10 Grey’s Anatomy Moments That Still Make Fans Cringe

Grey’s Anatomy is one of the most memorable medical dramas in history and has managed to scoop up a ton of praise and accolades. Now in its 21st season, fans still enjoy the show’s complex love triangles and heartbreaking cases, even if the show no longer reflects its original feel. Yet, it seems that this hit procedural will continue to attract fans with its alluring characters and plotlines.

However, for all its positives, Grey’s Anatomy can often take things too far. Whether it’s a whirlwind romance or an inconceivable medical mystery, certain things make the audience cringe rather than keep them on the edge of their seats. But, even though this show can make audiences’ skin crawl at times, fans just see it as part of its overall charm.

Izzie’s Heartfelt Speech Turns Fans’ Stomachs

Season 3, Episode 16, “Drowning in Dry Land”

After Meredith accidentally gets pushed underwater by a patient, her peers try desperately to save her life. As the doctors struggle to get her core body temperature up, everyone is starting to lose hope. Yet, Izzie Stevens motivates her friends to keep going by giving them a passionate speech.

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
Shonda Rhimes Rob Corn February 15, 2007 9.0/10

Stevens says she believes in them and their ability to save Grey. But she also lists a range of other meaningless things, like her belief that if she eats a whole tub of butter without anyone realizing, the calories don’t count. Although the audience appreciates Stevens’ humor at this moment, it just feels a bit inappropriate, considering that Meredith is fighting for her life in the background.

Denny Duquette Gets Frustrated With Being Stuck in Bed

Season 2, Episode 4, “Deny Deny Deny”

Denny Duquette smiling in hospital bed in Grey's Anatomy

Grey’s Anatomy has featured a ton of heartbreaking cases during its time on air, but Denny Duquette’s heart condition was one of the saddest. Despite being a fairly young man, Duquette was confined to a tiny hospital bed and could rarely see the light at the end of the tunnel. In one instance, he expresses his frustration by describing himself as “I’m a man. I’m a strong, virile horse of a man.”

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
Zoanne Clark Wendey Stanzler October 16, 2005 8.3/10

Although Denny’s case is very troublesome, and fans feel terribly sorry for him, it’s hard for the audience to take him seriously. Obviously, he would feel emasculated after everything he’s been through, but his choice of words was a bit much. Overall, it seems like Denny needed a bit of reassurance after his range of health troubles.

A New Chief Resident Arrives at Grey Sloan

Season 14, Episode 8, “Out of Nowhere”

Grey's Anatomy S21 - Jo Wilson in front of a window

Jo Wilson is adored by fans, mostly because of her determination and kind heart. Yet, when she first arrived as Chief Resident in Season 14, audiences were put off by her approach. Instead of strolling into her new job with her head held high, she decides to practice her opening speech in the mirror. Not only is this incredibly cliché, but it presents Wilson almost like an awkward teenager on her first day of school rather than an accomplished professional.

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
William Harper Kevin McKidd November 16, 2017 8.5/10

This speech was meant to be powerful and showcase Wilson’s headstrong attitude, but it seriously backfired. Fans don’t want to see Wilson be subjected to stereotypical themes and would rather see her in her true glory. Though she’s proved that she’s an intelligent powerhouse, a lot of fans struggle to get over this moment.

Meredith Struggles to Become Intimate With George

Season 2, Episode 19, “What Have I Done to Deserve This”

George and Meredith are in Meredith’s house in Grey’s Anatomy.

Though Meredith Grey and George O’Malley are adored separately, fans were unimpressed by their pairing. While O’Malley was pinning over his peer, Grey didn’t really seem bothered and just wanted to get on with her day. But when the pair hook up a second time, Meredith starts crying.

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
Stacy McKee Wendey Stanzler February 6, 2006 8.0/10

This moment is exceptionally awkward and does a terrible job of expressing the need for consent during sex. Although Meredith tells George that she’s okay, he is deeply traumatized by the whole ordeal. Perhaps this scene was meant to make the audience feel sorry for Meredith, but in reality, the audience just saw her manipulating George.

A Ballerina Brings the Surgeons to Tears

Season 7, Episode 4, “Can’t Fight Biology”

Jake Fisher Grey's Anatomy Headshot

One of the best things about Grey’s Anatomy is that neither the fans nor the doctors know what’s going to stroll through the doors next. It may be a child in need of a simple course of antibiotics or a man who desperately requires a life-saving transplant. In “Can’t Fight Biology,” the team is introduced to Jake Fisher, a teenager who needs to have his leg amputated to help fight his cancer.

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
Peter Nowalk Edward Ornelas October 14, 2010 7.6/10

Of course, this was a very difficult decision for Fisher, mostly because he was also a talented ballet dancer. But instead of simply telling the surgeons this, he decides to perform an evocative dance routine that moves the doctors to tears. Although Fisher’s skills were impressive, this scene just seems entirely ridiculous. This scene also feels really out of place when discussing triggering topics like cancer.

Izzie Hooks up With a Ghost

Season 5, Episode 8, “These Ties That Bind”

After countless episodes, it seems that Grey’s Anatomy fans can stomach almost anything. However, Izzie having sex with Denny’s ghost is a step too far for most audiences. After the loss of her partner, it comes as no surprise that Izzie is haunted by his death and feels as if she sees him everywhere. Although this episode explores the madness of grief, allowing her to have sex with a person who is physically not there is a big ask.

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
Stacy McKee Eric Stoltz November 13, 2008 7.8/10

Aside from the uncomfortable nature of this episode, a lot of fans argue that “These Ties That Bind” dismisses Izzie’s grief. While Meredith and Cristina are living life as normal, it’s clear that Izzie is struggling to even get through the day. As such, her odd dalliance with Denny just adds salt to a very painful wound.

Crisrina Mocks April Over Her Secret

Season 7, Episode 3, “Superfreak”

Sarah Drew as April Kepner on Grey's Anatomy

Although she is a remarkable surgeon, there’s no denying that April Kepner is painfully insecure. As such, she often seems like an outsider, especially when compared to the other women of Grey Sloan. So, while Cristina and Lexie are busy dealing with their latest flings, April appears to be much more reserved.

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
Mark Wilding Michael Pressman October 7, 2010 7.7/10

In “Superfreak,” the residents continuously mock April because she’s still a virgin. While this may seem odd to some people, what’s stranger is that these doctors are frantically discussing this while at work. Fair enough if they worked in a standard office, but fans believe that the residents should be more focused on saving lives rather than April’s love life.

Grey Sloan Gets Its Groove On

Season 7, Episode 18, “Song Beneath the Song”

Callie Torres sings in the Grey's Anatomy musical episode

“Song Beneath the Song” is an incredibly divisive episode, and, unfortunately, some fans really didn’t appreciate Grey Sloan’s take on a few musical numbers. Considering that a fan-favorite character is fighting for her life in a coma, a lot of audiences felt that the constant singing was a tad distracting. Even though the cast was extremely talented, audiences just felt that the musical numbers were too uncomfortable.

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
Shonda Rhimes Tony Phelan March 31, 2011 6.2/10

Plus, this episode features a musical number where a lot of the couples discuss having sex with each other. Admittedly, this is quite typical for Grey’s Anatomy, but again, it feels really inappropriate given the circumstances. Overall, the infamous musical episode remains one of fans’ least favorite episodes.

Maggie and Jackson Decide to Wait a Little Longer

Season 14, Episode 16, “Caught Somewhere in Time”

Maggie Pierce cuddled against Jackson Avery's shoulder in Grey's Anatomy.

Maggie and Jackson’s relationship was interesting, to say the least, and a lot of fans enjoyed their transition from friends to lovers. Yet, by Season 14, the pair couldn’t keep their hands off of each other. Although the couple is determined to focus on their work, in “Caught Somewhere in Time,” they can’t help but get excited about the fact that they’re going to have sex for the first time later on.

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
Jalysa Conway Nicole Rubio March 22, 2018 7.3/10

Admittedly, these interactions are pretty common throughout Grey Sloan, and even when Richard catches the pair making out, he doesn’t really bat an eyelid. However, Maggie makes a comment that still makes fans wince in disgust. She tells Avery that “the longer we wait, the hungrier we will be,” which is a little too visceral to be viewed as standard flirting.

Meredith Begs to Be With Derek

Season 2, Episode 5, “Bring the Pain”

It’s hard to even mention Grey’s Anatomy without discussing the power couple that is Meredith and Derek. While the pair have certainly seen their fair share of ups and downs, there’s no denying that their love for one another is one of the best parts of the earlier seasons. However, any true fan will also agree that Derek Shepherd is a bit of a player.

Written By Directed By Original Release Date IMDb Score
Shonda Rhimes Mark Tinker October 23, 2005 8.5/10

After calling it quits, Grey plucks up the courage to tell Derek about her true feelings. But, instead of having any sort of self-respect, she recites the infamous Pick Me speech. As such, she practically begs Shepherd to pick her, choose her, and love her. Although fans can understand that Meredith is desperate to make things work with the love of her life, they believe that she didn’t have to lose herself in the process.

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