When Greys Anatomy first premiered in 2005, nobody could have predicted what it would become. In the 17 years since the now-iconic pilot episode aired, the show has become a cultural juggernaut, gathering a whopping 38 Emmy nominations in its 18 soon to be 19 seasons on the air.
Besides its sheer stature in pop culture, Greys Anatomy has also used its power as a force for good in the world. It has increased awareness of the RAINN sexual assault hotline, inspired women to pursue medical careers, and even saved a mothers life back in 2011.
In short, regardless of its imperfections, Greys Anatomy has been a good thing overall. However, all good things must eventually end and for Greys Anatomy, that time is now.
There are many reasons Greys Anatomy continues to stay on the air. Leading lady Ellen Pompeo, who plays the titular Meredith Grey, is still under contract, albeit in a reduced capacity for the upcoming Season 19. She has said herself on numerous occasions that she wants the show or at least her role in it to end sooner rather than later.
If Pompeo moves on from the show, Greys Anatomy would only have two actors from the original 2005 cast: James Pickens Jr., who plays Richard Webber, and Chandra Wilson, who plays Miranda Bailey. Both Pickens and Wilson have remained committed to the show all these years, and their characters are still integral pieces of the stories being told. But Pompeo is the star, and there really doesnt seem to be any viable way forward without her.
Casting is not the only thing to consider, of course. Ratings are important too, and they paint a very clear picture. They arent bad by any stretch of the imagination as the show manages to pull in millions of viewers every week. However, they are far from where they were at their prime, and Pompeos diminished screen time in the upcoming Season 19 doesnt bode well for those numbers.
However, more than reduced viewership and a dwindling number of original cast members, there is one key reason Greys Anatomy needs to end it just isnt that good of a television show anymore.
Greys Anatomy was always a bit silly. It was a show that leaned into dramatics, one that felt over-the-top and campy without ever losing its powerful human element. It was a show that, while imperfect, felt balanced. Greys Anatomy had all the romance of a traditional soap opera, the medical drama required by its setting, and the heart and humor to keep everything tied together.
In the early days of Greys Anatomy, there was balance. Now though, the balance is gone, and with it the quality that made the show worth watching in the first place.
Part of that imbalance comes with running for 17 straight years. The world has changed drastically since 2005, and though Shonda Rhimes is nothing short of magical in the realm of television, its difficult to keep anything relevant and fresh for almost two decades. The newer episodes of Greys Anatomy dont feel dated, per se, but the spark that made the first dozen seasons so enjoyable just isnt there anymore. Even when the content is new, Greys Anatomy is still a little old, which makes it less watchable than it was at its inception.
Another obstacle that Greys Anatomy could not overcome is the loss of its standout characters. As previously mentioned, most of the original cast members have left the show to pursue other opportunities, and the empty spots they left on the shows roster were filled soon after. However, the primary problem here is that the characters who have left were also the best characters in the show. And for the most part, their replacements havent been able to live up to their predecessors.
There was Cristina Yang, Meredith Greys best friend and fellow surgical resident who almost immediately became one of the most beloved characters in the shows history. At the close of Season 10, the character left for good, and nobody whos come since has filled the void left by Sandra Oh. There was Derek Shepherd, Merediths husband, who still lingers on the edges of every romantic interaction she has despite being killed off in Season 11. There were more characters along these same lines: Mark Sloan and Lexie Grey, Arizona Robbins and Callie Torres, April Kepner and Jackson Avery, Alex Karev and George OMalley. All of them sat at the very heart of Greys Anatomy, and the show has been unable to achieve its previous heights without them.
Most of all, Greys Anatomy needs to end because the plots themselves are no longer interesting. After a near-two decade run, the showrunners are, quite frankly, running out of ideas. At numerous points in the last five seasons, they have recycled events from episodes past, done in a manner so obvious that it seems like they arent even trying to be original anymore.
This is reasonable maybe even acceptable. After all, Greys Anatomy has been running for so long that some repetition is not only expected, but necessary. However, as mentioned at the beginning of the article, Greys Anatomy is a program that leans into drama, the quality that made the earlier seasons so interesting. Now that drama is working against the longevity of the show. The showrunners have already used so many disasters that there are few left to exploit, which forces them to reuse old plot points but these are plot points that are only successfully used once at best so their recurrence makes it difficult to take the show seriously.
Greys Anatomy has, and will always be, a work of great significance. Its impact on pop culture and society is immense and changed the world of television forever. However, it is no longer the groundbreaking series it once was; instead, it is a pale imitation of its previous self. Once a show that felt silly but still grounded, Greys Anatomy has devolved into what can only be described as sheer ridiculousness. And if it wants to preserve its legacy, it needs to wrap up now, before its ruined.
Go here to read the rest:
It's Time for 'Grey's Anatomy' To Throw in the Towel - Study Breaks
- Greys Anatomy Star Jake Borelli on Levi Schmitts Exit and Almost Refusing His Coming Out Storyline: I Wasnt Ready to Talk About It on a Global Level -... - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- All Of Grey's Anatomy's Chief Of Surgery, Ranked - Screen Rant - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Anatomy of a franchise-killing decision: The day the Giants chose Daniel Jones over Saquon Barkley - Yahoo Sports - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Star Jake Borelli Loved How Levis Inspiring Exit Unfolded in Season 21 - TheWrap - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- The beauty of Greys Anatomy - The Central Trend - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy: Jake Borelli Shares Thoughts on Returning to Medical Drama - PopCulture.com - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Jake Borelli Talks Greys Anatomy, Coming Out, and Stepping Away From His Iconic LGBTQ Role - GLAAD - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- 'Grey's Anatomy': Mika's Fate Is Revealed, Schmitt Takes a Leap of Faith and Teddy Gets a Second Chance - PEOPLE - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- The real story behind the Greys Anatomy scammer in Anatomy of Lies - Now To Love - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Anatomy of a Scam: Crypto Scams - AMAC Official Website - Join and Explore the Benefits - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Sophia Bush Teases Her Greys Anatomy Return, And I Cant Wait To See What It Means For Teddy And Owen - CinemaBlend - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- The Sucker Punch on 'Grey's Anatomy' Had Nothing To Do with the Character Exit - Pajiba Entertainment News - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Jake Borelli Reveals Greys Anatomy Plot He Almost Refused to Film - Just Jared - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Sneak Peek: Mikas Colleagues Rally Around Her But Is It Already Too Late? (Exclusive) - TVLine - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- 'Raising a Glass to Him': Departing Grey's Anatomy Actor Gets Heartfelt Farewell From Co-Star - CBR - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Anatomy of Lies on 7Bravo and 7plus new docuseries - TV Central - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Starts Schmitt & Yasuda Goodbyes With Expected Career Move & Shocking Twist - Deadline - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Sophia Bush on Kissing Kim Raver in Her 'Grey's Anatomy' Debut (Exclusive) - Entertainment Tonight - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Sophia Bush Kissed a Girl on Greys Anatomy and I Liked It - www.autostraddle.com - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Will Trent', The Rookie', 9-1-1', Grey's Anatomy', More Get Midseason Premiere Dates At ABC - MSN - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Mika's Car Crash Breaks A Grey's Anatomy Exit Trend For The Worse - Screen Rant - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- 8 Major Life Lessons We Learned From Levi Schmitt of Greys Anatomy - Shondaland.com - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Anatomy of a Video Impression: Navigating Cross-Platform Ad Metrics - IAB - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Sophia Bushs Role on Greys Anatomy Revealed - Hollywood Reporter - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Sets the Stage for Schmitts Exit and Tragedy for Yasuda - TheWrap - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Why Oh, Mary! Has Broadway In Stitches: The Anatomy Of A Hit Comedy - Forbes - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Revisiting Mika Yasudas Powerful and All Too Real Burnout Storyline on Greys Anatomy - Shondaland.com - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Grey's Anatomy Recap: Sophia Bush's Cass Arrives, Kisses Teddy Altman - Us Weekly - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Will Trent, The Rookie, 9-1-1, Greys Anatomy, The Conners Final Season & More Get Midseason Premiere Dates At ABC - Deadline - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Is Back Tonight But the End is Near as Audience is Vanishing - Showbiz411 - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Why Owen Hunt's Sister Was Recast in Grey's Anatomy - CBR - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Anatomy of Building Environments in the 21st Century - Part 2 // Design with purpose and forethought - Buro Happold - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy: Heres a First Look at Sophia Bushs New Character, Dr. Cass Beckman - Glamour - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Digital Anatomy Table Revolutionizes Learning for Physician Assistant Students - Rochester Institute of Technology - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Anatomy of three Trump elections: How Americans shifted in 2024 vs. 2020 and 2016 - CNN - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- It Looks Like Those Greys Anatomy Exits Are Finally Happening, And That Big Cliffhanger Has Me Worried About Mika - CinemaBlend - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Alum Eric Dane, 51, Spotted on Dinner Outing With Aspiring Actress, 27 - Yahoo Entertainment - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Theater/Arts: Mira Costa shifts to the profound with Anatomy of Gray production - Daily Breeze - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Meredith Grey's Relationship History: A Complete Guide to the Grey's Anatomy Lead's Love Life From Season 1 to Now - PEOPLE - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- This Dark Grey's Anatomy Theory Will Make You Question Everything About the Last 20 Seasons - CBR - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- David Lynch Illustrating Anatomy of a Fall' Book - Jordan Ruimy - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- The Scorecard: The Anatomy of a Swing State Harris vs. Trump - 1290 WJNO - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Star Kevin McKidd Announces the Death of His Father: 'Grateful for the Years of Love and Laughter' - PEOPLE - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Invisible anatomy in the fruit fly uterus: New discoveries could have implications for fertility and pest control - Phys.org - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Scott Speedman explains how he gets in trouble on Grey's Anatomy set - Digital Spy - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- 'One Tree Hill' Fans Won't Believe Which Star Is Heading to 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 21 - Good Housekeeping - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Anatomy of Lies Duo on Greys Ex-Writer Elisabeth Finch: 'More to Story' - Hollywood Reporter - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Grey's Anatomy Just Confirmed Schmitt's Exit Storyline Can Be His Best Happily Ever After - Screen Rant - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- The Anatomy and Aftermath of a PWHL Trade - The Hockey News - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Tackles Voter Responsibility in Last Episode Before 2024 Election - TheWrap - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- 'Grey's Anatomy': Jo Snaps on Link When His Primary Concern About Expecting Twins Is Getting a Minivan (Exclusive) - PEOPLE - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Camilla Luddington Has One Wish For Her Greys Anatomy Pregnancy, And Im Not Sure I Agree - CinemaBlend - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- How Vanessa Parise Brought the Classic Greys Anatomy Magic to the Screen - Shondaland.com - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Trump speech turns bizarre with praise for Arnold Palmers anatomy and profanity for Harris - Fortune - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Anatomy of a Bad Trip: On the Less-Than-Magical Side of Magic Mushrooms - Literary Hub - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Deconstructing Art: Anatomy of a Killer Clown - Hollywood Reporter - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy actor Kevin McKidd is mourning death of his dad - Yahoo New Zealand News - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Jason George On Returning to 'Grey's Anatomy' and Memorable Moments On Screen - EBONY - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Sarah Drew Clears Up Her Viral 'Grey's Anatomy' Firing Comments - Us Weekly - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Is Patrick Dempsey Returning For Scream 7? Heres The Latest From The Greys Anatomy Alum - CinemaBlend - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Every Grey's Anatomy Doctor Who's Been Fired (& Why) - CBR - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Cast Shares Behind-The-Scenes Look on Set, Reflect on Shows 21-Year-Run & Impact on Fans - Hollywood Reporter - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Fans Are Both Angry And Hopeful After That Carina Name-Drop, And Im Conflicted About What It Could Mean - CinemaBlend - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Grey's Anatomy Season 21's Amelia Story Honored 1 Of Derek Shepherd's Best Case From 15 Years Ago - Screen Rant - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Grey's Anatomy's Jason George Teases Ben and Bailey's Big Hurdle - Us Weekly - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Season 21 Casts New Recurring Character, Connection To Main Character Revealed - Screen Rant - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Jason George Compares Grey's Anatomy Return to 'Coming Back to Your Parents' House' But with 'New Faces' (Exclusive) - PEOPLE - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Reveals How 1 Major Character Exit Will Happen (& It Follows A Horrible Trend) - Screen Rant - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- 'Grey's Anatomy': Catherine's Secret Is Revealed, Meredith and Richard Face Off and Ben Stands Up for Himself - PEOPLE - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Review: 'Anatomy of Lies' Reveals the Depths of Elisabeth Finch, a Very Nasty Scammer - Pajiba Entertainment News - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' recap: Catherine's life is on the line in a liver-centric episode - Entertainment Weekly News - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Season 21: Check out episode schedule, where to watch and cast - The Economic Times - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- The anatomy of 3 videos alleging that many non-citizens are registered to vote in U.S. elections - UW Center for an Informed Public - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Out of the Line of Fire: Station 19 Star Jason George on Returning to Greys Anatomy - Shondaland.com - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- The Anatomy of a Swing State Harris vs. Trump October 11th - 1290 WJNO - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Anatomy of a Recession: The case for economic reacceleration | Franklin Templeton - Beyond Bulls & Bears - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Round Table: Blues Pointless Arc, the Doomed Mika/Jules Ship & Problematic Catherine - Seithikkural - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Deceitful Love review: Grey's Anatomy hunk keeps everyone guessing in lusty age-gap mystery - RadioTimes - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Boss on More Ellen Pompeo and Pushing Boundaries in Season 21 - Hollywood Reporter - October 2nd, 2024 [October 2nd, 2024]
- Greys Anatomy Star Camilla Luddington on Sticking With the Show for 13 Seasons, Jos Pregnancy and Alex Choosing Izzie - Variety - October 2nd, 2024 [October 2nd, 2024]