On March 27, 2005, the first episode of Grey’s Anatomy aired on television, and on March 14, 2024, the first episode of the 20th season aired. The show, written by Shonda Rhimes, has survived 20 seasons, 19 years, a global pandemic, writers and actors strikes, and countless moments of heartbreak for viewers.
On a recent podcast, actress Caterina Scoresone, who plays Amelia Shepherd, said, “Through the 20 years there’s been so much intense, intense tragedy, and I think that the way people survive… is by learning how to create a positive relationship with grief.”
As someone watching the series for the first time, I can definitely understand how grief plays an integral part in telling the story of these characters. Every character has had at least one experience so far that allows them to work through some kind of grief. Whether that grief is from losing a partner, a parent, a child, or themselves, each character has been given the space to grieve openly.
Watching characters have open, raw emotional moments can better allow viewers to express themselves openly in their everyday lives. The difficult relationships and resulting character responses expressed make them relatable and comforting.
The show also has multiple spin-offs that introduce characters and their backstories. For example, Addison leaves after season three and Amelia Shepherd is introduced in “Private Practice.” The spin-offs and shows like “Station 19” allow fans to have more content to enjoy and relate more deeply to their favorite characters.
Shows like this also allow people to see parts of their lives represented right in front of them. Characters like Izzie and Amelia who get sick, characters like Meredith who have familial and mental health issues, and LGBTQ+ representation with characters like Callie, Arizona, and Kai; all of these examples in Grey’s Anatomy reflect society’s lived experiences.
In season five, Grey’s Anatomy introduced Pediatric Surgeon Arizona Robbins. This character would go on to be one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ series regulars on primetime television and serve as an inspiration to many young viewers. Having representation in such a popular TV show is not only inspirational but elements like this helps the show to be relevant.
Grey’s Anatomy holds itself together through the relationships built between its characters and its viewers. These relationships have allowed the show to stay relevant and popular, making room for the newer seasons and the ones to come along. Seasons 1-19 of the series are available on Netflix as well as every episode being available on Hulu. New episodes of Season 20 premiere on Thursdays on ABC.
Hi I'm Ruby, I am a Senior here at OHS and it is my second year on staff. My activities here at the school include Choir, Rho Kappa, BIONIC, and Youth and Government
so true, love it