15 Most Underrated Episodes of Grey’s Anatomy

Explosions, animal attacks, boat accidents, bazookas inside bodies, medical mysteries, you name it! For twenty years, Grey’s Anatomy has showcased the hectic lives of the surgeons at Seattle Grace Hospital, later renamed Grey Sloan Memorial.

Throughout the decades, the show seems to cover every possible scenario that might happen at a hospital, and you could be as far as to say that nothing should be surprising at this point.

While some of its episodes have made history, there are many hidden gems, and those are the ones that will be highlighted.

As the show prepares for its milestone 20th season, more heartbreaking moments are expected to happen, but as of now, let’s focus on the ones that have already claimed part of our hearts.

In chronological order, here are the 15 most underrated episodes of Grey’s Anatomy:

1. Who’s Zoomin’ Who (Season 1 Episode 9)

The first season of this show was only nine episodes long. Little did ABC know what a phenomenon this show would become after the end of its freshman season.

In the last few minutes of the episode, we are introduced to one of the most beloved characters ever to roam Seattle Grace’s halls: Addison Montgomery.

This introduction changed everything, and it is an example of how Grey’s Anatomy‘s strengths rely on character development. She also inspired young girls everywhere to become doctors, as she is very passionate about her work and decides to focus exclusively on it once everything ends between her and Derek.

She realizes that she wants to be career-driven for a while, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Addison starts as a disliked character, but she grows into one of the strongest female leads of the show, even getting her own spinoff: Private Practice.

Grey’s Anatomy would have never been what it is without her, and that is why this episode is one of the best.

2. Bring the Pain (Season 2 Episode 5)

Every once in a while, Meredith’s monologue “choose me, love me,” will find its way back to conversation. People will say it is impactful, others will say that it is outdated or out of character for Meredith Grey to beg for a man.

While all points regarding that monologue are valid, there is much more to this episode than just Meredith begging Derek to leave Addison.

The star of this episode is none other than George O’Malley. George was chosen as the intern who showed the most promise, and before his untimely death, we got to see exactly how he would’ve been as a cardiothoracic surgeon. While paralyzed with fear in an elevator, he successfully performs heart surgery.

Revisiting episodes from the earlier seasons is always nostalgic for many reasons, but in this case, it is heartbreaking, as we now know the fates of two of the biggest moments of the episode: George dies soon after, and while Derek chooses Meredith and loves her as she deserved, he also perishes.

3. These Arms of Mine (Season 7 Episode 6)

This episode changed Seattle Grace and TV overall.

A film crew comes to the hospital to document how the doctors are doing post-shooting. This episode also follows up on Mary Portman, who had been trapped with Dr. Bailey during the shooting.

Despite the trauma they’ve been through, they still work together as harmoniously as possible, because people need help, and that is how they cope, by helping others. This episode stands out due to the resilience of the doctors, while at the same time showcasing how pain like that never really goes away. That’s life, after all.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 7 Episode 6, “These Arms of Mine,” also shows how far Alex Karev has come, as he is cockily saying how he’s only in pediatrics because it’s elite and not for the children. Still, he is shown going above and beyond for his patient, a young girl named Lily.

Much like Addison, he has some of the best character development in the show, and it’s little moments like this one that showcase that.

This made his abrupt decision to leave in season 16 seem out of character, and it felt like small moments like this one were for nothing. Still, this episode is a good reminder of who he used to be.

4. Sledgehammer (Season 12 Episode 1)

When two teenage girls are brought to the hospital after being run over by a train, the entire hospital stops as they realize the reason why.

Jess and Aliyah are in love, and they attempt to die together due to the disapproval of their parents. Callie is immediately sympathetic towards them, as her mother disapproves of her relationship with Arizona.

This episode is a brutal reminder that many queer youth don’t feel safe and loved by their families, and not all of them can live a life full of love and happiness that they deserve.

While Jess and Aliyah end up having a happy ending, the episode as a whole showcases the importance of young queer people having the support they need and deserve.

5. Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (Season 12 Episode 5)

If there’s one thing that is bound to create chaos, it is a dinner party with lots of alcohol involved, where all the Grey Sloan residents are going to be in attendance. Sounds like a great time.

This is not a lighthearted episode by any means, but it is a refreshing one in many ways. In the episodes preceding, there had been so much tension building up, that it was finally time for everything to come out.

There aren’t many moments taking place in the hospital during Grey’s Anatomy Season 12 Episode 5, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” allowing the characters to interact in a more casual setting without the clunkiness of medical jargon in their dialogue.

It’s a good reminder that not all their lives revolve around the halls of Grey Sloan, even though sometimes it seems like it. There hasn’t been an episode with character interactions like this one in a while; it’s time for another dinner party!

6. Reunited (Season 13 Episode 3)

Grey’s Anatomy has had its fair share of guest stars, but having Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs be reunited on screen for the first time in decades, was special. While many things happen in this episode regarding the leads, the Charmed reunion becomes the main focus.

The sisters, Heidi and Haylee, are mourning the loss of their sister, straight out of the plot of Charmed, right? They are arguing all the time about whether to remove their sister’s life support. All that was missing was for them to cast spells and start a magical fight.

Their banter had been missed, and the storyline was a welcome addition to the chaos of Grey Sloan.

People who are not familiar with Charmed might not appreciate the little easter eggs in the episode, but for those of us who grew up with the Halliwell sisters, it is one of the best surprises Grey’s Anatomy has bestowed upon its fanbase.

7. Personal Jesus (Season 14 Episode 10)

April Kepner has always been a fascinating character. She was the religious peppy doctor, and nothing seemed to bring her down.

However, her faith is put to the test on Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 10, “Personal Jesus.” When two patients, Karin and Eric end up dying, these events wreck April to the point that she starts to question her faith, the thing that kept her grounded.

This episode marks the beginning of “Dark April.” She loses her way and starts her journey of rediscovering her faith and why she believes in what she does.

April needed a journey like this one. She needed to figure out who she is outside of her religious self, and why it is so important for her to cling to her faith. While tragic, the character arc she starts in this episode is for the best.

8. Beautiful Dreamer (Season 14 Episode 19)

When this episode aired, there were a lot of tensions going on politically in the US, as it was in the middle of a new presidency. An ICE agent arrives at the hospital, asking for Dr. Sam Bello.

It turns out she came to the US under DACA and is being threatened with deportation for simply running a red light. Meredith and Bailey immediately band together to protect her and figure out how to have her deported.

Eventually, the solution is to have her voluntarily leave the country to work with Dr. Christina Yang at the Klausman Institute for Medical Research in Switzerland. While it was not what Sam wanted, it was the only way to keep her from being deported to El Salvador and losing her medical license.

It is a bittersweet episode because it makes the audience think about the immigration process in the US and how it isn’t fair. This episode, while understated in terms of external doctor drama, is important in terms of its statement.

Once more, Grey’s Anatomy shines with its commentary on timely issues.

9. Judgement Day (Season 14 Episode 20)

Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 20, “Judgment Day,” one of the more lighthearted episodes.

The premise is simple: two grateful patients gift Arizona a tin of homemade cookies. She shares them with her peers, who gladly accept, and in the middle of a medical conference, all the surgeons start laughing. The cookies had weed in them, and all the surgeons are out of commission for the day.

All of them are put into rooms until it all passes, and shenanigans ensue. They perform fake surgeries, have hallucinations, and relax for the first time in a while.

Despite the lightheartedness of those moments, things take a turn when it’s revealed that Catherine Fox had covered up all the harassment allegations against Harper Avery, and they’re now coming to light.

While it was enjoyable to see the surgeons have a little accidental fun, it is not Grey’s Anatomy without a little heartbreak, and this episode is the beginning of Catherine’s rise to power and how she took control despite the circumstances.

10. Silent All These Years (Season 15 Episode 19)

Grey’s Anatomy Season 15 Episode 19, “Silent All These Years,” is regarded as one of the best episodes of the series, and it is a statement worth repeating. A woman, Abby, arrives at Grey Sloane after being assaulted. While initially trying to hide the truth, she eventually confides in Jo, who dedicates her full attention to her.

Abby trying to hide the truth and avoiding an investigation is one of the harsh realities of how assault victims rarely speak up because they’re not believed and pushed aside.

Jo believes her, and that is all Abby needs. She agrees to open the investigation and receive the care she needs, which leads to one of the most powerful scenes in TV history. Abby is wheeled to surgery, and all the women who work at the hospital line up in support to remind her that she is not alone.

11. My Shot (Season 16 Episode 8)

With nineteen seasons worth of monologues, there is one that’s remained ingrained in my mind.

It’s Meredith’s monologue as she stands before the medical board as they determine if she can keep her license or not. Her medical license is in peril because she has committed insurance fraud to help a little girl in need.

At the hearing, she quickly realizes that one of the doctors was the one responsible for Derek’s death. Hearing her declare how her medical license should not be at the hands of a negligent man was a powerful moment.

It’s an episode filled with nostalgia as well, since many of Meredith’s previous patients return to vouch for her, including her very first patient, Katie Bryce. Meredith wins the case as she is a good doctor, and all the people who showed up in her support proved that.

It is one of Meredith’s best moments and proves how, despite how difficult her life has been, she has many people rallying behind her, loving and supporting her.

12. Save The Last Dance for Me (Season 16 Episode 13)

While the focus of Grey’s Anatomy is the titular character and the rest of the doctors, there are times when the patients’ stories stick with you the longest. That is the case with this episode.

An elderly couple, Irene and Norman, come into the hospital when Irene’s cancer returns. They are former ballroom dancers on the way to a dance competition to relive their glory days. Due to Irene’s condition, their trip is canceled, and the couple is heartbroken.

Levi decides to do something special for them before Irene is sent to palliative care. He organizes for the couple to have one last dance in the hospital. In a heartwarming moment, Irene and Norman dance as the rest of the residents look on. After the dance, Irene and Levi share a moment as they talk about true love.

It is during this moment that Levi decides to pursue his relationship with Nico.

Other than the heartbreaking Norman and Irene storyline, what makes this episode stand out is Levi. Levi is the first openly gay doctor on Grey’s Anatomy, and his deciding to follow his heart is a big moment.

13. Breathe (Season 17 Episode 10)

Due to COVID-19 filming restrictions, episodes like Grey’s Anatomy Season 17  Episode 10, “Breathe,” happened, and at the end of the day, it was needed.

Meredith re-encounters people she has lost. Out of the moments at that beach, the one that stands out the most is her being reunited with Mark Sloan and Lexie Grey.

Their deaths are arguably two of the saddest deaths in the show’s history, and they never got their happy ending. This episode redeems that, by showing them being happy together in that world’s version of the afterlife.

The season was dark, due to the reflection of the state of the world. However, having Meredith be able to cope with her losses and properly say goodbye to Mark and Lexie was not only cathartic for her but for the audience as well.

No one possibly believed that Mark and Lexie would ever be on television again or that we would get confirmation that they did get a happy ending, under different circumstances.

14. Let’s Talk About Sex (Season 19 Episode 3)

On Grey’s Anatomy Season 19 Episode 3, “Let’s Talk About Sex,” the new class of interns is tasked with something very important: sex education.

Bailey and Addison have been dedicating their time to creating an accessible sex education program since the Supreme Court overthrew Roe v Wade. The interns are not at all passionate about having to talk to teenagers, and it shows when they are thrown in front of uninterested youngsters.

This is the debut season of the new interns. They have to prove themselves. By having this be their first significant moment instead of a surgery, it is a lesson to the interns that being a doctor is much more than cutting people open.

The interns decide to make social media content, and the teenagers start to interact and learn. This is one of the first episodes where we get to get a better understanding of who the new interns are, and it is the beginning of Addison and Bailey’s new mission for reproductive justice.

15. When I Get to The Border (Season 19 Episode 5)

Meredith has her iconic monologues, and now it was time for Addison to have hers.

Continuing her mission for reproductive rights, Addison enlists Bailey to help out in a clinic where people are going since their states have banned abortions.

Addison’s powerful monologue on Grey’s Anatomy Season 19 Episode 5, “When I Get to the Border,” comes from a place of deep anger, as she has to find a way to keep helping people, but now her career and life are at risk, which is not a good position to be in. However, this is Addison Montgomery, so she will do whatever it takes.

It is gut-wrenching as she expresses what many people have been feeling since June 2022. Once again, when Grey’s Anatomy gets political, it usually results in its most memorable moments, and this certainly has turned into one of Addison’s.

—

Did your favorite episode make the list? Share your thoughts on the most underrated Grey’s Anatomy episodes in the comments below!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!