Content Warning: the following article contains discussions of death, violence, and baby loss
To be on 17 seasons may be a daunting task for most television shows, but for Grey's Anatomy is just business as usual. Grey's Anatomy is one of the most celebrated hospital television series dramas of all time. With an outstanding cast and extraordinary writing, along with the best playlist on prime time, the nighttime drama series has stayed fresh to viewers for many years.
Within this time, the show has produced some of the most talk-about episodes and scenes in recent memories. There have been hospital shootings, tornadoes, fiery crashes, weddings, break-ups, and deaths that have caused both sadness and happiness for its dedicated audience. But what is a show without intrigue?
Teddy Altman
Happiest Scene (Her Pregnancy)
Although Teddy's pregnancy didn't exactly run smoothly, with the trauma surgeon finding herself embroiled in a love triangle and quite a dramatic labor, she would probably say she wouldn't change any of it. Especially since the end result meant that she had started a family with Owen and begun a new chapter in her life.
Saddest Scene (Cheating on Owen)
Unfortunately for her, this new chapter was also filled with a bit of drama as it was revealed that Teddy has residual feelings for Tom. After it was revealed that Teddy had begun an affair with Tom, she soon discovered that she had accidentally left a voicemail on Owen's phone that exposed her secret. While Owen was justified in his anger, many fans couldn't help but sympathize with Teddy as she was judged by this mistake.
Andrew Deluca
Happiest Scene (Meredith Tells Him That She Loves Him)
While Andrew Deluca and Meredith's romance may have been brief, most fans would agree that it could be a little endearing too. He may not be Derek, but it was clear to all that he loved Meredith and loved spending time with her children. So when she told him she loved him after he prevented her from going to jail, fans couldn't help but be happy for him.
Saddest Scene (His Death)
Unfortunately, fans were forced to say goodbye to DeLuca in season 17 after he was tragically killed in a stabbing. While it looked like he would be okay after his surgery, unforeseen complications arose and DeLuca ed away.
Maggie Pierce
Happiest Scene (Bonding With Sisters)
Most of the time, Maggie has found herself caught in the middle between Amelia and Meredith. Since the two women often clash because of their different personalities, Maggie has always tried to bring her sisters together. So when Meredith insisted that they take down the wall in her living room together, Maggie took this as a symbol of new beginnings.
Saddest Scene (Her Mother's Death)
While Maggie might have the drive and ambition of Ellis Grey, she had the heart and comion of Diane Pierce. Although Diane wasn't in the show for long, it was easy to see why Maggie loved her. She was funny, kind, and very wise. She also had the type of personality that everyone gravitated towards. So when she ed away, everyone was heartbroken.
Jackson Avery
Happiest Scene (April Lives)
In season 14, the viewers saw April's life get put on the line as she was involved in a car accident. While Jackson had expressed previously that he was an atheist, when he realized that April might die, he turned to God and asked him to save her life. Although he didn't expect it, April squeezed his hand not long after, much to his delight.
Saddest Scene (Samuel's Nursery)
The death of his son caused an unbearable amount of pain for Jackson, which he suppressed for the longest time. However, after April decided to go to Jordan, the viewers saw Jackson begin to process his grief. When he was taking apart Samuel's nursery, Jackson was seen to be getting increasingly upset after he couldn't get the screws out of the crib. When he still dismantle it, he ended up smashing it against the other objects in the room. It was heartbreaking to watch as he finally broke down.
Amelia Shepherd
Happiest Scene (Birth Of Her Son)
After losing her first baby, it was clear that Amelia had some trauma that she hadn't dealt with. But by helping to parent Betty, Leo, and now Scout, Amelia has found her true happiness with Link, and gained a family that truly loves her for who she is.
Saddest Scene (Penny's Blame)
As family and friends gathered around the dinner table at Meredith’s house, Penny recalled the night of Derek’s death. In a tearful plea, Amelia demanded explanations as to why Derek had died in the first place and what his last moments were like. Sadly, Amelia never got the answers she desperately wanted.
Owen Hunt
Happiest Scene (Marries Cristina)
Both Cristina and Owen had strong relationships with others before they committed to each other. But at last, they finally "tied" the knot in a scene. Only two words were spoken here, with Cristina saying “I do."
Saddest Scene (Cristina Leaves)
Unfortunately, this relationship didn't last. To get over the loss of the Harper Avery award, Cristina eventually left the hospital to take over the medical facility in Zurich. While Owen had hoped he could say goodbye to her properly, he soon found that they had ran out of time. As he was in surgery, Cristina knocked on the glass of the surgical viewing room and waved goodbye, not saying a word.
Miranda Bailey
Happiest Scene (Wedding To Ben)
Miranda Bailey was very nervous about her wedding because her last marriage did not go the way she expected. The wedding was delayed five hours because Bailey had to perform Adele’s emergency surgery. However, after all the drama, Bailey did get married and danced in joyful bliss at her reception.
Saddest Scene (Intern's Death)
In season 6, fans will that the hospital was forced to go into lockdown when Gary Clark shot several people, including the resident Charles Percy. While Bailey tried her best to save his life, she soon discovered that Charles' injuries were fatal and he would likely die if he didn't get to an OR. Since this was impossible, the only thing Bailey could do was comfort him as he slowly ed away. Bailey was seen to be deeply impacted by Charles' death.
Richard Webber
Happiest Scene (Marries Catherine)
After the death of his first wife, Richard was a little hesitant to open himself up to love again. However, he did end up finding happiness with Catherine Fox after she became more involved with the hospital. After they got engaged, Richard and Catherine ended up getting married in the season 11 finale, with everyone at the hospital going to Meredith's dream house to celebrate.
Saddest Scene (Electrocution)
After a superstorm hits the hospital, fans were on the edge of their seats as numerous lives were put on the line. It turns out that Richard was in mortal danger after he ended up getting electrocuted while fixing the generator. Fans had to wait for months to see if Richard would survive, especially since none of the other workers failed to locate him.
Meredith Grey
Happiest Scene (Post-It Note Wedding)
When the doctors hinted that Izzie could die, Meredith and Derek decide to give her and Alex their wedding ceremony. Instead, they decide to have a post-it wedding. For Meredith, she preferred their version of a wedding as it was very simplistic and much more like them. So she was more than happy to sign their vows and keep it framed above their bed.
Saddest Scene (Derek's Death)
Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd are synonymous with Grey's Anatomy. Their connection gave hope and happiness to everyone who embarked on the show's journey. So it was a very somber goodbye as Meredith sat at Derek’s bedside as he lied in a coma.
As she gently strokes his cheek, she tells him it is okay and that their family will be fine. She then continues to comfort him, sitting by his bedside and holding his hand until he ed away.