After watching 420 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, I have learned invaluable life lessons, shed countless tears, and experienced a rollercoaster of emotions through the captivating storytelling and likable characters.
Johannesburg, South Africa (August 8, 2024) – It’s amazing how much we can learn from television shows. Not only do they entertain us, they also offer us lessons about life, love, and everything in between.
I love series and films, storytelling and losing myself in worlds created by incredible minds.
I started watching Grey’s Anatomy when it first aired in 2005 (yes, 19 years ago) but gave up for some reason. I recently decided to give it another try and after watching all 420 episodes, I’ve gotten a lot more out of it than just medical jargon and dramatic twists. Here’s a look at the life lessons and entertaining quirks I’ve picked up from this cult series.
For those unfamiliar, Grey’s Anatomy is a long-running medical drama that follows the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings as they grow into experienced doctors while trying to maintain their personal lives. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the series is known for its intense surgeries, complex relationships, and powerful storytelling.
As the series progresses, the medical procedures become more and more hair-raising and the characters endure incredible hardships. It’s a whirlwind of drama and emotion. From miraculous rescues to heartbreaking losses, each episode is a rollercoaster ride.
But here are some outstanding things I learned along the way:
Emotional rollercoaster ride: I cried a lot while watching Grey’s Anatomy, sometimes over the simplest characters. The show has a way of tugging on your emotions and making you care deeply about each character, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Clipping mania: What is striking is how often they “clip” things during surgery. It’s almost comical how often they say “clip, clip, clip.” It’s a small but consistent detail that gives the scenes in the operating room a unique touch.
Creative language: The writers have cleverly replaced more explicit language with “damn.” The doctors often say “damn,” which is both amusing and memorable. It’s a fun way to keep the dialogue intense without crossing any lines.
Medical Families: It’s fascinating how many characters have siblings, parents or family members in the medical field. It’s a reminder of how family influences career choices and adds depth to their backstories.
Meredith’s Cadence: Meredith Grey, the main character of the series, has a unique way of speaking. Her rhythm doesn’t always match the urgency of the situation, creating a captivating contrast that makes her stand out even more (or a little more annoying).
Favorite characters: George, Izzy and Cristina are some of my favorite characters. They brought so much warmth and complexity to the show. Alex, on the other hand, didn’t get the ending he deserved and it still feels like an unresolved chapter.
Denny Duquette is missing: Denny Duquette’s absence is still felt. His story was one of the most moving and left a lasting impression. I think of him often. Keyword “If I Lay Here”.
Problems with sharing a flat: It is not advisable to share a house with co-workers. The show highlights the chaos and complications that arise when you live and work with the same people.
Relatable life lessons: Many episodes are relatable from a “life lesson” perspective. The characters’ struggles and triumphs often mirror our own, offering valuable insight and reflections on our personal journeys.
Seasonal highs and lows: Seasons 13 and 18 were the weakest, with storylines that felt like pulling teeth. Season 2 remains my favorite episode, while Season 15’s “Silent All The Years” is the most haunting episode I’ve ever seen. Season 8 was heartbreaking, and Season 17, which deals with COVID-19, was both brilliant and difficult to stomach. The beach scenes were beautiful yet poignant.
Despite the ups and downs, Grey’s Anatomy has consistently delivered impressive stories. Season 21 can come! I’m ready for it. The anticipation is great and I can’t wait to find out where the journey takes us next.
Here’s to many more lessons, heartaches, and moments of joy with our favorite doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
“Grey’s Anatomy” can be watched on Disney+ (Hulu) and Netflix.
