Why Grey's Anatomy is So Successful
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Why Is Grey's Anatomy Still So Successful?

14+ seasons and still going strong.

181
Why Is Grey's Anatomy Still So Successful?
Wikimedia Commons

I was a late-comer to the Grey's Anatomy craze. During the summer of 2014, I binge-watched every season just in time to catch the premiere of season 11. I started watching Grey's Anatomy because at the time I wanted to become a doctor and figured I'd find the medical aspect of the show interesting. I did find the medicine and surgeries fascinating, as exaggerated as they were at times, but even after I decided against becoming a physician I continued to find myself drawn to the TV show.

What is it about Grey's Anatomy that has allowed it to become one of the longest-running TV shows in American history? Some say its sustained and even increased, popularity is due to a feeling of nostalgia that audiences hold dear to their heart. That may be so, but it doesn't explain why young people like me, who were definitely too young to understand the dynamics of the show when it initially aired, have latched on to the show so tightly and fervently after a month-long binge.

I definitely think that the power of nostalgia plays a role in Grey's Anatomy's high ratings but it's not the whole story. After contemplating why I'm still so willing to watch Meredith Grey and the other surgeons of Grey-Sloan Memorial navigate the halls of their hospital and absurd drama, I realized that the fact that there will always be an absurd level of drama is what keeps me coming back.

Grey's Anatomy is a pretty predictable show - there's no denying that. But, its predictability isn't a hindrance. In fact, I think it's Grey's Anatomy's strength.

When two surgeons are constantly eyeing each other throughout an episode, it's a safe bet that they will act on that attraction at some point. When a patient in the emergency room seems completely fine at the beginning of the episode, there's a pretty high chance that they were the most injured all along. There's always an ever revolving door of three to four fellow doctors living in Meredith's house at any given point in any season. These are things that us viewers can count on, that bring us comfort even if we've only been watching the show for a few years. In our crazy, changing world it's nice to have an idea of what's going to happen - even if it's just regarding an ABC drama about a fictional hospital in Seattle.

This year, Grey's Anatomy is entering its 15th season. On my social media, I still see fans excitedly posting theories about what's going to go down in the upcoming episodes. There are no plans to end the show anytime soon and Ellen Pompeo, who portrays Meredith, has said that she's willing to continue the show as long as fans keep watching. I hope she's ready to play an elderly, retired surgeon because fan fervor looks like it's going to be consistent for the time coming.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

44965
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28377
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953002
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

156834
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments