Grey's Anatomy: These are the 10 worst episodes of the series, according to fans

One thing is a fact: Grey's Anatomya medical drama created by Shonda Rhimes, is not only one of the longest-running series in television history, but it is also one of the most beloved and celebrated by fans around the world. Launched in 2005, the series has 20 seasons to date and more than 400 episodes, winning millions of hearts with its plot full of drama, romance and complex medical cases.

Grey's Anatomy follows the personal and professional lives of a group of doctors and surgeons at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle. The central character, Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), begins as a surgical intern and, throughout the series, faces several challenges, both professional and personal. The narrative explores themes such as medical ethics, life and death, love, friendship, and the personal and professional growth of doctors.

However, not everything is rosy and not even Grey's Anatomy has escaped producing some bad episodes, according to viewers themselves. But, after all, what are they? That's what we'll find out now, with the help of the IMDb website!

Grey's Anatomy: The 10 Worst Episodes of the Series

10. Jukebox Hero (13×11)

ABC

This episode of season 13 stands out for focusing on plotlines that fans didn't like, such as the presence of Eliza Minnick and the drama between Alex and Andrew. When Alex disappears, Meredith and Jo panic, fearing that he has been arrested. At the same time, the hospital staff joins forces to block Eliza Minnick from entering the operating rooms, trying to prevent her unpopular inspections.

The insistence on unloved stories, combined with the introduction of Eliza, a character who quickly becomes hated, makes this episode marked by discontent.

9. In the Air Tonight (13×20)

ABC

Trying to create a new love interest for Meredith after Derek's death would have been a challenge in itself, but casting Nathan Riggs as that new love interest proved even more difficult. Many fans didn't like Nathan, making it difficult to emotionally invest in the new romance.

This episode of the series focuses solely on Meredith and Nathan, trapped on a plane on their way to a conference, where Meredith reveals deep traumas about Derek and the plane crash that nearly took her life and that of her sister.

The lack of chemistry between the two and the perception that the relationship was forced contributed to widespread disapproval from fans.

8. None Of Your Business (13×12)

ABC

“None Of Your Business” is the episode that ends the never-ending drama between Alex and Andrew, with Andrew dropping the charges against Alex, but only to protect Jo. Alex gets her job back, but Meredith is suspended by Eliza Minnick, another hated character.

Fans are also frustrated with the chaotic state of Owen and Amelia's relationship, which seems to be spiraling even further. The combination of tiresome storylines and the division created by Eliza between the characters has resulted in a negative response.

7. Two Against One (10×08)

ABC

This episode is remembered as the beginning of two arcs that caused great frustration. First, Miranda Bailey's sudden OCD plot, which is never addressed again in any meaningful way, leading to criticism about the lack of continuity. Then, Cristina's betrayal of Meredith, when she destroys Meredith's work with the 3D printed liver.

Their friendship is the heart of the series, and seeing Cristina go against Meredith was painful for many fans, especially when the conflict felt forced and unnecessary.

6. Do You Know? (10×17)

ABC

In this episode, Cristina finds herself torn between two hypothetical visions of her future with Owen. In one, they get married and have children, but Cristina sacrifices her dream of winning the prestigious Harper Avery Award. In the other, she chooses not to have children, wins several awards, but her relationship with Owen becomes increasingly toxic.

The idea that Cristina, one of the strongest and most independent characters, would be trapped in a hopeless dilemma with Owen displeased fans, who expected more from her trajectory.

5. Song Beneath the Song (7×18)

ABC

The infamous musical episode is often remembered as one of the series' biggest mistakes. In an effort to follow the musical episode trend that many series were adopting at the time, Grey's Anatomy took a risk by introducing musical numbers in a context of crisis, with Callie in a coma after a serious car accident.

The execution, however, was heavily criticized for the poor quality of the vocal performances and the corny writing. To many, the episode seemed out of place and melodramatic, even by the standards of Grey's Anatomy.

4. Civil War (13×15)

ABC

“Civil War” introduces another round of conflict caused by the arrival of Eliza Minnick, who continues to destabilize the hospital. Meredith is suspended, and tensions rise between new and old staff members. At the same time, Owen and Amelia's tumultuous relationship continues to deteriorate.

The combination of worn-out plot threads and the feeling that the episode merely unnecessarily prolongs the internal political drama caused many fans to lose interest.

3. Who Is He (And What Is He To You?) (13×16)

ABC

This episode focuses entirely on Jackson and April, a decision that left many viewers unhappy. Jackson and April travel to Montana for a complicated surgery, but Jackson is emotionally distant, and April has to help him focus. For those who dislike the characters, it was a difficult episode to watch, and even fans of the couple were disappointed with the lack of a true reconciliation between the two.

2. Thriller (10×07)

ABC

While the Halloween episode offers a fun medical plot, with a “zombie” patient and characters in festive costumes, it is marked by one of the most hated moments among fans: the beginning of Arizona's relationship with Leah Murphy, so soon after Callie and Arizona's breakup. Leah was widely unpopular with fans, making it difficult to accept Arizona in a new romance so soon after their breakup.

1. How To Save A Life (11×21)

ABC

Considered the worst episode of Grey's Anatomy“How to Save a Life” is the one in which Derek Shepherd, one of the most beloved characters, dies after trying to save victims of a car accident. Derek's death shocked the audience and was seen as unnecessary and cruel. For many, this episode marked the emotional end of the series, since the romance between Meredith and Derek was the emotional basis of Grey's Anatomy.

So, do you agree with the list of worst episodes of the series? Grey's Anatomy is available to watch on streaming at Disney+, subscribe and binge-watch the best episodes!