The first episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” a drama series following doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital, was released in March 2005.

So, how is it possible the same show is still airing new episodes in 2024, almost 20 years later?

The answer is simple: the characters. From Seasons 1-21, the characters are constantly changing, which keeps the audience on their toes through fresh and entertaining storylines.

Here is a list of my favorite characters that have graced the world of Grey’s over the years. From passionate interns to charismatic attendings, these people have shaped “Grey’s Anatomy” into the amazing show it is. There will be spoilers, so continue with caution.

Derek Shepherd
He’s McDreamy. Do I really need to say anything else? If you’re not convinced, it’s not just his charm and charisma that makes him so lovable, but also his caring and kind nature. He definitely has his arrogant moments, like when he tries to undermine his sister and fellow neurosurgeon Amelia during Season 7, but it would be ridiculous to hate him for a few bad choices. I also love him because of how great he is with people and patients. He knows how to connect with everyone, truly listening to and easing their concerns.

Alex Karev
No matter how many seasons of Grey’s there ends up being or how many more new characters we meet, Alex is and always will be the best character in my mind. He’s a great pediatric surgeon who adds a lot of passion and depth to the show. I will admit he starts out as an annoying, selfish jerk. But he grows so much. He becomes kind and protective of his loved ones and develops an adorable soft spot for kids. Because of how well the writers developed his character, I will never forgive them for the way he left the show for Izzie. It felt so random and it didn’t make sense, especially after his relationship with Jo had developed so much. Alex was such a good character, who brought so much heart and emotion, and he deserved a better ending to his story.

Richard Webber
Richard’s probably one of the most underrated characters, which is kind of ironic considering he’s one of the few original characters left on the show. He’s a breath of fresh air on a show with so much drama, always staying calm and level-headed. He also acts like a father figure towards Meredith, like when he comforts her after she struggles with her intern exam, which shows a very tender side of him.

Mark Sloan
I wasn’t totally sure about Mark when he was first introduced in Season 2. He seemed overconfident and even a bit narcissistic. That said, he won me over with his humor, which breaks up serious situations. He’s also really good at interacting with patients, making use of his charismatic social skills. His death in Season 9 was one of the most heart-rending moments on the show to date. I will always miss him, as the absence of his jokes and sarcasm makes serious situations that much more somber. However, I love that his legacy lives on after the hospital was renamed in Season 9 to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, forever honoring him and Lexie Grey.

Lexie Grey
Lexie was only on the show from Seasons 3-8, which is a relatively short span compared to some of the other characters on this list. However, she definitely made the most of her limited time on screen. I love her for many reasons, but the biggest one is her bouncy, awkward personality. She’s authentic and true to herself, which I really admire. She’s also one of the most humble characters that has ever been on Grey’s; she’s an excellent doctor, partly due to her photographic memory, but she doesn’t let that go to her head. Her kind soul is another appealing trait. She sees the best in everyone, and even though that can lead to disappointment, it makes her such a gentle, welcoming character.

Arizona Robbins
Arizona is a walking ray of sunshine. Or, I guess I should say roller-skating ray of sunshine, thanks to her skate shoes. She maintains a positive, upbeat attitude and her bubbly personality brightens the more serious atmosphere of the hospital. She’s optimistic, constantly spreading hope to the kids she treats as a pediatric surgeon. Also, I love her role as a mentor to Alex. She’s one of the few attendings who seems to genuinely enjoy teaching the less experienced doctors, which deepens my respect for her.

April Kepner
When she was first introduced in Season 6, April immediately annoyed me. I found her too emotional and sensitive, to the point where one mistake upset her way more than it should have. Every character in Grey’s has made mistakes, but April was one of the few that had trouble moving past them. However, her growth is probably the best character development on the show. She becomes more sure of herself and confident in her abilities as a surgeon. She might not be the most naturally talented surgeon, but she works so much harder than anyone else. She doesn’t lose her sensitive side though; she learns how to use it to her advantage, showing vulnerability and compassion towards everyone she interacts with. She’s definitely not perfect, but her work ethic and empathetic nature not only make her one of my favorites but also someone I see part of myself in.

Jackson Avery
I love Jackson, and I promise it’s not just because of his striking green eyes. He’s one of the most complex characters on the show. He’s respectful but honest. Confident, but open-minded to the opinions of others. Selfless, but stubborn when he needs to be. Composed, but quick on his feet. I can always count on him to bring reason and rationality to a situation, making tough decisions when it really matters. His agile thinking is witnessed most notably during the finale of Season 6 when Jackson saved Derek’s life during the hospital shooting. Although this quick thinking can sometimes put him in the face of danger, like during Season 9 when he runs into a burning bus to save a young girl, it makes him one of the most valuable and entertaining characters.

Maggie Pierce
I was kind of skeptical of Maggie when she was introduced in Season 10. It felt random and forced for the writers to add in another half-sister for Meredith. That plotline had already been used with Lexie and, while it was entertaining, it seemed unoriginal to be used twice. However, Maggie brought so much to the show that I soon forgot about my initial doubt. She’s a perfectionist in every sense of the word, which sometimes annoys her colleagues, but undeniably makes her an extraordinary surgeon. She has intense drive and determination, always wanting to be in control of a situation. However, she doesn’t let this focus distract her from being friendly and talkative, making her even more likable.

There are many more characters I love, but it would take a little too long to name them all. One thing I have noticed though is that there are fewer characters that stand out to me in the more recent seasons.

There are good characters, ones that keep me invested in their stories, but not ones that leave an impact on me as the older characters did.

Hopefully, with the new season, I can expect more memorable, inspirational characters that keep “Grey’s Anatomy” the chaotic, yet heartfelt, show I’ve always known it to be.