A Rundown of the Best and Worst ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Episodes

The end of an era: 19 seasons, 407 episodes, and tons of deaths later, “Grey’s Anatomy” upholds its legacy as the longest-running scripted prime-time show on ABC. The show has accumulated viewers spanning generations from Boomers to GenZ, and often brings contemporary issues to light. The characters have endured tragedy after tragedy, but there’s no saying whether the show will survive after its main character Meredith Grey’s (Ellen Pompeo) exit.

From plane crashes to drowning, Meredith has endured an ungodly amount of traumatic experiences. To commemorate Meredith’s exit in the season 19 midseason premiere, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best, and of course most traumatizing, “Grey’s Anatomy” episodes.

Spoilers incoming!

10. “Drowning on Dry Land” (Season 3, Episode 16)

This episode captures the essence of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Even as the interns are put to the test after a terrible ferry accident and Meredith toes the line between life and death, the relationships (both romantic and friendly) between characters remain at the forefront of the episode.

9. “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” (Season 14, Episode 7)

The 300th episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” is a walk down memory lane. Scenes with the new interns parallel those from the early seasons and we are met with flashbacks and commemorations of all of the characters that have left the show. This episode is filled with full-circle moments which are a treat for long-time viewers.

8. “Fight the Power” (Season 17, Episode 5)

“Grey’s Anatomy” is known for tackling important issues throughout its episodes. This episode, set in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and rising racial tensions, confronts systemic racism with observations on the disproportionate number of Black or brown Covid patients. Viewers are also given a look into Miranda Bailey’s (Chandra Wilson) personal struggles with her mother’s sudden passing, and the heartfelt moment that she shares with Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) is priceless. The episode comes to a close with a voice-over honoring the memory of Covid-19 victims.

7. “Losing My Religion” (Season 2, Episode 27)

Denny Duquette Jr. (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) quickly became a favorite for viewers after his introduction in season 2, and his proposal to Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) gave the audience hope for a happily ever after. But as “Grey’s Anatomy” goes, there can’t be any happy endings when “Chasing Cars” starts playing. The episode hits us with two devastating deaths.

6. “Song Beneath the Song” (Season 7, Episode 18)

The musical episode that controversially split viewers into fans and critics is a must-watch. The show’s cast boasts several Broadway veterans and Tony award-winning actors, such as Sara Ramirez (playing Callie Torres), who shines in this episode. Filled with iconic “Grey’s Anatomy” anthems like “How to Save a Life,” “The Story,” and “Chasing Cars,” this episode starkly contrasts in tone with any other.

5. “A Hard Day’s Night” (Season 1, Episode 1)

No matter how many times you’ve seen it, the first episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” never fails to bring back feelings of excitement and anticipation for Meredith’s journey. We are introduced to the original interns: Meredith Grey, Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), George O’Malley (T. R. Knight) Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), as well as their resident and chief Miranda Bailey and Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), who viewers have grown to know and love.

4. “Now or Never” (Season 5, Episode 24)

Definitely one of the series’ saddest episodes, “Now or Never” delivers a gut-wrenching plot twist to viewers as an unrecognized patient, “John Doe,” is identified to be the beloved George O’Malley, “007.” This episode bids farewell to George and also delivers Izzie’s cancer diagnosis.

3. “Bring the Pain” (Season 2, Episode 5)

The episode is famous for the “Pick me. Choose me. Love me.” sound on TikTok where Meredith delivers the show’s most famous speech, begging Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) to leave Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) for her. This episode also marks a significant turning point for Cristina Yang’s character.

2. “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” (Season 1, Episode 9)

This episode delivered many memorable moments, such as George’s infamous syphilis diagnosis, Cristina’s unplanned pregnancy, and Richard’s tumor. And of course, one can’t forget Addison’s iconic introduction with the line, “And you must be the woman who’s been screwing my husband.”

1. “Sanctuary” and “Death and All His Friends” (Season 6, Episodes 23 and 24)

The two-part season finale takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. Starting with Meredith’s positive pregnancy test, the episode ends with a bang, quite literally. Grieving husband Gary Clark enters the hospital armed and seeking vengeance for his wife, who had died under the care of Derek. The viewers are brought along as the doctors scramble to protect their patients and struggle to ensure their own survival, as well as the survival of their fellow doctors. The characters are put to the test as Cristina operates on Derek at gunpoint while Meredith has a misscarriage, April Kepner (Sarah Drew) begs the shooter for her life, and Derek tries to reason with the shooter. In intensity and tragedy, this episode serves to illuminate how deftly these compelling characters and interpersonal relationships are built up.

Honorable Mention for Biggest Tearjerker: “How to Save a Life” (Season 11, Episode 21)

Derek dies. Need we say more?