Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Medical soap is gripping -- and occasionally graphic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Grey's Anatomy
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 61 parent reviews
Based on 340 kid reviews
Kids say that this show is a blend of medical drama and relationship-focused storylines, praised for its educational content and representation of various social issues, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. However, many reviewers caution that it contains mature themes, graphic surgery scenes, and significant amounts of sex and language, making it more suitable for older viewers, ideally those aged 12 or older, depending on their maturity level.
- mature themes
- graphic content
- relationship focus
- educational value
- age recommendation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
GREY'S ANATOMY is a hospital-set dramedy that starts by following the lives of five interns, including Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), as they adjust to their new surroundings at Seattle Grace Hospital. As TV's longest-running primetime medical drama, the show evolves to include other medical professionals as main characters navigate the ups and downs of their professional and personal lives. People come and go, but some of the most memorable include Derek Shepard (Patrick Dempsey), Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), and Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington).
Is It Any Good?
The show's writers have proven that they're not above ridiculous plotlines involving ghost sex, doctors committing insurance fraud to save a child, or a man walking around with a bomb inside his body. But aside from the soapy storylines, what has hooked so many people on Grey's Anatomy since its release in 2005 is the complexity of its characters. So while Meredith is beautiful and smart, she's also remarkably flawed. As the series goes on, her story -- and those of her colleagues -- only deepen.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about relationships that take place in the workplace (or at school), like those on Grey's Anatomy. Are these types of relationships a good idea? Could there be negative consequences for getting romantically involved with someone you work closely with?
How accurately does the show portray the medical profession? Do you think the personal problems are overblown for the sake of the drama, or are they rooted in reality?
How can these stories lead to better awareness of various issues like abortion access, sexual assault, and mental and physical conditions?
How do the characters on Grey's Anatomy demonstrate compassion and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 27, 2005
- Cast : Ellen Pompeo , Patrick Dempsey , Sandra Oh , Chandra Wilson , James Pickens Jr.
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- TV rating :
- Awards : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner
- Last updated : October 1, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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