Fans of Grey's Anatomy believe they have found a 'major flaw' with the show (file)(Image: Getty Images)
Some fans of the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy believe they have pinpointed a "real downfall" moment in the much-loved TV show. Long time viewers believe after 17 seasons the show took a turn for the worse, and fans on Reddit have singled out the moment which left the show feeling a little worse than usual.
Grey's Anatomy was renewed for its 22nd season, with the 21st season featuring series regulars Ellen Pompeo, Kevin McKidd, and James Pickens Jr. The success of the show led to two spin-off shows, Private Practice and Station 19, the latter of which ran for seven seasons, premiering its last episode on March 14, 2024.
But the "real downfall" of the show comes around its 17th season, according to viewers who have watched Grey's Anatomy from the very beginning.
One user took to the r/GreysAnatomy Reddit page and wrote: "I'm watching Grey's Anatomy for the second time (the first time since I stopped after season 17), and I have the same feeling again: that the show has prioritized quantity over quality just to become the longest-running primetime medical drama in American TV history.
"I truly believe that the early seasons were of a high standard, but as time went on—and especially after the loss of key characters like O'Malley, Izzie, Lexie, Sloan, Yang, and Derek—I strongly feel that the show's quality declined."
The decline in quality was felt by others, too, with the user asking: "Do you think there's a way for the show to recover its essence by bringing back some characters? Or do you believe it will continue to lose ratings year after year until it eventually ends?"
One user added: "I started to feel such a disconnect after they switched the background music. Everything is just so cold and sterile.
"I’ll often pop on a Grey’s Anatomy playlist and it just gives a vibe. That definitely doesn’t exist in the show now."
Another wrote: "I agree with you that they have prioritized quantity over quality because like you said it’s essentially not even the same show anymore.
The departure of fan favourites has frustrated long-term viewers (file)(Image: ABC)
"In my opinion there was no need to continue the show after Christina left because she was such an important character. They could’ve perfectly wrapped up the show there and now the show is something I don’t even recognize anymore."
Christina, played by Sandra Oh, left the show in 2014, with her final appearance seen in the Season 10 episode 'Fear (of the Unknown)'. Fans believe her departure from the show began a decline in quality for the rest of the show's run.
One user wrote: "Whenever I rewatched I stop with Christina’s exit. To me that’s the best and happiest spot."
Another added: "You are on to something around season 7 or so they had told every story and started to reach and we had more misses in the episodes of a season, the next sharp decline came after Sandra Oh left and than another after Patrick Dempsey."
A third suggested: "I weathered many changes, but the final straw for me is when Meredith left. Even though she returns sporadically, it’s too many episodes between them.
"I still watch but only when I have nothing left. The only interesting things that keeps me watching is anything regarding Millin, Jo and Link, Meredith when she is back."
Other viewers are still keen on the show, with one writing: "I still watch faithfully every Thursday night and am genuinely entertained. I still love the show!"
Another added: "It was SO incredible early seasons, I'm doing my first rewatch ever and it's really losing steam in 12/13- idk that I'll make it past this."
