | timeslot2 = Sunday 10:00 p.m. {{small|(1–25)}}<br />Monday 9:00 p.m. {{small|(26–27)}} | timeslot_length2 = 1 | episodes2 = 27 | start2 = {{Start date|2005|9|25}} | startrating2 = 18.98<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2005 |title=Weekly Program Rankings: 9/19/05-9/25/05 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092705_03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601190247/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092705_03 |archive-date=June 1, 2009 |access-date=July 3, 2009 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | end2 = {{End date|2006|5|15}} | endrating2 = 22.50<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=Weekly Program Rankings: 5/15/06-5/21/06 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052306_05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229224016/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052306_05 |archive-date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=July 3, 2009 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | season2 = 2005–06 | rank2 = 5<ref name="season2" /> | viewers2 = 19.44<ref name="season2">{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2006 |title=Season Program Rankings: 9/19/05-5/28/06 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011060406/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |archive-date=October 11, 2014 |access-date=May 19, 2010 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | 18_49_rank2 = 4<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 26, 2006 |title=Series |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519102731/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393 |archive-date=May 19, 2007}}</ref> | 18_49_rating2 =
| link3 = Grey's Anatomy season 3#Ratings | timeslot3 = Thursday 9:00 p.m. | timeslot_length3 = 8 | episodes3 = 25 | start3 = {{Start date|2006|9|21}} | startrating3 = 25.41<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2006 |title=Weekly Program Rankings: 9/18/06-9/24/06 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092606_07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329105628/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092606_07 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 |access-date=May 17, 2012 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | end3 = {{End date|2007|5|17}} | endrating3 = 22.57<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 22, 2007 |title=Weekly Program Rankings: 5/14/07-5/20/07 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052207_06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528010145/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052207_06 |archive-date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=May 17, 2012 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | season3 = 2006–07 | rank3 = 8<ref name="season3" /> | viewers3 = 19.17<ref name="season3">{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2007 |title=Season Program Rankings: 9/18/06-5/27/07 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053007_08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323004317/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053007_08 |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | 18_49_rank3 = 3<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 25, 2007 |title=2006–07 primetime wrap |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/2006-07-primetime-wrap-137223/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223230538/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/2006-07-primetime-wrap-137223 |archive-date=December 23, 2011}}</ref> | 18_49_rating3 =
| link4 = Grey's Anatomy season 4#Ratings | episodes4 = 17 | start4 = {{Start date|2007|9|27}} | startrating4 = 20.93<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2007 |title=Weekly Program Rankings: 9/24/07-9/30/07 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=100207_05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501042023/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=100207_05 |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | end4 = {{End date|2008|5|22}} | endrating4 = 18.09<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2008 |title=Weekly Program Rankings: 5/19/08-5/25/08 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329105209/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_05 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | season4 = 2007–08 | rank4 = 10<ref name="season4" /> | viewers4 = 15.92<ref name="season4">{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2008 |title=Season Program Rankings: 9/24/07-5/25/08 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413172935/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |archive-date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=May 19, 2010 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | 18_49_rank4 = 3<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2008 |title=ABC Primetime Performance – 2008 May Sweep/2007–08 TV Season |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2008/05/20/abc-primetime-performance-2008-may-sweep-2007-08-tv-season-27625/20080520abc02/ |access-date=September 14, 2012 |publisher=The Futon Critic}}</ref> | 18_49_rating4 =
| link5 = Grey's Anatomy season 5#Ratings | episodes5 = 24 | start5 = {{Start date|2008|9|25}} | startrating5 = 18.47<ref name="premiere double">{{Cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet|date=September 30, 2008|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=093008_04|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Sept. 22-28, 2008)|access-date=June 29, 2025|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529032133/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=093008_04|archive-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> | end5 = {{End date|2009|5|14}} | endrating5 = 16.53<ref name="finale double">{{Cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet|date=May 19, 2009|url=http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_04|title=Weekly Program Rankings (May 11–17, 2009)|access-date=June 29, 2025|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521143330/http://www.abcmedianet.com:80/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_04|archive-date=May 21, 2009}}</ref> | season5 = 2008–09 | rank5 = 12<ref name="season5" /> | viewers5 = 14.52<ref name="season5">{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2009 |title=Season Program Rankings: 9/22/08-5/17/09 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623063544/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |archive-date=June 23, 2009 |access-date=May 19, 2010 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> | 18_49_rank5 = 3<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2009 |title=ABC 2009 May Sweep / TV Season Ratings |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2009/05/21/abc-2009-may-sweep-tv-season-ratings-31450/20090521abc01/ |access-date=December 11, 2012 |website=Medianet |publisher=TheFutonCritic}}</ref> | 18_49_rating5 =
| link6 = Grey's Anatomy season 6#Ratings | episodes6 = 24 | start6 = {{Start date|2009|9|24}} | startrating6 = 17.03<ref name="premiere6">{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=September 25, 2009 |title=Thursday broadcast finals, plus quarter hour detail for FlashForward |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/09/25/thursday-broadcast-finals-plus-quarter-hour-detail-for-flashforward/28439 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928071929/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/09/25/thursday-broadcast-finals-plus-quarter-hour-detail-for-flashforward/28439 |archive-date=September 28, 2009 |access-date=September 13, 2010 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | end6 = {{End date|2010|5|20}} | endrating6 = 15.24<ref name="6ratings">{{Cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/05/25/tv-ratings-top-25-dancing-tops-idol-with-viewers-again-lost-finale-wins-with-adults-18-49/52328 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312095410/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/05/25/tv-ratings-top-25-dancing-tops-idol-with-viewers-again-lost-finale-wins-with-adults-18-49/52328 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-03-12 |title=TV Ratings Top 25: Dancing Tops Idol With Viewers Again, Lost Finale Wins With Adults 18-49 - Ratings |publisher=Zap2it |access-date=June 29, 2025}}</ref> | season6 = 2009–10 | rank6 = 16<ref name="season6" /> | viewers6 = 13.55<ref name="season6">{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2010 |title=Full Series Rankings For The 2009–10 Broadcast Season |url=https://deadline.com/2010/05/full-series-rankings-for-the-2009-10-broadcast-season-44277/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816184749/http://deadline.com/2010/05/full-series-rankings-for-the-2009-10-broadcast-season-44277/ |archive-date=August 16, 2014 |access-date=August 6, 2010 |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | 18_49_rank6 = 6<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorman, Bill |date=June 16, 2010 |title=Final 2009–10 Broadcast Primetime Show 18–49 Ratings |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/06/16/final-2009-10-broadcast-primetime-show-18-49-ratings/54330/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013193844/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/06/16/final-2009-10-broadcast-primetime-show-18-49-ratings/54330/ |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | 18_49_rating6 =
| link7 = Grey's Anatomy season 7#Ratings | episodes7 = 22 | start7 = {{Start date|2010|9|23}} | startrating7 = 14.32<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/09/28/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-sunday-night-football-glee-greys-anatomy-dancing-with-the-stars-top-premiere-week/65498 |first=Robert |last=Seidman |title=TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: ''Sunday Night Football'', ''Glee'',' ''Grey's Anatomy'',' ''Dancing with the Stars'' Top Premiere Week |date=September 28, 2010 |work=TV by the Numbers |access-date=July 7, 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001090902/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/09/28/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-sunday-night-football-glee-greys-anatomy-dancing-with-the-stars-top-premiere-week/65498 |archive-date=October 1, 2010}}</ref> | end7 = {{End date|2011|5|19}} | endrating7 = 9.89<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=May 20, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang,' 'The Office,' 'Grey's,' 'Mentalist' Adjusted Up |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/20/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-big-bang-the-office-greys-mentalist-adjusted-up/93470/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527000359/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/20/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-big-bang-the-office-greys-mentalist-adjusted-up/93470/ |archive-date=May 27, 2011 |access-date=May 21, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | season7 = 2010–11 | rank7 = 31<ref name="season7" /> | viewers7 = 11.41<ref name="season7">{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=June 1, 2011 |title=2010–11 Season Broadcast Primetime Show Viewership Averages |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-viewership-averages/94407/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604160109/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-viewership-averages/94407/ |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | 18_49_rank7 = 9<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorman, Bill |date=June 1, 2011 |title=2010–11 Season Broadcast Primetime Show 18–49 Ratings Averages |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-18-49-ratings-averages/94402/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021011456/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-18-49-ratings-averages/94402/ |archive-date=October 21, 2014 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | 18_49_rating7 =
| link8 = Grey's Anatomy season 8#Ratings | episodes8 = 24 | start8 = {{Start date|2011|9|22}} | startrating8 = 10.38<ref name="Grey's S8 premiere">{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=September 23, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'The X Factor,' 'Parks & Recreation' and 'Whitney' Adjusted Up |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/23/thursday-finals-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-and-whitney-adjusted-up/104707/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531130637/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/23/thursday-finals-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-and-whitney-adjusted-up/104707/ |archive-date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=September 23, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | end8 = {{End date|2012|5|17}} | endrating8 = 11.44<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=May 18, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', '30 Rock' Adjusted Up; 'Touch', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/18/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-greys-anatomy-30-rock-adjusted-up-touch-scandal-adjusted-down/134984/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522001613/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/18/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-greys-anatomy-30-rock-adjusted-up-touch-scandal-adjusted-down/134984/ |archive-date=May 22, 2012 |access-date=May 18, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | season8 = 2011–12 | rank8 = 32<ref name="season8" /> | viewers8 = 10.92<ref name="season8">{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=May 24, 2012 |title=Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/05/full-2011-2012-tv-season-series-rankings-277941/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907060022/http://deadline.com/2012/05/full-2011-2012-tv-season-series-rankings-277941/ |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |access-date=May 25, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | 18_49_rank8 = 10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorman, Bill |date=May 24, 2012 |title=Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Ratings: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'The Voice' & 'Modern Family' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/05/full-2011-2012-tv-season-series-rankings-277941/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907060022/http://deadline.com/2012/05/full-2011-2012-tv-season-series-rankings-277941/ |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | 18_49_rating8 =
| link9 = Grey's Anatomy season 9#Ratings | episodes9 = 24 | start9 = {{Start date|2012|9|27}} | startrating9 = 11.73<ref name="s9e1">{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy, Amanda |date=September 28, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's Anatomy', Adjusted Up; 'Parks & Rec', 'Up All Night', 'SNL: Weekend Update', 'The Office', 'Glee', 'Scandal', 'Rock Center' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/09/28/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up-parks-rec-up-all-night-snl-weekend-update-the-office-glee-scandal-rock-center-adjust/150556/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001015313/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/09/28/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up-parks-rec-up-all-night-snl-weekend-update-the-office-glee-scandal-rock-center-adjust/150556/ |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | end9 = {{End date|2013|5|16}} | endrating9 = 8.99<ref name="29ep24">{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=May 17, 2013 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Hannibal', 'The Big Bang Theory', 'The Vampire Diaries', 'Grey's Anatomy' & 'Office' Retrospective Adjusted Up |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/17/thursday-final-ratings-hannibal-the-big-bang-theory-the-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-office-retrospective-adjusted-up/183116 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607112700/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/17/thursday-final-ratings-hannibal-the-big-bang-theory-the-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-office-retrospective-adjusted-up/183116/ |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |access-date=May 17, 2013 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | season9 = 2012–13 | rank9 = 26<ref name="Patten">{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Full 2012–2013 TV Season Series Rankings |url=https://deadline.com/2014/05/tv-season-series-rankings-2013-full-list-2-733762/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822205028/http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/tv-season-series-rankings-2013-full-list/ |archive-date=August 22, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> | viewers9 = 11.07<ref name="Patten" /> | 18_49_rank9 = 10<ref name="Patten" /> | 18_49_rating9 =
| link10 = Grey's Anatomy season 10#Ratings | episodes10 = 24 | start10 = {{Start date|2013|9|26}} | startrating10 = 9.27<ref name="s10e1">{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy, Amanda |date=September 27, 2013 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'The Michael J Fox Show' & 'The X Factor' Adjusted Up; 'The Crazy Ones' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/09/27/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-the-michael-j-fox-show-the-crazy-ones-adjusted-down/205200/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016182345/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/09/27/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-the-michael-j-fox-show-the-crazy-ones-adjusted-down/205200/ |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |access-date=September 27, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> | end10 = {{End date|2014|5|15}} | endrating10 = 8.92<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=May 16, 2014 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Reign' & 'The Millers' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/05/16/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-reign-the-millers-adjusted-down/265025/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517115708/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/05/16/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-reign-the-millers-adjusted-down/265025/ |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |access-date=May 16, 2014 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | season10 = 2013–14 | rank10 = 15<ref name="GAS10">{{Cite web |date=May 22, 2014 |title=Full 2013–2014 TV Season Series Rankings |url=https://deadline.com/2014/05/tv-season-series-rankings-2013-full-list-2-733762/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523035709/http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/tv-season-series-rankings-2013-full-list-2/ |archive-date=May 23, 2014 |access-date=May 22, 2014 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> | viewers10 = 12.12<ref name="GAS10" /> | 18_49_rank10 = 5<ref name="GAS10" /> | 18_49_rating10 =
| link11 = Grey's Anatomy season 11#Ratings | timeslot11 = Thursday 8:00 p.m. | timeslot_length11 = 5 | episodes11 = 25 | start11 = {{Start date|2014|9|25}} | startrating11 = 9.81<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=October 12, 2014 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Scandal' & 'How to Get Away With Murder' Adjusted Up + Final Football Numbers |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/09/26/thursday-final-ratings-greys-anatomy-scandal-how-to-get-away-with-murder-adjusted-up-final-football-numbers/307278/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927105636/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/09/26/thursday-final-ratings-greys-anatomy-scandal-how-to-get-away-with-murder-adjusted-up-final-football-numbers/307278/ |archive-date=September 27, 2014 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | end11 = {{End date|2015|5|14}} | endrating11 = 8.33<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=May 15, 2015 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Blacklist' Adjusted Up; 'Reign' Adjusted Down; No Adjustment to 'Scandal' |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/15/thursday-final-ratings-the-blacklist-adjusted-up-reign-adjusted-down-no-adjustment-to-scandal/404642/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517195449/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/15/thursday-final-ratings-the-blacklist-adjusted-up-reign-adjusted-down-no-adjustment-to-scandal/404642/ |archive-date=May 17, 2015 |access-date=May 15, 2015 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | season11 = 2014–15 | rank11 = 31<ref name="ranking11">{{Cite web |last=de Moraes |first=Lisa |date=May 21, 2015 |title=Top 50 TV shows 2014–2015 Highest Rated Winners and Losers |url=http://www.tvinsider.com/article/1989/top-50-tv-shows-2014-2015-highest-rated-winners-and-losers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607035634/http://www.tvinsider.com/article/1989/top-50-tv-shows-2014-2015-highest-rated-winners-and-losers/ |archive-date=June 7, 2015 |access-date=May 24, 2015 |website=TV Insider}}</ref> | viewers11 = 11.57<ref name="ranking11" /> | 18_49_rank11 = 13<ref name="ranking11" /> | 18_49_rating11 =
| link12 = Grey's Anatomy season 12#Ratings | episodes12 = 24 | start12 = {{Start date|2015|9|24}} | startrating12 = 9.55<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=September 25, 2015 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Heroes Reborn' & 'Scandal' Adjusted Up + Final Football Ratings |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/09/25/thursday-final-ratings-heroes-reborn-scandal-adjusted-up-final-football-ratings/471703/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926042942/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/09/25/thursday-final-ratings-heroes-reborn-scandal-adjusted-up-final-football-ratings/471703/ |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |access-date=September 25, 2015 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | end12 = {{End date|2016|5|19}} | endrating12 = 8.19<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=May 20, 2016 |title=Thursday final ratings: 'Bones' adjusts up, 'The Catch' finale and 'Game of Silence' adjust down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/05/20/thursday-final-ratings-may-19-2016/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522114538/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/05/20/thursday-final-ratings-may-19-2016/ |archive-date=May 22, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2016 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | season12 = 2015–16 | rank12 = 21<ref name="entertainment2016" /> | viewers12 = 11.20<ref name="entertainment2016">{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2015 |title=Full 2015–16 TV Season Series Rankings |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/tv-season-2015-2016-series-rankings-shows-full-list-1201763189/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528121101/http://deadline.com/2016/05/tv-season-2015-2016-series-rankings-shows-full-list-1201763189/ |archive-date=May 28, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2015 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> | 18_49_rank12 = 8<ref name="entertainment2016" /> | 18_49_rating12 =
| link13 = Grey's Anatomy season 13#Ratings | episodes13 = 24 | start13 = {{Start date|2016|9|22}} | startrating13 = 8.75<ref name="13.01">{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=September 23, 2016 |title=Thursday final ratings: 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Superstore' and 'Good Place' adjust up, 'Notorious' adjusts down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/09/23/thursday-final-ratings-sept-22-16/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924112305/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/09/23/thursday-final-ratings-sept-22-16/ |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |access-date=September 23, 2016 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | end13 = {{End date|2017|5|18}} | endrating13 = 7.92<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=May 19, 2017 |title='Grey's Anatomy' and 'Masterchef Junior' finales, 'Amazing Race' adjust up: Thursday final ratings |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-may-18-2017/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519234826/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-may-18-2017/ |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | season13 = 2016–17 | rank13 = 19<ref name="entertainment2017" /> | viewers13 = 10.88<ref name="entertainment2017">{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2017 |title=Final 2016–17 TV Rankings: 'Sunday Night Football' Winning Streak Continues |url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/2016-2017-tv-season-ratings-series-rankings-list-1202102340/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530115026/http://deadline.com/2017/05/2016-2017-tv-season-ratings-series-rankings-list-1202102340/ |archive-date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=May 26, 2017 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> | 18_49_rank13 = 9<ref name="entertainment2017" /> | 18_49_rating13 =
| link14 = Grey's Anatomy season 14#Ratings | episodes14 = 24 | start14 = {{Start date|2017|9|28}} | startrating14 = 8.07<ref name="14.01">{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=September 29, 2017 |title='Will & Grace,' 'Superstore,' 'Good Place,' 'Gotham' adjust up; 'How to Get Away' adjusts down: Thursday final ratings |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/will-grace-superstore-good-place-gotham-adjust-up-how-to-get-away-adjusts-down-thursday-final-ratings/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110060749/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/will-grace-superstore-good-place-gotham-adjust-up-how-to-get-away-adjusts-down-thursday-final-ratings/ |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=September 29, 2017 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | end14 = {{End date|2018|5|17}} | endrating14 = 7.60<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=May 18, 2018 |title='SWAT' and 'Arrow' finales adjust down: Thursday final ratings |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-may-17-2018/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519120454/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-may-17-2018/ |archive-date=May 19, 2018 |access-date=May 18, 2018 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | season14 = 2017–18 | rank14 = 20<ref name="Deadline Hollywood">{{Cite web |last1=Hipes |first1=Patrick |last2=de Moraes|first2=Lisa |date=May 23, 2018 |title=2017–18 TV Series Ratings Rankings: NFL Football, 'Big Bang' Top Charts |url=https://deadline.com/2018/05/2017-2018-tv-series-ratings-rankings-full-list-of-shows-1202395851/ |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> | viewers14 = 10.83<ref name="Deadline Hollywood" /> | 18_49_rank14 = 11<ref name="Deadline Hollywood" /> | 18_49_rating14 =
| link15 = Grey's Anatomy season 15#Ratings | episodes15 = 25 | start15 = {{Start date|2018|9|27}} | startrating15 = 6.81<ref name="15.01-15.02">{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Alex |date=September 28, 2018 |title='Grey's Anatomy,' 'Big Bang Theory,' and 'Thursday Night Football' adjust up: Thursday final ratings |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-sept-27-2018/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000531/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-sept-27-2018/ |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |access-date=September 28, 2018 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | end15 = {{End date|2019|5|16}} | endrating15 = 5.99<ref name="15.25">{{Cite web |last=Rejent |first=Joseph |date=May 17, 2019 |title='Paradise Hotel,' 'The Big Bang Theory' finale adjust up, 'Young Sheldon' adjusts down: Thursday final ratings |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-may-16-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517210539/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-may-16-2019/ |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2019 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | season15 = 2018–19 | rank15 = 27<ref name="season 15">{{Cite web |last=de Moraes |first=Lisa |date=May 21, 2019 |title=2018–19 TV Season Ratings: CBS Wraps 11th Season At No. 1 In Total Viewers, NBC Tops Demo; 'Big Bang Theory' Most Watched Series |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/tv-ratings-2018-2019-season-totals-viewers-demo-cbs-nbc-1202620062/ |access-date=May 22, 2019 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> | viewers15 = 9.87<ref name="season 15" /> | 18_49_rank15 = 8<ref name="season 15" /> | 18_49_rating15 =
| link16 = Grey's Anatomy season 16#Ratings | timeslot16 = Thursday 8:00 p.m. {{small|(1–9)}}<br />Thursday 9:00 p.m. {{small|(10–21)}} | episodes16 = 21 | start16 = {{Start date|2019|9|26}} | startrating16 = 6.51<ref name="16.01">{{Cite web |last=Rejent |first=Joseph |date=September 27, 2019 |title='Young Sheldon' adjusts up, 'A Million Little Things' and 'Evil' adjust down: Thursday final ratings |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-september-26-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928002630/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-september-26-2019/ |archive-date=September 28, 2019 |access-date=September 27, 2019 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> | end16 = {{End date|2020|4|9}} | endrating16 = 7.33<ref name="16.21">{{Cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Mitch |date=April 10, 2020 |title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.9.2020 |url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-thursday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-9-2020.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410203211/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-thursday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-9-2020.html |archive-date=April 10, 2020 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |website=Showbuzz Daily}}</ref> | season16 = 2019–20 | rank16 = 22<ref name="season 16-rtg">{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=June 4, 2020 |title=TV Ratings: 7-Day Season Averages for Every 2019–20 Broadcast Series |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-7-day-season-averages-2019-20-broadcast-series-1297228/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605234104/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-7-day-season-averages-2019-20-broadcast-series-1297228 |archive-date=June 5, 2020 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> | viewers16 = 9.39<ref name="season 16-rtg" /> | 18_49_rank16 = 6<ref name="season 16-rtg" /> | 18_49_rating16 =
| link17 = Grey's Anatomy season 17#Ratings | timeslot17 = Thursday 9:00 p.m. | timeslot_length17 = 4 | episodes17 = 17 | start17 = {{Start date|2020|11|12}} | startrating17 = 5.93<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Mitch |author-link=Mitch Metcalf |date=November 13, 2020 |title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.12.2020 |url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-thursday-cable-originals-network-finals-11-12-2020.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113210905/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-thursday-cable-originals-network-finals-11-12-2020.html |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |access-date=November 13, 2020 |website=Showbuzz Daily}}</ref> | end17 = {{End date|2021|6|3}} | endrating17 = 4.76<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bauder |first=David |date=June 8, 2021 |title=Former president Trump returns as a diminished TV draw |url=https://apnews.com/article/tv-donald-trump-sports-entertainment-nba-35a372ff9ac66b7f2201afa42c33bf08 |access-date=June 8, 2021 |website=Associated Press}}</ref> | season17 = 2020–21 | rank17 = 19<ref name="season17">{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=June 8, 2021 |title=2020–21 TV Ratings: Complete 7-Day Ratings for Broadcast Network Series |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2020-21-tv-ratings-every-network-show-ranked-1234964854/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609002528/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2020-21-tv-ratings-every-network-show-ranked-1234964854/ |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> | viewers17 = 8.16<ref name="season17" /> | 18_49_rank17 = 5<ref name="season17" /> | 18_49_rating17 =
| link18 = Grey's Anatomy season 18#Ratings | episodes18 = 20 | start18 = {{Start date|2021|9|30}} | startrating18 = 4.77<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Mitch |author-link=Mitch Metcalf |date=October 4, 2021 |title=ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals: 9.30.2021 Updated |url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-9-30-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html |access-date=October 4, 2021 |website=Showbuzz Daily}}</ref> | end18 = {{End date|2022|5|26}} | endrating18 = 4.19<ref name="18.19-18.20">{{Cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Mitch |date=May 27, 2022 |title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Thursday 5.26.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED |url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-5-26-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=Showbuzz Daily}}</ref> | season18 = 2021–22 | rank18 = 34<ref name="Rankings22" /> | viewers18 = 6.42<ref name="Rankings22">{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=June 8, 2022 |title=2021–22 TV Ratings: Final Seven-Day Numbers for Every Network Series |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2021-22-tv-ratings-every-network-series-ranked-1235161738/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609001940/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2021-22-tv-ratings-every-network-series-ranked-1235161738/ |archive-date=June 9, 2022 |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> | 18_49_rank18 = 8<ref name="Rankings22" /> | 18_49_rating18 =
| link19 = Grey's Anatomy season 19#Ratings | episodes19 = 20 | start19 = {{Start date|2022|10|6}} | startrating19 = 3.80<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Mitch |date=October 7, 2022 |title=ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 10.6.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated |url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-10-6-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Showbuzz Daily}}</ref> | end19 = {{End date|2023|5|11}} | endrating19 = 3.02<ref name="19.20">{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-5-18-2023-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 5.18.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=May 19, 2023|access-date=May 19, 2023}}</ref> | season19 = 2022–23 | rank19 = 42<ref name="Rankings2023" /> | viewers19 = 5.21<ref name="Rankings2023">{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=June 7, 2023 |title=TV Ratings 2022-23: Final Seven-Day Averages for Every Network Series |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-2022-23-every-primetime-network-show-ranked-1235508593/ |access-date=September 14, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> | 18_49_rank19 = 16<ref name="Rankings2023" /> | 18_49_rating19 =
| link20 = Grey's Anatomy season 20#Ratings | episodes20 = 10 | start20 = {{Start date|2024|03|14}} | startrating20 = 3.62<ref name="20.01">{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-9-1-1-network-debut-and-season-premieres-of-greys-anatomy-and-station-19-lift-abc-to-key-demo-victory/|title=Thursday Ratings: '9-1-1' Network Debut and Season Premieres of 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Station 19' Lift ABC to Key Demo Victory|work=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=March 15, 2024|access-date=March 15, 2024}}</ref> | end20 = {{End date|2024|5|30}} | endrating20 = 3.48<ref name="20.10">{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-station-19-series-finale-on-abc-hits-season-high-in-total-viewers/|title=Thursday Ratings: 'Station 19' Series Finale on ABC Hits Season-High in Total Viewers|work=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=June 3, 2024|access-date=June 3, 2024}}</ref> | season20 = 2023–24 | rank20 = 42<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=2024-06-11 |title=TV Ratings 2023-24: Final Numbers for (Almost) Every Network Series |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-2023-24-primetime-network-show-rankings-1235919819/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> | viewers20 =4.90<ref name="auto"/> | 18_49_rank20 =14<ref name="auto"/> | 18_49_rating20 =
| link21 = Grey's Anatomy season 21#Ratings | timeslot21 = Thursday 10:00 p.m. | timeslot_length21 = 2 | episodes21 = 18 | start21 = {{Start date|2024|09|26}} | startrating21 = 2.70<ref name="21.01">{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-doctor-odyssey-embarks-on-decent-maiden-voyage-for-abc/|title=Thursday Ratings: 'Doctor Odyssey' Embarks on Decent Maiden Voyage for ABC|work=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=September 27, 2024|access-date=September 27, 2024}}</ref> | end21 = {{End date|2025|5|15}} | endrating21 = 2.28<ref name="21.18">{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-georgie-mandys-first-marriage-on-cbs-rises-in-season-finale/|title=Thursday Ratings: 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage' on CBS Rises in Season Finale|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=May 16, 2025|access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref> | season21 = 2024–25 | rank21 = 76<ref name="s21r">{{cite web|last=Schneider|first=Michael|title=100 Most-Watched TV Series of 2024-25 Across Streaming, Broadcast and Cable: 'Squid Game' Leads This Season's Rankers|url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/most-popular-tv-shows-2024-25-squid-game-adolescence-1236412566/|work=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529204141/https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/most-popular-tv-shows-2024-25-squid-game-adolescence-1236412566/|archive-date=May 29, 2025|language=en-US|date=May 29, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> | viewers21 = 6.90<ref name="s21r"/> | 18_49_rank21 = 15<ref>{{cite web|last=Porter|first=Rick|title=TV Ratings: The Final Numbers (Finally) for 2024-25's Top Network Shows (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/final-2024-25-network-tv-ratings-tracker-high-potential-1236312223/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711210702/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/final-2024-25-network-tv-ratings-tracker-high-potential-1236312223/|archive-date=July 11, 2025|language=en-US|date=July 11, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> | 18_49_rating21 =
| link22 = Grey's Anatomy season 22#Ratings | episodes22 = 18 | start22 = {{Start date|2025|10|9}} | startrating22 = 2.60<ref name="22.01">{{cite web|last1=Pucci|first1=Douglas|title=Thursday Ratings: '9-1-1: Nashville' on ABC Has Okay Debut|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-9-1-1-nashville-on-abc-has-okay-debut/|work=Programming Insider|date=October 10, 2025}}</ref> | end22 = | endrating22 = | season22 = 2025–26 | rank22 = | viewers22 = | 18_49_rank22 = | 18_49_rating22 = <!--Do not add anything regarding 22 until we have references to support the information-->}}
===Accolades=== {{main|List of awards and nominations received by Grey's Anatomy{{!}}List of awards and nominations received by ''Grey's Anatomy''}}
''Grey's Anatomy'' has received numerous awards and nominations since its inception. The show has been nominated for 39 Primetime Emmy Awards, having been nominated for at least one every year until 2013.<ref name="all" /> At the 57th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2005, Oh was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, which she went on to be nominated for every year until 2009, and Horton was nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.<ref name="all" /> The following year, at the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards, the series received a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, which they were nominated for again in 2007.<ref name="all" /> Also in 2006, Wilson was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, which she went on to be nominated for every year until 2009, and Kyle Chandler was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.<ref name="all" /> The 58th ceremony also honored Rhimes and Vernoff, who were both nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.<ref name="all" /> Rhimes, whose career kicked off in 1995, has since produced yet another ABC series, ''Scandal'', which began on air in 2012 and ended in 2019. Beginning in 2005, Rhimes has been continually nominated for numerous awards, including 3 Emmy Awards: first in 2006 for a dramatic series and a separate nomination for writing a dramatic series, followed by a third nomination in 2007 for a dramatic series.<ref name="all" />
[[File:Katherine Heigl LF adjust.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.75|Katherine Heigl is the only star-billed cast member to have received a Primetime Emmy Award|alt= A photo of Katherine Heigl in 2008.]] In 2007, at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards, Heigl won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, while Knight was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.<ref name="all" /> Numerous guest actresses have been nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, including Burton in 2006 and 2007, Christina Ricci in 2006, Reaser in 2007, Diahann Carroll in 2008, and Sharon Lawrence in 2009, but the only actress to have won the award is Devine in 2011, who was nominated again in 2012.<ref name="all" /> The show has also been nominated for 13 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, having won 2 of them: Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series and Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)<ref name="all" />
The show has received 10 Golden Globe Award nominations since its premiere. At the 63rd Golden Globe Awards, in 2006, the series was nominated for Best Drama Series,<ref name="2005ggnoms">{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2005 |title=63rd Golden Globe Awards Nominations |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/blog/2005/12/63rd-golden-globe-awards-nominations/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527221853/http://www.goldenglobes.org/blog/2005/12/63rd-golden-globe-awards-nominations/ |archive-date=May 27, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2012 |website=Golden Globe Awards |publisher=Hollywood Foreign Press Association}}</ref> Dempsey was nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series,<ref name=2005ggnoms/> which he was nominated for again in 2007,<ref name="2006ggnoms">{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2006 |title=64th Golden Globe Awards Nominations |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/blog/2006/12/64th-golden-globe-awards-nominations/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225044943/http://www.goldenglobes.org/blog/2006/12/64th-golden-globe-awards-nominations/ |archive-date=February 25, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2012 |website=Golden Globe Awards |publisher=Hollywood Foreign Press Association}}</ref> and Oh won the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film.<ref name="2005ggwins">{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2006 |title=63rd Golden Globe Award Winners |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/blog/2006/01/63rd-golden-globe-award-winners/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415111657/http://www.goldenglobes.org/blog/2006/01/63rd-golden-globe-award-winners/ |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2012 |website=Golden Globe Awards |publisher=Hollywood Foreign Press Association}}</ref> The following year, at the 64th Golden Globe Awards, in 2007, Pompeo was nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series,<ref name=2006ggnoms/> and the show won Best Drama Series.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 9, 2007 |title=List of Golden Globe Nominees and Winners |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/ref/movies/GoldenGlobesList.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616215851/http://www.nytimes.com/ref/movies/GoldenGlobesList.html |archive-date=June 16, 2013}}</ref> At the 65th Golden Globe Awards, in 2008, Heigl was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film,<ref name="2007ggnomsandwins">{{Cite news |date=December 13, 2007 |title=List of Golden Globe Nominees and Winners |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/13/movies/awardsseason/14globlist.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605051002/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/13/movies/awardsseason/14globlist.html |archive-date=June 5, 2015}}</ref> while the series in whole was nominated for Best Drama Series.<ref name=2007ggnomsandwins/>
The series has won People's Choice Awards for Best Drama 5 times in 2007, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 and has been nominated for several other People's Choice Awards, with nominations received by Oh<ref name="ohpeoplechoice">{{Cite web |title=People's Choice Awards Nominees and Winners: 2011 |url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715063438/http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2011 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=May 23, 2012 |website=People's Choice Awards |publisher=Procter & Gamble}}</ref> as well as multiple wins from Dempsey,<ref name="dempseypplwin">{{Cite web |title=People's Choice Awards Nominees and Winners: 2008 |url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114163012/http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2008 |archive-date=January 14, 2011 |access-date=May 23, 2012 |website=People's Choice Awards |publisher=Procter & Gamble}}</ref> Pompeo winning in recent years 2013 and 2015,<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=The People's Choice Awards nominees |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/11/15/peoples-choice-awards-nominees-2013/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120093211/http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/11/15/peoples-choice-awards-nominees-2013/?cnn=yes |archive-date=November 20, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=People's Choice Awards 2015: Full List Of Nominees |url=http://blog.peopleschoice.com/2014/11/04/peoples-choice-awards-2015-nominees-full-list/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108093946/http://blog.peopleschoice.com/2014/11/04/peoples-choice-awards-2015-nominees-full-list/ |archive-date=November 8, 2014 |access-date=March 18, 2015 |website=peopleschoice.com}}</ref> Heigl,<ref name=dempseypplwin/> Wilson,<ref name=dempseypplwin/> Demi Lovato,<ref name=ohpeoplechoice/> for guest starring, and the drama in whole for Favorite TV Drama.<ref name="seriespplchoice">{{Cite web |title=People's Choice Awards Nominees and Winners: 2007 |url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516185556/http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2007 |archive-date=May 16, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2012 |website=People's Choice Awards |publisher=Procter & Gamble}}</ref> In 2007, Rhimes and the female cast were the recipient of the Women in Film Lucy Award, in recognition of the excellence and innovation in the show as a creative work that has enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Past Recipients |url=http://wif.org/past-recipients |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724120329/http://www.wif.org/past-recipients |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2011 |website=Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards |publisher=Women in Film and Television International}}</ref> The series has been honored with numerous NAACP Image Award nominations, many having been won, including 5 awards for Outstanding Drama Series.<ref name="odsn">{{Cite web |title=The 42nd NAACP Image Awards – Television |url=http://www.naacpimageawards.net/42/winners-and-honorees/television/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625093121/http://www.naacpimageawards.net/42/winners-and-honorees/television/ |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=June 29, 2012 |website=NAACP Image Awards |publisher=National Association for the Advancement of Colored People}}</ref> ''Grey's Anatomy'' has also received several Screen Actors Guild Awards, with nominations received by Dempsey, as well as wins from Oh,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards |url=http://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/12th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930172653/http://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/12th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |website=Screen Actors Guild Awards |publisher=Screen Actors Guild}}</ref> Wilson,<ref name="WilsonSAG">{{Cite web |title=The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards |url=http://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/13th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930172723/http://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/13th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |website=Screen Actors Guild Awards |publisher=Screen Actors Guild}}</ref> and the main cast for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.<ref name=WilsonSAG/> The series won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2012, and has received nominations for 8 consecutive years from 2010 to 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: Awards |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413573/awards/ |website=IMDb |access-date=19 March 2024}}</ref>
== Spin-offs and adaptations ==
''Grey's Anatomy'' has spawned several spin-offs and adaptations.
===''Private Practice''=== {{Main|Private Practice (TV series){{!}}''Private Practice'' (TV series)}}
[[File:Kate Walsh 2011 crop.jpg|upright=0.75|right|thumb|The cast of ''Grey's Anatomy'' was displeased with the network's decision to center the spin-off on Kate Walsh's character.|alt=Kate Walsh smiling at the camera in a blue dress]] On February 21, 2007, ''The Wall Street Journal'' reported that ABC was pursuing a spin-off medical drama television series for ''Grey's Anatomy'' featuring Walsh's character, Addison Montgomery.<ref name="WSJ spinoff article" /> Subsequent reports confirmed the decision, stating that an expanded two-hour broadcast of ''Grey's Anatomy'' would serve as a backdoor pilot for the proposed spin-off. The cast of ''Grey's Anatomy'' was reportedly unhappy about the decision, as all hoped the spin-off would have been given to them. Pompeo commented that she felt, as the star, she should have been consulted,<ref name="PPA">{{Cite web |last=Walls |first=Jeannette |date=March 7, 2007 |title='Grey's Anatomy' stars fuming over spinoff |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/greys-anatomy-stars-fuming-over-spinoff-wbna17031910 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424235125/https://www.today.com/popculture/greys-anatomy-stars-fuming-over-spinoff-wbna17031910 |archive-date=April 24, 2017 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=Today}}</ref> and Heigl disclosed that she had hoped for a spin-off for Stevens.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Keck |first1=William |last2=Wloszczyna, Susan |date=May 21, 2007 |title=Katherine Heigl positively glows |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-05-20-katherine-heigl_N.htm |url-status=live |access-date=May 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523061049/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-05-20-katherine-heigl_N.htm |archive-date=May 23, 2007}}</ref> The backdoor pilot that aired on May 3, 2007, sees Montgomery take a leave of absence from Seattle Grace Hospital, to visit her best-friend from Los Angeles, Naomi Bennett (Merrin Dungey, later Audra McDonald), a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist. While in Los Angeles, she meets Bennett's colleagues at the Oceanside Wellness Center.<ref name=ByeSusan/> The two-hour broadcast entitled "The Other Side of This Life" served as the twenty-second and twenty-third episodes of the third season, and was directed by Michael Grossman, according to ''Variety''.<ref name="spinoff director">{{Cite news |last=Adalian |first=Josef |date=February 26, 2007 |title=Director set for 'Grey's' spinoff |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/director-set-for-grey-s-spinoff-1117960151/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112140327/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117960151?refCatId=1300 |archive-date=November 12, 2012}}</ref> The cast included Amy Brenneman, Paul Adelstein, Tim Daly, Taye Diggs, Chris Lowell, and Merrin Dungey.<ref name="OSOTL">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Season 3, Episode Recap: 'The Other Side of This Life' |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-detail/the-other-side-of-this-life/89767 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023213020/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-detail/the-other-side-of-this-life/89767 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=July 15, 2012 |website=Grey's Anatomy |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref>
KaDee Strickland's character, Charlotte King, who would be introduced in the spin-off's first-season premiere, did not appear in the backdoor pilot. Her addition to the main cast was announced on July 11, 2007, prior to the commencement of the first season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=July 11, 2007 |title=Breaking Grey's/Private Practice Casting News! |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/breaking-greysprivate-practice-8191/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110185034/http://www.tvguide.com/news/breaking-greysprivate-practice-8191/ |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> She did not have to audition for the role, but was cast after a meeting with Rhimes.<ref name="TV">{{Cite web |last=Meltzer Zepeda |first=Dana |date=September 21, 2007 |title=Private Practice Preview: Hail to the New Chief (of Staff) |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/private-practice-strickland-37819/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110185033/http://www.tvguide.com/news/private-practice-strickland-37819/ |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> Also not present in the backdoor pilot was McDonald, due to her character, Naomi Bennett, being portrayed by a different actress, Merrin Dungey. However, on June 29, 2007, ABC announced that Dungey would be replaced, with no reason given for the change.<ref name="recast">{{Cite news |date=June 29, 2007 |title='Private Practice' Recast: Merrin Dungey out, Audra McDonald in, on the 'Grey's Anatomy' spinoff |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2007/06/greys-spinoff-c.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205191541/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2007/06/greys-spinoff-c.html |archive-date=February 5, 2012}}</ref> The drama was titled ''Private Practice'', and its premiere episode followed the second part of the season debut of ''Dancing with the Stars'', and provided a lead-in to fellow freshman series ''Dirty Sexy Money''. ''Pushing Daisies'', a third new series for the evening, rounded out the lineup as a lead-in to ''Private Practice''.<ref name="pp lineup">{{Cite web |title=ABC 2007–08 Primetime Schedule |url=http://abcmedianet.com/specials/upfront07/docs/upfront07.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324215811/http://abcmedianet.com/specials/upfront07/docs/upfront07.pdf |archive-date=March 24, 2009 |access-date=December 5, 2011 |website=Medianet |publisher=American Broadcasting Company}}</ref> The series ended its run on January 22, 2013, after 6 seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Private Practice Season 6 Catch Up |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/private-practice/private-practice-season-6-catch-up |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927230318/http://abc.go.com/shows/private-practice/private-practice-season-6-catch-up |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |access-date=October 18, 2012 |website=Private Practice Show Page |publisher=ABC.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hughes |first=Jason |date=January 23, 2013 |title='Private Practice' Finale: Weddings, Books And Happy Endings For Everyone (VIDEO) |work=HuffPost |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/private-practice-finale-endings-video_n_2531358 |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126141238/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/23/private-practice-finale-endings-video_n_2531358.html |archive-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref>
===''Station 19''=== {{Main|Station 19{{!}}''Station 19''}}
On May 16, 2017, Channing Dungey announced at the ABC Upfronts that the network ordered another ''Grey's Anatomy'' spin-off, this one focusing on firefighters in Seattle. The series premiered mid-season in 2018. Stacy McKee, long-term ''Grey's'' writer and executive producer, serves as the spin-off's showrunner.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=May 16, 2017 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Spinoff Lands Straight to Series Order From ABC |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/greys-anatomy-spinoff-abc-series-order-1202428886/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517162858/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/greys-anatomy-spinoff-abc-series-order-1202428886/ |archive-date=May 17, 2017}}</ref> The new show was introduced Season 14, Episode 13, when a house fire brings the firefighters to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. In July 2017, it was announced that Jaina Lee Ortiz was the first actress cast in the spin-off series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roots |first=Kimberly |date=July 26, 2017 |title=Grey's Anatomy Spinoff Casts Rosewood's Jaina Lee Ortiz |work=TVLine |url=http://tvline.com/2017/07/26/greys-anatomy-spinoff-jaina-lee-ortiz-cast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016014716/http://tvline.com/2017/07/26/greys-anatomy-spinoff-jaina-lee-ortiz-cast/ |archive-date=October 16, 2017}}</ref> In September 2017, it was announced that Jason George, who has played Dr. Ben Warren since season 6, would be leaving ''Grey's Anatomy'' to move to the spin-off. He continued to be a series regular on ''Grey's Anatomy'' until the spin-off began production.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemetz |first=Dave |date=September 12, 2017 |title=Grey's Anatomy: Jason George Jumps to Firefighter Spinoff as Series Regular |work=TVLine |url=https://tvline.com/2017/09/12/greys-anatomy-jason-george-firefighter-spinoff-abc-series-regular/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128111857/https://tvline.com/2017/09/12/greys-anatomy-jason-george-firefighter-spinoff-abc-series-regular/ |archive-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> In October 2017, it was announced that 5 new series regulars for the spin-off had been cast being Grey Damon, Jay Hayden, Okieriete Onaodowan, Danielle Savre and Barrett Doss. It was also announced that the spin-off had a 10-episode order for the first season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=October 6, 2017 |title=Grey's Anatomy Spinoff: Grey Damon, The Catch Star Among Five New Hires |work=TVLine |url=http://tvline.com/2017/10/06/greys-anatomy-spinoff-grey-damon-cast-abc-firefighters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102014639/http://tvline.com/2017/10/06/greys-anatomy-spinoff-grey-damon-cast-abc-firefighters/ |archive-date=November 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=October 6, 2017 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Spinoff: Grey Damon, Okieriete Onaodowan, Danielle Savre & Barrett Doss Cast In Shondaland Series |url=https://deadline.com/2017/10/greys-anatomy-spinoff-grey-damon-okieriete-onaodowan-danielle-savre-barrett-doss-cast-shondaland-series-1202183494/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020022210/http://deadline.com/2017/10/greys-anatomy-spinoff-grey-damon-okieriete-onaodowan-danielle-savre-barrett-doss-cast-shondaland-series-1202183494/ |archive-date=October 20, 2017}}</ref> Later in October 2017, it was announced that Miguel Sandoval was cast as the Captain of the firehouse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=October 11, 2017 |title=Grey's Spinoff: Miguel Sandoval Joins Firefighter Drama as Captain |work=TVLine |url=http://tvline.com/2017/10/11/greys-anatomy-spinoff-miguel-sandoval-cast-captain-pruitt/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016070045/http://tvline.com/2017/10/11/greys-anatomy-spinoff-miguel-sandoval-cast-captain-pruitt/ |archive-date=October 16, 2017}}</ref>
===''Grey's Anatomy: B-Team''=== On January 9, 2018, it was announced by Sarah Drew on her Instagram page that a 6-episode spin-off series following the new interns of Grey Sloan Memorial would be released for streaming on the ABC app and ''abc.com'' on Thursday, January 11, 2018. ''Grey's Anatomy: B-Team'' stars Sophia Taylor Ali (Dahlia Qadri), Jake Borelli (Levi Schmitt), Alex Blue Davis (Casey Parker), Jaicy Elliot (Taryn Helm), Rushi Kota (Vik Roy) and Jeanine Mason (Samantha "Sam" Bello) with special guest appearances made by Justin Chambers (Alex Karev), Kelly McCreary (Maggie Pierce), Kevin McKidd (Owen Hunt) and James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webber). The 6 episodes in this series were written by Barbara Kaye Friend with ''Grey's Anatomy'' series regular Sarah Drew (April Kepner) making her directorial debut directing each of them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corinthios, Aurelie |date=January 9, 2018 |title=''Grey's Anatomy'' Web Series Follows Latest Batch of Newbie Doctors: Meet the ''B-Team'' |url=http://people.com/tv/greys-anatomy-web-series-b-team/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109194634/http://people.com/tv/greys-anatomy-web-series-b-team/ |archive-date=January 9, 2018 |magazine=People}}</ref>
===Untitled Texas spinoff=== On May 19, 2026, ABC ordered a new spinoff that will be set in Texas. It is slated to premiere in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title='Grey’s Anatomy' Texas Spinoff Ordered By ABC With Shonda Rhimes & Meg Marinis As Co-Creators |url=https://deadline.com/2026/05/greys-anatomy-texas-spinoff-abc-1236915047/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260519155418/https://deadline.com/2026/05/greys-anatomy-texas-spinoff-abc-1236915047/ |archive-date=May 19, 2026 |language=en-US |date=May 19, 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Crossovers=== ''Grey's Anatomy'' has several crossover storylines with both spin-offs ''Private Practice'' and ''Station 19'' throughout its run. {| class="wikitable" |+ List of ''Grey's Anatomy'' crossover events |- ! Series A ! Episode title ! Series B ! Episode title ! Air date ! Crossover type |- | rowspan="7" style="background:#87CEFA;"|''Grey's Anatomy'' | "The Other Side of This Life" | rowspan="4" style="background:#F167B7;"|''Private Practice'' | "The Other Side of This Life" | {{Start date|2007|05|03}} | Backdoor pilot |- | "Before and After" | "Ex-Life" | {{Start date|2009|02|12}} | rowspan="3" |Two-part event |- | "Blink" | "Another Second Chance" | {{Start date|2010|01|14}} |- | "Have You Seen Me Lately?" | "You Break My Heart" | {{Start date|2012|02|16}} |- | "You Really Got a Hold on Me" | rowspan="3" style="background:#5bc0de;"|''Station 19'' | "You Really Got a Hold on Me" | {{Start date|2018|03|01}} | Backdoor pilot |- | "Momma Knows Best" | "Under the Surface" | {{Start date|2018|10|11}} | rowspan="3"|Two-part event |- | "What I Did for Love" | "Always Ready" | {{Start date|2019|05|02}} |- | rowspan="12" style="background:#5bc0de;" |''Station 19'' | "I Know This Bar" | rowspan="12" style="background:#87CEFA;" |''Grey's Anatomy'' | "Help Me Through the Night" | {{Start date|2020|01|23}} |- | rowspan="2"|"Nothing Seems the Same" | "All Tomorrow's Parties" | rowspan="2"|{{Start date|2020|11|12}} | rowspan="2"|Three-part event |- | "The Center Won't Hold" |- | "Out of Control" | "No Time for Despair" | {{Start date|2020|12|17}} | rowspan="2" |Four-part event |- | "Train in Vain" | "Helplessly Hoping" | {{Start date|2021|3|11}} |- | "Save Yourself" | "Sorry Doesn't Always Make It Right" | {{Start date|2021|4|8}} | rowspan="5" |Two-part event |- | "Phoenix from the Flame" | "Here Comes the Sun" | {{Start date|2021|9|30}} |- | "Things We Lost in the Fire" | "Bottle Up and Explode!" | {{Start date|2021|11|11}} |- | "Started from the Bottom" | "No Time to Die" | {{Start date|2022|2|24}} |- | "Everybody Says Don't" | "Thunderstruck" | {{Start date|2022|11|10}} |- |"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" | |May 23, 2024 | rowspan="2" |Three-part event. |- |"One Last Time" |"Burn It Down" |May 30, 2024 |}
===International adaptations=== In 2006, ''Doktorlar'' ("Doctors"), an adaptation of the series, was made by the Turkish network Show TV. It aired for 4 seasons.
In 2010, ''A Corazón Abierto'' ("An Open Heart"), an adaptation of the series, was made by the Colombian network RCN TV. It aired for 2 seasons.
In 2011, ''A Corazón Abierto'' ("An Open Heart"), an adaptation of the series, was made by the Mexican network TV Azteca. It aired for 2 seasons.
==Merchandise== [[File:Sandra Oh 2016.jpg|upright=0.75|right|thumb|''Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game'' includes a plot focused around Cristina Yang, Sandra Oh's character.|alt=Sandra Oh smiling at the camera wearing sunglasses]]
The American Broadcasting Company has partnered with J. Larson CafePress and Barco Uniforms to provide the series' branded merchandise through an online store. The products available include shirts, sweatshirts, kitchenware, homeware, and bags, with the ''Grey's Anatomy'' logo on it.{{Ref label|E|e|e}} Also available are custom unisex scrubs and lab coats in a variety of colors and sizes, designed by Barco.<ref name="GASNA">{{Cite web |date=February 9, 2011 |title='Grey's Anatomy' Scrubs Now Available Online Through a Strategic Collaboration Between ABC Entertainment Group, Barco Uniforms and CafePress |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2011/02/09/greys-anatomy-scrubs-now-available-online-through-a-strategic-collaboration-between-abc-entertainment-group-barco-uniforms-and-cafepress-301010/20110209abc02/ |access-date=May 27, 2012 |publisher=The Futon Critic}}</ref> The merchandise released by the company is available for purchase at the ''Grey's Anatomy'' official website, and US$1 from every purchase is donated to Barco's Nightingales Foundation.<ref name="BNF">{{Cite news |date=February 9, 2011 |title=Grey's Anatomy Scrubs Now Available Online Through a Strategic Collaboration Between ABC Entertainment Group, Barco |work=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters Corporation |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/09/idUS255635+09-Feb-2011+MW20110209 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021214700/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/09/idUS255635+09-Feb-2011+MW20110209 |archive-date=October 21, 2012}}</ref>
Five volumes of the ''Grey's Anatomy Original Soundtrack'' have been released {{as of|2011|lc=y}}. For the first 2 seasons, the show's main title theme was an excerpt from "Cosy in the Rocket", by British duo Psapp; it is featured on the first soundtrack album released via ABC's corporate cousin, Hollywood Records, on September 27, 2005. The second soundtrack, featuring songs from the series' second season, was released on September 12, 2006,<ref name="volume2 strack">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack Volume 2 |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013AWSYC |access-date=December 5, 2011 |website=Amazon}}</ref> followed by a third soundtrack with music from the third season.<ref name="vol3 strack">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack Volume 3 |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013AV17M |access-date=December 5, 2011 |website=Amazon}}</ref> Following the seventh season musical episode "Song Beneath the Song", "''Grey's Anatomy: The Music Event''" soundtrack was released,<ref name="music event">{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2011 |title=Grey's Anatomy: The Music Event |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/greys-anatomy-the-music-event/427255124 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430092628/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/greys-anatomy-the-music-event/id427255124 |archive-date=April 30, 2012 |access-date=July 17, 2012 |website=iTunes |publisher=Apple}}</ref> with volume 4 of the soundtrack released subsequently.<ref name="vol4 soundtrack">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack Volume 4 |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JV51YA |access-date=December 5, 2011 |website=Amazon}}</ref>
In January 2009, Ubisoft announced that it had signed a licensing agreement with ABC Studios to develop a video game based on ''Grey's Anatomy''.<ref name="GATVGA">{{Cite web |last=Faylor |first=Chris |date=January 7, 2009 |title=Ubisoft Announces Grey's Anatomy Video Game |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/56639/ubisoft-announces-greys-anatomy-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209130240/http://www.shacknews.com/article/56639/ubisoft-announces-greys-anatomy-video |archive-date=December 9, 2012 |access-date=June 6, 2012 |website=Shacknews |publisher=GameFly, Inc}}</ref> Designed for the Wii, Nintendo DS and PC, ''Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game'' was released on March 10, 2009.<ref name="GATVGRD">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game |url=https://www.ign.com/games/greys-anatomy-the-video-game/pc-14302519 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711042534/http://www.ign.com/games/greys-anatomy-the-video-game/pc-14302519 |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |access-date=June 6, 2012 |website=IGN |publisher=News Corporation}}</ref> The game lets the player assume the role of one of the main characters, making decisions for the character's personal and professional life, and competing in a number of minigames.<ref name="video game review" /> It has been criticized by reviewers because of the simplicity of the mini-games and voice actors who do not play the same characters on the series, with Jason Ocampo of ''IGN'' giving it a 6/10 overall rating.<ref name="video game review">{{Cite web |last=Ocampo |first=Jason |date=March 12, 2009 |title=Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/12/greys-anatomy-the-video-game-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322041811/http://pc.ign.com/articles/961/961510p1.html |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=IGN}}</ref> The Wii release received mixed reviews,<ref name="MCWII">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game for Wii Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/greys-anatomy-the-video-game/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113074929/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/greys-anatomy-the-video-game |archive-date=November 13, 2015 |access-date=October 29, 2014 |publisher=Metacritic}}</ref> and the Windows release received generally unfavorable reviews.<ref name="MCPC">{{Cite web |title=Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game for PC |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/greys-anatomy-the-video-game/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419183009/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/greys-anatomy-the-video-game |archive-date=April 19, 2014 |access-date=October 29, 2014 |publisher=Metacritic}}</ref>
ABC and Nielsen partnered in 2011 to create a ''Grey{{'s}} Anatomy'' application for Apple's iPad. The application was designed to allow viewers to participate in polls and learn trivial facts as they watch a live episode. It uses Nielsen's Media-Sync software to listen for the episode and to post features as the episode progresses.<ref name="cnn">{{Cite news |last=Gross, Doug |date=February 1, 2011 |title='Grey's Anatomy' gets a real-time iPad app |work=CNN Tech |publisher=Cable News Network |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/01/31/greys.anatomy.interactive/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916021905/http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/01/31/greys.anatomy.interactive/index.html |archive-date=September 16, 2012}}</ref>
The creators of the show set up a real online wedding registry to mark the wedding of Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd. Instead of buying gifts fans were encouraged to donate money to the American Academy of Neurology Foundation.<ref>{{Cite journal |year=2009 |title=Grey's Anatomy |journal=Nature Medicine |volume=15 |page=590 |doi=10.1038/nm0609-590 |s2cid=5115728 |issn = 1078-8956}}</ref>
== See also == * {{Portal inline|Television}} * {{Portal inline|United States}}
== Explanatory footnotes == {{Notelist}} {{Refbegin|}} * {{Note label|A|a|a}}Pompeo starred as the leading role in ''Moonlight Mile'', which explains the significance of her being cast as Meredith.<ref name="MMC1">{{Cite web |title=Moonlight Mile: Cast & Details |url=http://movies.tvguide.com/moonlight-mile/cast/136260 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210202457/http://movies.tvguide.com/moonlight-mile/cast/136260 |archive-date=December 10, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> * {{Note label|B|b|b}}The character of O'Malley failed his intern test, which is why he was not initially a resident along with Meredith, Yang, Stevens and Karev.<ref name=DWAHIA/> * {{Note label|C|c|c}}Meredith and Shepherd had decided to adopt, due to Meredith's infertility, which was diagnosed in season 7.<ref name="CFB">{{Cite episode |title=Can't Fight Biology |series=Grey's Anatomy |network=American Broadcasting Company |date=October 14, 2010 |season=7 |number=4 |credits=Writer: Nowalk, Peter. Director: Ornelas, Edward}}</ref> * {{Note label|D|d|d}}The ''Chicago Tribune'' list is not ranked—it consists of 10 shows in alphabetical order. * {{Note label|E|e|e}}The ''Grey's Anatomy'' logo can be seen in the infobox, above. {{Refend}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==Further reading== {{refbegin}} * {{Cite book |last1=Burkhead |first1=Cynthia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z2ULAQAAMAAJ |title=Grace under Pressure: Grey's Anatomy Uncovered |last2=Robson |first2=Hillary |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |year=2008 |isbn=978-1847185341}} * {{Cite book |last1=Van Dusen |first1=Chris |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DeJQ8IwuMYUC&q=grey's+anatomy |title=Grey's Anatomy: Overheard at the Emerald City Bar |last2=McKee, Stacy |publisher=Hyperion Books |year=2006 |isbn=1401308821}} * {{Cite book |last=Wilson |first=Leah |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8gSZiiX4Je0C&q=grey's+anatomy |title=Grey's Anatomy 101: Seattle Grace, Unauthorized |publisher=BenBella Books |year=2007 |isbn=978-1933771144}} {{refend}}
==External links== {{Sister project links|display=''Grey's Anatomy''|wikt=no|s=no|b=no|species=no}} * {{official website}} at ABC.com * {{IMDb title}} * {{Epguides|GreysAnatomy}}
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