Grey's Anatomy is a wonderful show that perhaps has run its course. photo by Courtesy of ABC
There are two things that’ll outlive us: Cockroaches and Grey’s Anatomy. Honestly, I’m starting to think cockroaches will tap out first.
Like most people, I LOVE the show Grey’s Anatomy. I mean, I bonded with the show and even dedicated my college admissions essay to it. The show confirmed my ambitions to become a doctor. I learned medical terms and ailments because of that show. But seriously, at some point I’m convinced the producers became obsessed with publishing increasingly boring seasons. Specifically after season 15, I had to sit back, stare at my screen, and whisper, “Okay seriously…what the heck is the plot at this point?”
The show, created by Shonda Rhimes, started as a beautifully chaotic medical drama about interns trying to not kill patients while simultaneously ruining their own love lives. It was dramatic, messy, and emotional. Seriously, I mean, watching it is a full-on rollercoaster. It was prime television. We had iconic characters, plots, unforgettable monologues, and relationships that genuinely hurt my heart. The early seasons? Absolute cinema. Emmy worthy.
And then, it just kept going. And going. Plots were lost and dialogue started not making sense. Season after season, actors left. Then more left. Then the replacements left. Next thing you know, half the original cast weren’t even on our television screens anymore. At that point, I felt like I was watching a hospital staffed by emotionally unstable strangers who all had the same tragic, boring backstory. I swear the writers have a wheel they spin labeled: ‘plane crash,’ ‘car crash,’ ‘secret sibling,’ ‘tumor,’ and my absolute favorite, ‘ameila losing it part 180.’
By season 15, I felt like the storylines had wrapped up nicely. We had closure. We had growth. That would have been the perfect time to bow gracefully and exit stage left. But no, I guess Shonda Rhimes had a better idea: make seven more unnecessary seasons.
Also, can we talk about how the main character Meredith Grey has survived approximately 97 near-death experiences? At this point, the hospital should legally rename itself after her. Grey Memorial or something? Oh wait– they already did that because, surprise surprise, her sister died! Honestly, if a mild inconvenience happens anywhere in Seattle, I just assume Grey somehow gets involved.
But it’s not just Grey that is frustrating. How many times can everyone date each other? The hospital is starting to feel less like a workplace and more like an extremely dramatic group project where everyone has dated everyone and nobody communicates properly. HR must be exhausted.
But here’s the thing, I still watch it. That’s the embarrassing part. I complain. I roll my eyes. I say, “this is bonkers” and then I press ‘next episode,’ because even though it dragged on, even though it could’ve ended beautifully, I’m emotionally attached. It’s like that one friend who keeps making questionable life decisions but you can’t cut them off because you’ve been through so much together.
Grey’s Anatomy had a legendary run. It shaped and raised a generation of TV lovers. But in my humble (and correct) opinion, after season 15, it started stretching storylines like they were on clearance. Sometimes, the most powerful thing a show can do is know when to stop.
But clearly…Grey’s did not get that memo.
