History of Grey's Anatomy in Timeline
Grey's Anatomy is a long-running American medical drama TV series that follows the lives of surgical staff at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital (later renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital). The show delves into both the personal and professional journeys of these interns, residents, and attendings. Premiering in 2005, it draws its name from the famous anatomy textbook, Gray's Anatomy. Filming occurs mostly in Los Angeles and Vancouver, despite the Seattle setting.
1995: Shonda Rhimes' Career Beginnings
Shonda Rhimes' career began in 1995, and she went on to produce several successful television series, including Grey's Anatomy.
2002: Grey's Anatomy's High Ranking on IMDb
From 2002 to 2012, Grey's Anatomy consistently ranked highly on IMDb, achieving the third-highest rating over that period, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
2002: Casting Inspiration
Shonda Rhimes drew inspiration for the casting of Meredith Grey from the 2002 film "Moonlight Mile".
January 2005: Original Premiere Date for Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy was initially scheduled to premiere in January 2005 on Mondays at 10:00 pm EST. However, it eventually debuted as a mid-season replacement for Boston Legal in March 2005.
March 27, 2005: Premiere of Grey's Anatomy
On March 27, 2005, Grey's Anatomy premiered on ABC. The medical drama, set at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, focuses on the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings.
May 22, 2005: Grey's Anatomy Season 1 Finale
The first season of Grey's Anatomy ended on May 22, 2005. The nine-episode season aired on Sundays at 10:00 pm EST, following Desperate Housewives.
September 25, 2005: Grey's Anatomy Season 2 Premiere
Season two of Grey's Anatomy began airing on September 25, 2005, in the same time slot as season 1. The 27-episode season included five episodes held over from the original 13-episode order for season 1, allowing ABC to conclude Grey's Anatomy's first season alongside the finale of Desperate Housewives.
September 27, 2005: Grey's Anatomy Original Soundtrack Volume 1 Released
The first volume of the Grey's Anatomy Original Soundtrack was released on September 27, 2005, featuring music from the show's first two seasons, including its main title theme, "Cosy in the Rocket" by Psapp.
2005: First Emmy Nominations for Grey's Anatomy
The 57th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2005 marked the first Emmy nominations for Grey's Anatomy cast members Sandra Oh and Peter Horton, respectively for Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Directing.
February 14, 2006: Season 1 DVD Release
The first season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on February 14, 2006, in regions 1, 2, and 4. This DVD release included various bonus features, such as an alternate title sequence, bloopers, behind-the-scenes footage, audio commentaries, and an extended edition of the pilot episode.
May 15, 2006: Grey's Anatomy Season 2 Concludes
The second season of Grey's Anatomy wrapped up on May 15, 2006. This season featured two recap specials, "Straight to the Heart" and "Under Pressure," narrated by Miranda Bailey, offering viewers a condensed look at recent events.
September 12, 2006: Season 2 DVD Release
The second season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on September 12, 2006. Bonus content included extended episodes, an interview with Kate Walsh (Dr. Addison Montgomery), deleted scenes, a set tour, a "Q&A" with the cast, and a segment about the creation of the show's special effects.
September 21, 2006: Grey's Anatomy Season 3 Premiere and Time Slot Change
Grey's Anatomy season three debuted on September 21, 2006, in a new time slot - Thursdays at 9:00 pm EST. This move placed the show in a highly coveted primetime slot.
October 2006: Isaiah Washington Fired
In October 2006, Isaiah Washington was fired from Grey's Anatomy after allegedly using a homophobic slur on set.
2006: Multiple Emmy Nominations for Grey's Anatomy
At the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2006, Grey's Anatomy earned several Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Supporting Actress for Chandra Wilson, Outstanding Guest Actor for Kyle Chandler, and Outstanding Writing for Shonda Rhimes and Krista Vernoff.
2006: First Golden Globe Nominations for Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy received its first Golden Globe nominations in 2006 at the 63rd Golden Globe Awards, including Best Drama Series, Best Actor for Patrick Dempsey, and Best Supporting Actress, which Sandra Oh won.
2006: Multiple Emmy Nominations for Guest Actresses in Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy saw two guest actresses, Kate Burton and Christina Ricci, nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series at the 2006 Emmys.
2006: Grey's Anatomy's Cultural Impact
In 2006, Grey's Anatomy was recognized for its significant cultural impact, including the popularization of "Mc-labeling" and the use of musical montages ("songtages"), which were even parodied by MADtv.
2006: Turkish Adaptation of Grey's Anatomy, "Doktorlar", Premieres
In 2006, a Turkish adaptation of Grey's Anatomy titled "Doktorlar" ("Doctors") debuted on the network Show TV. It ran for four seasons.
2006: Mixed Reviews for Meredith Grey
In 2006, reviews for the character of Meredith Grey in Grey's Anatomy were mixed, with some critics praising her unconventionality and complexity, while others found her storylines underdeveloped or her relationship with Derek Shepherd lacking.
February 21, 2007: Wall Street Journal Announces Grey's Anatomy Spin-off
On February 21, 2007, the Wall Street Journal reported that ABC was developing a spin-off of Grey's Anatomy centered on Addison Montgomery, played by Kate Walsh.
May 3, 2007: Backdoor Pilot for Private Practice Airs
On May 3, 2007, a two-hour episode of Grey's Anatomy titled "The Other Side of This Life" served as a backdoor pilot for the spin-off, Private Practice, featuring Addison Montgomery's move to Los Angeles.
May 17, 2007: Grey's Anatomy Season 3 Finale
The third season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 17, 2007. Like season 2, this season also included recap specials, "Complications of the Heart" narrated by Bailey, and "Every Moment Counts" narrated by Morgan.
June 29, 2007: Audra McDonald Replaces Merrin Dungey in Private Practice
On June 29, 2007, ABC announced that Audra McDonald would replace Merrin Dungey as Naomi Bennett in Private Practice, without providing a reason for the change.
July 11, 2007: KaDee Strickland Joins Private Practice
On July 11, 2007, KaDee Strickland was announced as a new cast member for Private Practice, playing the role of Charlotte King. She was cast after a meeting with Shonda Rhimes without an audition.
September 11, 2007: Season 3 DVD Release
The third season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on September 11, 2007, with bonus features that included extended episodes, an interview with Patrick Dempsey (Dr. Derek Shepherd), audio commentaries, and bloopers.
September 27, 2007: Grey's Anatomy Season 4 Premiere
The fourth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 27, 2007. This season's episode count was reduced to 17 due to the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike.
2007: Grey's Anatomy Wins Best Drama at the Golden Globes
At the 64th Golden Globe Awards in 2007, Grey's Anatomy won the award for Best Drama Series, while Patrick Dempsey received another nomination for Best Actor, and Ellen Pompeo was nominated for Best Actress.
2007: Grey's Anatomy Dominates DVR Recordings
From 2007 to 2011, Grey's Anatomy was the most recorded show on DVR, indicating its enduring popularity and viewers' desire to catch up on episodes.
2007: Grey's Anatomy Nominated for Outstanding Drama Series
Grey's Anatomy earned its second nomination for Outstanding Drama Series at the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2007.
2007: Grey's Anatomy's Most-Watched Episode and High Revenue
In 2007, "It's the End of the World" became the most-watched episode of Grey's Anatomy with 37.88 million viewers, boosted by airing after Super Bowl XL. It was also the most expensive program on television in the 2007-2008 season measured by advertising revenue, earning $400,000 per 30 seconds.
2007: Grey's Anatomy Redefines Television
In 2007, Grey's Anatomy was credited with redefining what constituted "good" television, emphasizing emotional connection over dark and violent themes. It was also included in Entertainment Weekly's "New TV Classics" list.
2007: Grey's Anatomy Wins People's Choice Award and Women in Film Lucy Award
In 2007, Grey's Anatomy won the People's Choice Award for Best Drama and the Women in Film Lucy Award, recognizing the show's contribution to enhancing the perception of women in television.
2007: Katherine Heigl Wins Emmy for Grey's Anatomy
Katherine Heigl won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Grey's Anatomy in 2007, while T.R. Knight was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
May 22, 2008: Grey's Anatomy Season 4 Finale
Season four of Grey's Anatomy finished on May 22, 2008. It's worth noting that this season's production was impacted by the Writers Guild of America strike, which halted production from February to April 2008.
September 9, 2008: Season 4 DVD Release
The fourth season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on September 9, 2008, featuring an interview with Katherine Heigl (Dr. Izzie Stevens) and Justin Chambers (Dr. Alex Karev), extended episodes, bloopers, and deleted scenes.
September 25, 2008: Grey's Anatomy Season 5 Premiere
The fifth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 25, 2008, marking the return of the show after a successful previous season.
November 6, 2008: Brooke Smith's Departure
Brooke Smith, who played Dr. Erica Hahn, departed from Grey's Anatomy on November 6, 2008. Her departure sparked controversy, with some suggesting it was part of an attempt to "de-gay" the show, a claim denied by Shonda Rhimes.
2008: Diahann Carroll Nominated for Emmy for Grey's Anatomy
Diahann Carroll received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Grey's Anatomy in 2008.
2008: Grey's Anatomy Nominated for Best Drama at Golden Globes
Grey's Anatomy earned another Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama Series in 2008, while Katherine Heigl was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
March 10, 2009: Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game Released
On March 10, 2009, "Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game" was released, allowing players to step into the shoes of main characters, make personal and professional decisions, and participate in mini-games. Despite its mixed reception due to simple mini-games and different voice actors, the game marked a new venture for the franchise.
May 14, 2009: Grey's Anatomy Season 5 Concludes
The fifth season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 14, 2009, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in the medical drama.
September 15, 2009: Season 5 DVD Release
The fifth season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on September 15, 2009. It included unaired scenes, bloopers, and extended episodes.
September 24, 2009: Grey's Anatomy Season 6 Premiere
Season six of Grey's Anatomy began airing on September 24, 2009, continuing the show's successful run.
2009: Last Emmy Nominations for Oh and Wilson
Both Sandra Oh and Chandra Wilson received their final Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2009, after being nominated every year prior.
2009: Netflix Streaming Deal
In 2009, ABC signed an agreement allowing Grey's Anatomy episodes to be streamed on Netflix, expanding the show's reach and accessibility to a wider audience.
2009: Sharon Lawrence Nominated for Emmy for Grey's Anatomy
Sharon Lawrence was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her guest role in Grey's Anatomy in 2009.
May 20, 2010: Grey's Anatomy Season 6 Finale
Season six of Grey's Anatomy reached its finale on May 20, 2010. This season saw the introduction of a series of webisodes titled "Seattle Grace: On Call," expanding the show's narrative universe.
September 14, 2010: Season 6 DVD Release
The sixth season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on September 14, 2010. Bonus materials included deleted scenes, an extended finale, and bloopers.
September 23, 2010: Grey's Anatomy Season 7 Premiere
Season seven of Grey's Anatomy debuted on September 23, 2010. It's worth noting that this season was accompanied by web series like "Seattle Grace: On Call" and "Seattle Grace: Message of Hope."
2010: Start of Grey's Anatomy GLAAD Media Award Nominations
In 2010, Grey's Anatomy began receiving consecutive nominations for the GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Drama Series.
2010: Colombian Adaptation of Grey's Anatomy, "A Corazón Abierto", Premieres
The year 2010 saw the premiere of "A Corazón Abierto" ("An Open Heart"), a Colombian adaptation of Grey's Anatomy, on the network RCN TV. It aired for two seasons.
May 19, 2011: Grey's Anatomy Season 7 Finale
The seventh season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 19, 2011. This season notably featured "Song Beneath the Song," a musical episode showcasing songs made famous by their inclusion in the series.
September 13, 2011: Season 7 DVD Release
The seventh season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on September 13, 2011. The DVD release included an extended edition of the season finale episode, "Unaccompanied Minor," and a behind-the-scenes featurette on the musical episode "Song Beneath the Song." Other features included bloopers and deleted scenes.
September 22, 2011: Grey's Anatomy Season 8 Premiere
Season eight of Grey's Anatomy began on September 22, 2011, with a special two-hour premiere episode, setting the stage for a compelling new season.
2011: Five Volumes of Grey's Anatomy Soundtracks Released
By 2011, five volumes of the Grey's Anatomy Original Soundtrack had been released, encompassing music from various seasons, including songs from the seventh season musical episode "Song Beneath the Song".
2011: Grey's Anatomy Dominates DVR Recordings
From 2007 to 2011, Grey's Anatomy was the most recorded show on DVR, indicating its enduring popularity and viewers' desire to catch up on episodes.
2011: ABC and Nielsen Develop Grey's Anatomy iPad App
In 2011, ABC and Nielsen teamed up to create a dedicated Grey's Anatomy application for Apple's iPad, aimed at enhancing audience engagement during live episodes through interactive polls, trivia, and synchronized content using Nielsen's Media-Sync technology.
2011: Grey's Anatomy's High Revenue Rankings
In 2011, Grey's Anatomy was ranked the fourth and fifth highest revenue-earning shows, bringing in $2.67 million per half-hour.
2011: Mexican Adaptation of Grey's Anatomy, "A Corazón Abierto", Premieres
In 2011, a Mexican adaptation of Grey's Anatomy, also titled "A Corazón Abierto" ("An Open Heart"), was released on the network TV Azteca. It ran for two seasons.
2011: Grey's Anatomy Inspires Real-Life CPR
In 2011, a woman in Wisconsin was saved when her daughter and a friend performed CPR on her, a skill they learned from watching Grey's Anatomy, demonstrating the show's real-world impact.
2011: Loretta Devine Wins Emmy for Grey's Anatomy
Loretta Devine won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Grey's Anatomy in 2011.
May 2012: Contract Renewals
In May 2012, several original cast members, including Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., and Patrick Dempsey, renewed their contracts with Grey's Anatomy for two more years.
May 17, 2012: Grey's Anatomy Season 8 Concludes
The eighth season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 17, 2012, wrapping up another chapter in the long-running medical drama.
July 2012: Eric Dane Exits Grey's Anatomy
In July 2012, Eric Dane, who played Mark Sloan, confirmed his departure from the show to explore new projects. His final appearances were in the first two episodes of season 9.
September 4, 2012: Season 8 DVD Release
The eighth season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on September 4, 2012, including several bonus features and deleted scenes.
September 27, 2012: Grey's Anatomy Season 9 Premiere
The ninth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 27, 2012, marking the show's continued success and popularity.
2012: Grey's Anatomy's High Ranking on IMDb
From 2002 to 2012, Grey's Anatomy consistently ranked highly on IMDb, achieving the third-highest rating over that period, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
2012: Continued Revenue Success for Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy continued its financial success in 2012, earning $2.75 million per half-hour and maintaining its position as a top revenue-generating show.
2012: Grey's Anatomy Wins GLAAD Media Award
Grey's Anatomy won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2012.
2012: Loretta Devine Nominated Again for Emmy for Grey's Anatomy
Loretta Devine received another Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Grey's Anatomy in 2012.
2012: Premiere of Scandal, Produced by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes produced another successful ABC series, Scandal, which premiered in 2012 and concluded in 2019.
January 22, 2013: Private Practice Ends After Six Seasons
Private Practice, the spin-off of Grey's Anatomy, concluded on January 22, 2013, after six seasons on air.
May 10, 2013: Grey's Anatomy Renewed for Season 10
On May 10, 2013, ABC renewed Grey's Anatomy for a tenth season, ensuring the continuation of the beloved medical drama.
May 16, 2013: Grey's Anatomy Season 9 Finale
Season nine of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 16, 2013, leaving audiences to anticipate the next installment of the medical drama.
August 13, 2013: Sandra Oh Announces Departure
On August 13, 2013, Sandra Oh, who played Cristina Yang, announced her departure from Grey's Anatomy after Season 10. She decided to pursue other career opportunities.
August 27, 2013: Season 9 DVD Release
The ninth season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on August 27, 2013, with several bonus features and deleted scenes.
September 27, 2013: Grey's Anatomy Season 10 Premiere
Season ten of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 27, 2013, with a special two-hour episode, marking the beginning of another chapter in the show's run.
2013: End of Grey's Anatomy's Emmy Nomination Streak
After consistently receiving at least one Emmy nomination annually, Grey's Anatomy's streak ended in 2013.
2013: Ratings Success
During the 2013-2014 television season, Grey's Anatomy achieved a significant milestone by becoming the No. 15 show overall after four seasons outside the Top 25. It also re-entered the Top 5 shows in the 18-49 viewer demographic, indicating renewed popularity and success.
2013: Grey's Anatomy Wins People's Choice Award
Grey's Anatomy won the People's Choice Award for Best Drama again in 2013.
March 2014: Isaiah Washington's Guest Appearance
In March 2014, Isaiah Washington, who played Preston Burke in the show's first three seasons, returned for a guest appearance. This coincided with Sandra Oh's departure, as their characters were previously romantically involved.
May 2, 2014: Contract Renewals for Original Cast
On May 2, 2014, most of the remaining original cast members, including Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, and Sara Ramirez, signed two-year contract extensions, securing their roles through seasons 11 and 12.
May 8, 2014: Season 11 Renewal and Time Slot Change
On May 8, 2014, ABC renewed Grey's Anatomy for an 11th season, which premiered on September 25, 2014, and concluded on May 14, 2015. The show also moved to a new time slot, airing on Thursdays at 8:00 pm EST.
May 15, 2014: Grey's Anatomy Season 10 Concludes
Season ten of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 15, 2014, wrapping up a season filled with dramatic twists and turns.
September 2, 2014: Season 10 DVD Release
The tenth season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on September 2, 2014, under the title Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Tenth Season – Live For The Moments. In response to the departure of Cristina Yang in the season finale, the DVD set included an extended episode "Do You Know?" and a special feature by Sandra Oh titled "An Immeasurable Gift."
September 25, 2014: Season 11 Premiere
The eleventh season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 25, 2014.
April 23, 2015: Patrick Dempsey's Departure
Despite having a year remaining on his contract, Patrick Dempsey left Grey's Anatomy on April 23, 2015. He cited the show's demanding schedule and his desire to spend more time with his family. His character died in a car accident during season 11.
May 7, 2015: Season 12 Renewal
On May 7, 2015, ABC announced the renewal of Grey's Anatomy for a twelfth season.
May 14, 2015: Season 11 Finale
The eleventh season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 14, 2015.
August 18, 2015: Season 11 DVD Release
The eleventh season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on August 18, 2015. The DVD release included interviews with Caterina Scorsone (Dr. Amelia Shepherd), a new series regular, and a special feature "How To Say Goodbye Dr. Derek Shepherd" dedicated to Patrick Dempsey's departure from the series.
September 24, 2015: Season 12 Premiere
The twelfth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 24, 2015.
2015: Grey's Anatomy Wins People's Choice Award
Grey's Anatomy continued its success at the People's Choice Awards, winning Best Drama in 2015.
2015: Shonda Rhimes Steps Down
In 2015, Shonda Rhimes stepped down as the showrunner, head writer, and executive producer of Grey's Anatomy.
May 19, 2016: Sara Ramirez Leaves Grey's Anatomy
On May 19, 2016, following the season 12 finale, Sara Ramirez announced their departure from the show after deciding not to renew their contract.
August 30, 2016: Season 12 DVD Release
The twelfth season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on August 30, 2016.
September 22, 2016: Season 13 Premiere
The thirteenth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 22, 2016.
2016: New York Times Study on Grey's Anatomy Viewership
A 2016 New York Times study revealed the demographics of Grey's Anatomy viewers, noting its popularity in the middle of the country among those with a lower percentage of college graduates.
2016: Grey's Anatomy Wins People's Choice Award
Grey's Anatomy won the People's Choice Award for Best Drama for the fourth time in 2016.
May 16, 2017: ABC Announces Grey's Anatomy Spin-off Focused on Firefighters
On May 16, 2017, ABC announced a new Grey's Anatomy spin-off centered around firefighters in Seattle, set to premiere in 2018. The spin-off would be introduced during Grey's Anatomy Season 14, Episode 13, and be run by long-time writer and executive producer, Stacy McKee.
May 18, 2017: Season 13 Finale
The thirteenth season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 18, 2017.
July 2017: Jaina Lee Ortiz Cast in Grey's Anatomy Spin-off
In July 2017, Jaina Lee Ortiz was announced as the first cast member for the upcoming Grey's Anatomy firefighter spin-off.
August 29, 2017: Season 13 DVD Release
The thirteenth season of Grey's Anatomy was released on DVD on August 29, 2017.
September 2017: Jason George to Star in Grey's Anatomy Spin-off
September 2017 brought the news that Jason George, known for his role as Dr. Ben Warren since season 6 of Grey's Anatomy, would be leaving the original show to headline the firefighter spin-off. He would remain on Grey's Anatomy until production began on the new series.
September 28, 2017: Season 14 Premiere
The fourteenth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 28, 2017.
October 2017: New Cast Members and Episode Order Announced for Grey's Anatomy Spin-off
October 2017 marked several announcements for the Grey's Anatomy spin-off: Grey Damon, Jay Hayden, Okieriete Onaodowan, Danielle Savre, and Barrett Doss joined the cast as series regulars, and Miguel Sandoval was cast as the firehouse Captain. The first season was confirmed to have a 10-episode order.
2017: Grey's Anatomy Wins People's Choice Award
Grey's Anatomy won its fifth People's Choice Award for Best Drama in 2017.
2017: Israeli Woman Saves Husband Using Grey's Anatomy CPR
In 2017, an Israeli woman saved her husband's life by performing CPR that she learned from watching Grey's Anatomy, highlighting the show's influence on viewers' actions.
January 9, 2018: Grey's Anatomy: B-Team Spin-off Announced
On January 9, 2018, Sarah Drew revealed on her Instagram that a six-episode spin-off, "Grey's Anatomy: B-Team", would be available for streaming on the ABC app and abc.com starting January 11, 2018.
January 11, 2018: Grey's Anatomy: B-Team Premieres
The six-episode spin-off "Grey's Anatomy: B-Team" premiered on January 11, 2018, focusing on the new interns at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital and featuring guest appearances from established characters. Each episode was directed by Sarah Drew.
January 17, 2018: Ellen Pompeo's Contract Renewal and Promotion
ABC announced Ellen Pompeo's contract renewal through season 16 on January 17, 2018. The deal also made her a producer on Grey's Anatomy and a co-executive producer on Station 19. This made her the highest-paid actress on a dramatic TV series at the time, earning $575,000 per episode and over $20 million annually.
January 18, 2018: Grey's Anatomy Promotes Domestic Violence Hotline
The mid-season premiere of Grey's Anatomy's 14th season on January 18, 2018, was titled "1-800-799-7233", the National Domestic Violence Hotline number. This move was lauded for raising awareness about domestic violence.
March 8, 2018: Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew Exit
On March 8, 2018, it was announced that Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew would be leaving Grey's Anatomy after season 14. The decision was made by the executive producers.
May 2018: Kim Raver Returns as Series Regular
In May 2018, Kim Raver, who had made guest appearances in season 14, rejoined the main cast as a series regular starting with season 15.
May 17, 2018: Season 14 Finale
The fourteenth season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 17, 2018.
September 27, 2018: Season 15 Premiere
The fifteenth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 27, 2018.
2018: Grey's Anatomy Spin-off Premieres
In 2018, the Grey's Anatomy firefighter spin-off, later titled Station 19, premiered mid-season, as announced by ABC.
May 16, 2019: Season 15 Finale
The fifteenth season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on May 16, 2019.
September 26, 2019: Season 16 Premiere
The sixteenth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 26, 2019.
November 14, 2019: Justin Chambers's Final Episode
Justin Chambers announced he had left the series and that his final episode aired on November 14, 2019. He sought more diverse career opportunities.
2019: Grey's Anatomy Nominated for GLAAD Media Award
Grey's Anatomy continued to be recognized for its LGBTQ+ representation with a nomination for a GLAAD Media Award in 2019.
2019: Conclusion of Scandal
Scandal, produced by Shonda Rhimes, ended its run in 2019 after seven seasons.
January 2020: Justin Chambers Announces Departure
In January 2020, Justin Chambers officially announced his departure from Grey's Anatomy, stating his desire for a more diverse career path.
April 9, 2020: Season 16 Finale
The sixteenth season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on April 9, 2020.
November 12, 2020: Season 17 Premiere
The seventeenth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on November 12, 2020.
March 2021: Giacomo Gianniotti Exits
In March 2021, Giacomo Gianniotti departed the series. He expressed his interest in exploring new opportunities, particularly in directing.
May 10, 2021: Season 18 Renewal
On May 10, 2021, ABC renewed Grey's Anatomy for an eighteenth season.
May 2021: Jesse Williams and Greg Germann Depart Main Cast
May 2021 saw Jesse Williams and Greg Germann leaving their roles as series regulars. While Germann was expected to make guest appearances, Williams' departure marked a more definite exit.
June 3, 2021: Season 17 Finale
The seventeenth season of Grey's Anatomy concluded on June 3, 2021.
September 2021: Kate Walsh Returns as Addison Montgomery
Kate Walsh returned to Grey's Anatomy as Addison Montgomery for multiple episodes in season 18. This was announced in September 2021, marking a significant return for a beloved character.
September 30, 2021: Season 18 Premiere
The eighteenth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 30, 2021.
January 10, 2022: Season 19 Renewal
On January 10, 2022, ABC renewed Grey's Anatomy for a nineteenth season.
July 2022: New Cast Members Join for Season 19
In July 2022, Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho, Adelaide Kane, Midori Francis, and Harry Shum Jr. joined the cast as series regulars for season 19, signaling a significant shift in the show's dynamics.
August 2022: Ellen Pompeo Reduces Role in Season 19
Ellen Pompeo's screen time decreased in season 19, appearing in only eight episodes. However, she continued to serve as the narrator and an executive producer, maintaining a crucial role in the show's direction.
October 6, 2022: Season 19 Premiere
The nineteenth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on October 6, 2022.
2022: Grey's Anatomy Nominated for GLAAD Media Award
Grey's Anatomy was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 2022.
March 24, 2023: Season 20 Renewal and New Showrunner
On March 24, 2023, ABC renewed Grey's Anatomy for a twentieth season, with Meg Marinis taking over as the showrunner.
August 2023: Critical Reception and Retrospective Review
As of August 2023, Grey's Anatomy had garnered generally positive reviews, holding an average score of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics acknowledged the show's fluctuating quality over its long run, with high points like its early seasons and impactful moments, but also pointed out occasional dips and inconsistencies in later seasons. Despite some criticisms, reviewers consistently praised the show's compelling characters, engaging storylines, and ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level, solidifying its place as a successful and influential television series.
2023: Grey's Anatomy Nominated for GLAAD Media Award
Grey's Anatomy continued its streak of nominations with a GLAAD Media Award nomination in 2023.
March 14, 2024: Season 20 Premiere
The twentieth season of Grey's Anatomy premiered on March 14, 2024.
April 2024: Renewal for 21st season
In April 2024, ABC announced that Grey's Anatomy had been renewed for a 21st season.
April 2024: Season 21 Renewal
In April 2024, ABC renewed Grey's Anatomy for a twenty-first season, with Meg Marinis continuing as showrunner. Rhimes praised Marinis, who joined the series in its 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."
May 2024: Jake Borelli and Midori Francis to Leave in Season 21
It was announced that Jake Borelli and Midori Francis would be leaving Grey's Anatomy in season 21, marking another change in the cast lineup.
2024: Grey's Anatomy Nominated for GLAAD Media Award
Grey's Anatomy received a nomination for a GLAAD Media Award in 2024, continuing to be recognized for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters and storylines.
