Grey’s Anatomy is one of the most popular and well-liked shows of the 21st century. Whether you watch it or not, you probably know somebody who does. 

Many would probably say, on average, a show runs anywhere from two to eight seasons. Maybe ten, pushing it. Grey’s Anatomy has completed 16 seasons, with a 17th currently airing every Thursday night on ABC. 

Several people I know do not understand why so much hype is focused on the show. Until very recently, I found it hard to believe that a show could continuously stay good for that long of a time. 

To be fair, however, I knew nothing about the show before I started watching it in the fall. I only knew it was a medical drama on ABC and that it was the longest-running medical drama in American television history. I knew it was about doctors who worked in a top hospital. Honestly, though, I thought the “drama” part of it was how stressful their job was. I had no idea how much romance and relationships tied into the show. 

It seems like every character, lead or not, has some sort of a relationship at some point during the show. It also seems like they all go through trauma themselves. Not to spoil anything, but the five original leads all end up in OR on the operating table at one point in emergency surgery. They are not always lifesavers, and the producers do an excellent job of portraying both sides of the story. The romance kick just adds a bit extra.

However, one thing that bugs me is the constant turnover of characters. I cannot ever get hooked on or fall in love with a character because, sooner or later, they will get killed off. I am currently on season ten and have lost three of my favorite characters.

I once saw on Twitter that someone had tweeted out to Ellen Pompeo (the lead actress who plays Meredith Grey), joking with her about toying with the viewer’s emotions. Pompeo responded with “Sorry! It is my job.” 

Even though Grey’s Anatomy is just a TV drama, it has run for so long to the point where the audience grows attached. The actors who have been there for so long have bonded with their characters, and the newer actors want to live up to the show’s expectations when they get cast for their roles. I honestly think that is why the show is still one of the top ones to watch.

My sister was the one who got me to watch the show. She bugged me about it for months, and I finally gave in. One thing about watching a show with my sister is that, when she gets ahead of you, she spoils it all. Even though I am only on season ten, I know pretty much all of the major events that happen up to the episode that aired last week (season 17 episode 4). I will say, even though I have not seen it yet, that what they are able to do is very moving.

This 17th season is unique. The writers are pulling COVID-19 into the plot and making it the focus of the show. One of the lead characters is in the ICU after contracting COVID-19.  They are trying to bring awareness to the dangers of the virus and the importance of wearing a mask. 

I think this is so moving for many people solely because the show has been around for so long. For many, they have grown up watching the show since it started, and seeing the cast and crew connect with their audience through a modern crisis is very impressive to me. I think only top shows can achieve a goal as big as this. 

Watching the show from start to finish, you can see how it evolves as we do. When it premiered in 2005, all the actors had flip phones and paper charts. Now, everything is much more technologically advanced. All cast members have iPhones, everything is electronic, and they are even 3D-printing organs.

It takes a talented group of actors, writers, and producers to create a good show, and I find it hard to believe that a show can stay good past ten years of running. However, Grey’s Anatomy is past 15 years, and it still continues to surprise, entertain, and enlighten audiences.