Hospitals have always been fertile ground for drama, hence the dozens of medical shows that have risen and fallen over the entire span of TV’s history. None have proven as enduring as Grey’s Anatomy, which is onto its 19th season—not bad for a series that started as a mid-season replacement back in 2005. Fans can now watch season 19 of Grey’s Anatomy exclusively on Disney+.
For those new to the show—and those who just need a bit of a refresher after almost 20 years—Grey’s Anatomy centers on Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and her personal and professional exploits at Seattle’s fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Originally a lowly surgical intern, she’s now the chief of general surgery. Even now, though, she struggles to find that elusive work/life balance, vacillating between healing hearts and breaking them.
But Dr. Grey is only one element in the equation. Grey’s Anatomy has always boasted an impressive ensemble cast; the original line-up included Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, T. R. Knight, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., and Isaiah Washington.
This season the series is leaning into the ensemble format; Pompeo is reportedly only appearing in eight of the 22 episodes, with the rest of the cast, including still-standing Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr., Kevin McKidd, Kate Walsh, Jake Borelli, and Chris Carmack, taking more prominent parts in the action. Add to that a passel of freshly-minted interns played by Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho, and Midori Francis, and you’ve got relationship dramas for days.
We almost got Grey’s Anatomy without Grey, though. Pompeo hasn’t been shy about voicing her opinion that the series has just about run its course, and negotiations for her return resulted in her getting bumped up to Executive Producer behind the scenes. It feels like there’s a decent chance we’ll be getting a Valerie’s Family scenario in the near future, but until then, point yourself at Disney+ for all your medical drama needs.
