Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Elisabeth Chaney

ABC's best and most recent answer to competitor NBC's long-running hit drama ER is GREY'S ANATOMY, a hospital-set "dramedy" that follows the lives of five interns as they adjust to their new surroundings at Seattle Grace Hospital. The series' opening scene takes place during the awkward morning after a one-night stand between the show's namesake, Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), and neurosurgeon Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) -- who, as it turns out, also works at the hospital. This initial sexual overtone has since been outdone: interns sleep with interns, another intern moves in with a tenured doctor, and sometimes interns even cavort with patients (in a romantic manner, not sexually ... yet).

Is It Any Good?

4

Aside from the show's sexual nature, what has so many people hooked are its complex characters. Meredith is beautiful and smart but also remarkably flawed. Her friend Cristina (Sandra Oh) provides most of the comic relief through hilarious expressions, cunning wit, and side-splitting dialogue. The other interns include the reserved, rather dorky George (T.R. Knight), who has an interminable crush on Meredith, and Alex (Justin Chambers) and Izzie (Katherine Heigl), who become involved with one another. The cast is rounded out by hospital staffers including Dr. Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington), the surgeon with whom Cristina is now shacked up; Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), the surgical resident in charge of the interns; and Dr. Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), who heads the hospital.

Due to the series' mature themes, it's meant for adults only. But the show's timeslot works in its favor. Grey's Anatomy airs on Sunday nights, just after ABC's other megahit, Desperate Housewives.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.