Grey's Anatomy: A Completely Unbiased Review

If you were to choose one show that perfectly captures the general public’s ongoing interest in drama, romance, and medical mysteries, what would be your pick? In the minds of its viewers, some who have been watching since the series’ debut in March of 2005, there is only one right answer: Grey’s Anatomy. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the show, now in its eighteenth season, has earned the title of the longest-running prime time medical drama in TV history. This poses one simple question: what is it about Grey's Anatomy that keeps people watching almost two decades later?

The backbone of every show is its characters. In order to sustain the viewers’ attention, characters must be relatable, entertaining, and multifaceted. Grey’s Anatomy definitely does not fail in this department! Protagonist Meredith Grey takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster week after week, as they follow along on her journey of self-discovery in the midst of a passionate love affair with neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd, better known as “McDreamy.” Her tireless attempts towards achieving surgical innovation, and the ins and outs of her “dark and twisty” personality originate from the immense pressure she feels in having to live up to her mother’s legacy. By her side stands the talented team of surgeons at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, including her best friend and soul sister, Cristina Yang, mentors Miranda Bailey and Richard Webber, and her other half, Alex Karev. Working together as a cohesive unit, these characters bring the plot to life, resulting in the flawless execution of Rhimes’ vision and the riveting drama of the series.

With drama comes its fair share of tragedy. This tragedy stems from the emotional attachments viewers form with the characters, which more often than not, are shattered through unexpected death or departure. For example, in one of the most iconic, yet devastating events in the show’s history, characters suffered a traumatic plane crash, which resulted in the death of a strong relationship which viewers saw as endgame. Although this left the audience shocked, it fostered an eagerness within them, as they wondered how the plot would develop without such quintessential characters. Additionally, viewers anxiously awaited how Meredith would react to the various tragedies that she encountered during the show’s timeline. Herein lies the answer as to why people can’t stay away. As a result of the tragedy, they continue to ask questions pertaining to the development of the plot, investing in different characters along the way.

A fundamental aspect of Grey’s Anatomy is the patients. The cases presented to the talented, driven surgeons at Grey Sloan Memorial are unlike any other, as they challenge characters to think outside of the box and collaborate with each other in hopes of finding a cure. However, believe it or not, all of the cases within the series are based on real life events. This not only keeps viewers entertained, but on the edge of their seats, as they scream at their TV at the top of their lungs, praying that a patient will survive at the hands of their favorite character.

Ultimately, what makes Grey’s Anatomy one of the most well-respected shows in television history is the characters. Their ability to adapt to high pressure surgical scenarios, along with their willingness to let the audience in on relationship after relationship, is what allows viewers to form emotional attachments to them. It is for this reason that one can watch the show three or four times over without ever getting sick of it. Viewers’ interpretations continue to change with every episode due to the plot’s creativity and the brilliance of the script. For these reasons, Grey’s Anatomy is a must-watch for all, as it gives viewers all that they could ever ask for: drama, some more drama, and even more drama.