Since its premiere in 2005, Grey’s Anatomy has become one of the most beloved medical dramas in television history. With its dynamic characters, gripping storylines, and unforgettable moments, it’s no surprise that fans have fallen head over heels for the show. But as seasons have come and gone, some of our favorite characters have left the hospital for good, leaving us yearning for their return.
While Grey’s Anatomy has had its fair share of departures, there are a handful of iconic characters that fans believe deserve at least one more appearance. Whether it’s to tie up loose ends, revisit old storylines, or simply to provide a sense of closure, here are the top characters Grey’s Anatomy needs to bring back – at least once.
1. Derek Shepherd – The Original McDreamy
Derek Shepherd, played by Patrick Dempsey, is perhaps the most iconic character in Grey’s Anatomy history. His heart-wrenching departure in Season 11 left fans devastated, and even years later, many still haven’t fully recovered from his tragic exit.
Why We Miss Him: Derek wasn’t just Meredith Grey’s soulmate; he was a beloved mentor, friend, and the definition of McDreamy. His death was a turning point in the show, marking the end of an era. A brief return for Derek could serve as the perfect way to honor his legacy, whether through a flashback or a dream sequence with Meredith. His presence would undoubtedly stir up emotions and give fans the closure they deserve.
2. Lexie Grey – The Heartbroken Sister
Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) was a fan favorite whose untimely death in a plane crash left viewers in shock. She was known for her bubbly personality, her strong bond with Meredith, and her budding romance with Mark Sloan.
Why We Miss Her: Lexie brought a sense of lightness and warmth to the series. Her character arc was rich with potential, and the tragedy of her death felt premature. A return for Lexie could allow for an emotional reunion with her sister, Meredith, offering an opportunity to reflect on how much they’ve both changed since that fateful crash. Fans would love to see how Lexie has evolved or to simply watch her interact with the other characters she was close to.
3. George O’Malley – The Heart of Seattle Grace
George O’Malley (T.R. Knight) was one of the original five interns who helped define the early seasons of Grey’s Anatomy. His kind heart, humor, and loyalty made him an integral part of the show. George’s sudden death in Season 5 was another gut-wrenching moment for the fans.
Why We Miss Him: George was the epitome of a true friend and the kind of person who always put others first. His death left a huge hole in the show’s dynamic, especially since his relationships with Izzie Stevens and Callie Torres were left unresolved. Bringing George back, even for a brief cameo or as part of a dream sequence, would give fans the opportunity to say goodbye properly. Plus, his return would allow for a deep dive into how his death impacted his friends and family.
4. Mark Sloan – The Charming McSteamy
Mark Sloan, played by Eric Dane, was Grey’s Anatomy‘s resident heartthrob. As a skilled plastic surgeon and longtime friend of Derek Shepherd, Mark’s playful, charming demeanor made him a favorite among fans. His untimely death following the plane crash in Season 9 left fans devastated, especially since he had just reconciled with Lexie.
Why We Miss Him: Mark’s ability to bring levity to even the most tense situations made him one of the most entertaining characters. His relationship with Lexie was one of the most beloved on the show, and fans have never truly gotten over their tragic separation. A return for Mark would allow for closure on his relationship with Lexie and provide an opportunity to revisit his bond with Callie and other key characters. Imagine a scene where Mark visits Callie and their daughter, Sofia, in a dream – it would be a beautiful, emotional moment.
5. Cristina Yang – The Brilliant and Bold Surgeon
Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) was an integral part of Grey’s Anatomy for ten seasons. Her intellect, ambition, and no-nonsense attitude made her one of the show’s most unforgettable characters. After leaving the show to pursue her career in cardiothoracic surgery, Cristina’s absence has been felt ever since.
Why We Miss Her: Cristina’s departure was bittersweet for fans, as she left behind not only her best friend, Meredith, but also a significant part of the show’s identity. Cristina was unapologetically driven, and her dynamic with Meredith was one of the strongest in television history. A return for Cristina could explore how far she’s come in her career, her personal life, and most importantly, her relationship with Meredith. Fans still hold out hope for a reunion between the two iconic characters.
6. April Kepner – The Redeemed Surgeon
April Kepner (Sarah Drew) was a divisive character in the early seasons but ultimately became a fan favorite. Her journey from an uptight, religious intern to a more relaxed and confident surgeon made for compelling storytelling. Her exit in Season 14 left fans longing for more of her story.
Why We Miss Her: April’s return could provide insight into her life after Grey’s Anatomy, especially after the emotional rollercoaster of her last few seasons. Fans want to know how she’s balancing motherhood and her career, and whether she’s found peace after her tumultuous relationship with Jackson Avery. A cameo could also give fans the closure they deserve regarding her journey.
7. Izzie Stevens – The Wildcard
Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) was one of the original main characters of Grey’s Anatomy. Her departure in Season 6 was abrupt and controversial, and fans were left wondering what happened to her after she left Seattle. Izzie’s character arc was filled with ups and downs, from her romance with Alex Karev to her cancer diagnosis.
Why We Miss Her: Izzie’s return could give fans a sense of closure after her mysterious exit. With her dynamic personality and unpredictable decisions, Izzie could bring a much-needed spark back to the show. Her interactions with Alex Karev, who had his own dramatic exit, would undoubtedly bring both joy and tension to the storyline.
Why It’s Important for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to Bring Back These Characters
It’s no secret that Grey’s Anatomy has undergone significant changes over the years. As new characters are introduced and old ones are written out, it’s easy for fans to feel disconnected from the storylines that initially drew them in. Bringing back some of the most beloved characters from the past would serve as a reminder of the show’s rich history, while also giving loyal viewers the emotional payoff they deserve.
Closure and Nostalgia: There’s something deeply emotional about seeing characters from earlier seasons return, even if just for a short time. It provides closure for unresolved storylines and reminds fans of the reasons they fell in love with the show in the first place. Whether it’s a reunion between friends or a chance to revisit long-lost loves, these returning characters could bring both closure and nostalgia.
Bringing Fresh Storylines: Sometimes, old characters can breathe new life into a series. By bringing back some of these fan-favorites, Grey’s Anatomy could explore fresh, engaging storylines that complement the current narrative. These returning characters would have evolved over time, bringing with them new experiences, new conflicts, and new perspectives that would enhance the drama and depth of the show.
Reigniting the Emotional Connection: For longtime fans, characters like Derek, Lexie, and Mark hold special places in their hearts. Their return could reignite the emotional connection that has kept fans hooked for over a decade. A simple cameo or heartfelt scene could remind viewers of what they loved about Grey’s Anatomy in the first place.
Conclusion: The Unforgettable Legacy of These Characters
Grey’s Anatomy has built its legacy on its diverse and ever-changing cast of characters, but some of the most beloved faces will always hold a special place in fans’ hearts. Derek, Lexie, Mark, Cristina, and the others all contributed something unique to the fabric of the show. While we may not be able to bring them back permanently, a brief return would serve as a beautiful tribute to the characters who helped make Grey’s Anatomy the cultural phenomenon it is today.
If you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, you know that no matter how many characters come and go, these unforgettable faces will always be a part of the show’s DNA.
FAQs
1. Will Grey’s Anatomy ever bring back Derek Shepherd?
While there are no official announcements, a return for Derek, even in a brief dream sequence or flashback, would be a fitting tribute to his character.
2. Why did Izzie Stevens leave Grey’s Anatomy?
Izzie’s departure was due to actress Katherine Heigl’s exit from the series. Her character left to start a family, and her story was left unresolved.
3. Will Cristina Yang ever return to Grey’s Anatomy?
Sandra Oh, who portrayed Cristina Yang, has expressed interest in returning for a cameo or guest appearance, but there’s been no official word on her return.
4. How did Mark Sloan die on Grey’s Anatomy?
Mark Sloan died after the plane crash in Season 9. Despite initially surviving, his injuries led to his death after a brief stay in the hospital.
5. Could April Kepner make a return to Grey’s Anatomy?
There’s always a possibility for April’s return, especially since her exit was left open-ended. Fans are hopeful for a potential cameo or guest appearance.
