Analysis of Grey's Anatomy Essay Example

Have you ever watched all the known, interesting TV shows you’ve heard about on Netflix and wondered, what now? Good news, you have yet to run out of options if you have not watched jaw-dropping – Grey’s Anatomy. Grey’s Anatomy is a superb, very alive, TV show revolved around a character, Meredith Grey, and her peers’ adventures through residency and their journeys to becoming surgeons. Have no doubts, other than the gruesome, realistic, on-going traumas, the show is filled with nonstop action, drama, love stories, and mind-blowing, yet relevant events. Grey’s Anatomy is an addicting show that draws you into their world and constantly has you thinking, what next at the end of each breathtaking episode. Grey’s Anatomy is a must watch, captivating TV show considering its award-winning cast, compelling plot, and non-stop originality. 

Grey’s Anatomy is a medical inspired drama that follows Meredith Grey and her peers’ journeys through their next steps in becoming surgeons after medical school. Meredith Grey is the daughter to a very well-known, talented surgeon in which she is constantly being referred and trying to live up to. Throughout her residency Meredith forms many loving, complicated, and enemy relationships which surprisingly involve her notable mentor, Derek Shepherd. Through the series Meredith and her peers are involved in many heart-wrenching, drama filled deaths, surgeries and relationships. With many of her mentors have worked with her mother Meredith is constantly judged and seen as given ‘special treatment’ which she is trying to prove wrong and ‘fend’ for herself. Although the series may seem unrealistic in the medical field itself at some points, the series includes very serious, relevant events in the world such as: plane crashes, hospital shootings, racial and gender discrimination, sex trafficking, and even COVID-19 in the most recent seasons. Each of these factors is what makes Grey’s Anatomy not only mesmerizing but also the second most popular streaming show in the world (Epstein, 2021). 

The plot of Grey’s Anatomy is unlike any other because although it is as simple straight forward idea the further into the episodes you go the more realistic, relatable, and extraordinary it becomes. Busselle and Bilandzic (2009) explain that “Narrative experiences that are more engaging should result in greater enjoyment and greater effects … It is reasonable to assume that more engaging narrative experiences are more enjoyable.” Thus, the more engaging a TV show is the more likely the audience will enjoy it and continue to watch it. Grey’s Anatomy can be shown as engaging as each episode has a new mini story line revolving around the cast. These continuing story lines and drama within the saga is what engages the audience as it not only puts them at the edge of their seat but also allows them to emerge themselves within the plot and relate to the characters. However, plot can only take a movie so far as the execution of it is just as, if not more important. 

Any show can have a good plot and idea but without it being executed and played by an immensely talented cast it wouldn’t be seen as appealing. Within the article “The Power of Stars: Do Star Actors Drive the Success of Movies?” it is explained, “The importance of stars permeates the motion picture industry. Although there are thousands of aspiring actors and actresses, the small group that has risen to the top of its profession” (Elberse, 2007). Some of the cast of Grey’s Anatomy consisted of many already known actors and actresses such as Patrick Dempsey, Katherine Heigl, Jessica Capshaw, and many more (Grey’s Anatomy, 2002). Using these already well-known actors and actresses helped build credibility and already interested audience as fans of these actors will tend to follow their career path in movies and TV shows. As actors and actresses play many movies with different narratives it is important that each one contains its own originality to keep viewers engaged and interested. 

There are many medical shows out there however, what separates Grey’s Anatomy from the rest is the originality within the plot as it is layered with relative, complex issues and fresh, controversial scenes. As further explained by Ramrao, “The interest displayed by the public in watching the films speaks volumes about the quality of creativeness both in the original and adaptation” (Ramrao, 2016). Although some TV shows may not be the original or the first to present an idea or storyline of the plot the way that specific TV show portrays it an makes it original to them is what draws an audience. Grey’s Anatomy isn’t the first TV show to be a medical drama however, Shonda Rhimes – writer and producer of Grey’s Anatomy – made the plot original to this TV show. It is original as it has a personal storyline, hospital trademarks, extensive personal scenes, and much more. 

In conclusion, due to the brilliant narrative, exquisite cast, and non-stop originality Grey’s Anatomy has been continuously renewed year after year since 2002.  The newest season was reconstructed and rewritten to revolve around COVID-19 and involve the current world issues I think Grey’s Anatomy should continue to get renewed so they can now write season based off their new storyline as it will engage more viewers as the more relevant it is. A key element in making sure they maintain an equal audience if not more is to make sure they continue with originality and narrative relatable to real world issues. If there were to be one flaw within Grey’s Anatomy many did not like it would be the death of some main character and actors.