10 Grey’s Anatomy Episodes That Will Hook New Viewers

While every episode of Grey’s Anatomy is easy to become invested in, these feature the perfect mix of intensity and romance for new viewers.

From the very first episode of Grey’s Anatomy, fans have been following Meredith Grey and her love for Derek, her close friendships with the other interns, and her high-powered career and ambition. While it’s true that over 19 seasons, not every episode can be considered totally thrilling and memorable, enough episodes stand out for featuring wild storylines and scenes that are moving and sweet.

Anyone who is new to this hospital drama will want to know the best episodes to check out when choosing to invest their time in binge-watching the series. These episodes are the smartest bets when it comes to understanding the main characters and getting wrapped up in some of the most intense storylines.

A Hard Day’s Night (S1, E1)

Just like most pilots are going to make people want to watch every episode all at once, the first episode of Grey’s Anatomy is one that will interest new fans. The interns begin working at the hospital and Meredith realizes that Derek, who she had a one-night stand with, works there, too. Alex also makes fun of Izzie for being a model in the past.

This episode will definitely draw new viewers in, thanks to the perfect mix of dramatic surgeries and the relationships between the characters that are present in every Grey’s episode. Meredith and Derek are a flawed couple, but it’s fun watching how it all began, as their connection is so genuine and obvious.

What A Difference A Day Makes (S5, E24)

Just like fans of the show’s major couples will want to re-watch this iconic episode, it will also be hard for potential fans to stop watching. Meredith and Derek want Izzie and Alex to have their wedding, which leads to them getting married via post-it note. Izzie has cancer and Alex is by her side, heartbroken and scared.

This is a key episode for understanding how Meredith and Derek feel about each other. They agree that a traditional wedding is unnecessary and they vow to be there for each other and grow old together and help each other flourish. It’s a rare moment when Meredith is truly vulnerable.

How To Save A Life (S11, E21)

Even those who aren’t familiar with this popular hospital drama or the complex Meredith/Derek romance will find this episode hard to look away from. It’s one of the most famous, as Derek gets into a car accident and dies in another hospital as mistakes are made.

This episode says so much about where the characters’ lives are going after this massive event, as Meredith will face life as a widow and learn how to be happy again, which is tough since she was never sure she deserved to feel joy in the first place. No one will want to miss this dramatic event that people still talk about to this day.

Losing My Religion (S2, E27)

Many main characters are making big decisions in this season 2 episode, and even if someone hasn’t watched many other episodes, they will still enjoy it. Izzie finally tells Richard that she cut her patient Denny’s LVAD wire so he would be okay to get surgery, and Meredith has two love interests, Derek and Finn.

Surgeries can become terrifying on Grey’s Anatomy, and many of Meredith’s surgeries scare fans. In this case, it’s what a character did before a potential surgery that gets them into hot water and almost costs them their medical license. Understanding Izzie’s love for Denny and why she makes such an unethical choice is key.

Time After Time (S3, E20)

The third season episode ‘Time After Time’ has even more significance now that fans know that Alex left the show to be with Izzie and their children. Izzie gave birth to a daughter, Hannah, who was adopted, and now she has to come to terms with that decision when Hannah comes to the hospital in need of a bone marrow transplant as she has leukemia.

This is an emotional episode that will allow potential fans to see that Izzie has a tough past that still breaks her heart every day. It’s beautiful to think that Izzie is now a parent herself and that she finally has a family.

These Ties That Bind (S4, E8)

This is a stand-out episode that features Meredith’s college friend, Sadie, becoming an intern at the hospital. Cristina can’t handle this, as she’s used to being the only one who Meredith confides in.

If someone was going to pick just one episode of Grey’s Anatomy, this one will help them see the dynamic between these two characters, as fans love the friendship that Cristina and Meredith share. While they support each other’s dreams and accomplishments, they do like feeling special to each other, and that can cause tension.

Fear (Of The Unknown (S10, E24)

While every Cristina storyline is interesting and new viewers should check out all of her episodes, her final one is memorable and special.

Everyone will have tears in their eyes while watching Cristina and Meredith say goodbye, as they both know that this will irrevocably change their relationship. Everything about Cristina’s departure works, from dancing it out one last time to seeing the sadness written all over her face.

As We Know It (S2, E17)

Even if people don’t watch the first part of this two-episode series, ‘It’s the End of the World,’ this one is wild, intense, thrilling, and will help people understand what the show is all about. When a patient comes into the hospital with a bomb in their chest, Meredith literally puts her hand there, and this is, of course, incredibly dangerous.

This episode is worth watching for the moment in the end when Derek tells Meredith that she came close to dying. Meredith’s near-death experiences on Grey’s Anatomy are fairly common, and fans are terrified for her every time, especially when it comes to this episode. Both Derek and fans of the show realize that Meredith can be so brave that it makes her reckless.

Flight (S8, E24)

Another solid episode of Grey’s Anatomy is the eighth season finale when the doctors get into a terrible plane crash. This episode is definitely one of the saddest, so people will have to brace themselves for the emotional impact of watching major characters Lexie and Mark die from their injuries.

But this is one of the most influential storylines from the entire series, as Meredith, once again, has to deal with losing people she loves.

In The Air Tonight (S13, E20)

This season 13 episode says it all about Meredith and Riggs: they have strong chemistry and feelings for one another, and Meredith can’t ignore it any longer.

When these characters sit next to each other on a plane ride, Meredith finally realizes that she likes Riggs, and it’s an incredible moment that even new fans will find emotional and moving. Meredith has had such trouble moving on from Derek’s death, so this is a make-it-or-break-it moment for her, as she realizes she might be ready for love. Adding to the drama is when a man on the plane has a brain bleed and Meredith has to help out.