Every fall, there's one television event that stands out above the rest: the return of Grey's Anatomy. But here's where it gets controversial—is it still the must-watch drama it once was, or has its longevity dulled its edge? This beloved medical drama, created by Shonda Rhimes, has been a staple since its truncated first season premiered in the spring of 2005. Since then, almost every season has kicked off in September, with a few exceptions starting in October or November. Think of it as the pumpkin spice latte of TV—a seasonal tradition you just can't miss.
Tonight (October 9) marks the premiere of the first of seven consecutive new episodes of Season 22, and fans are already bracing for the emotional rollercoaster ahead. The episode, titled 'Only the Strong Survive,' picks up in the chaotic aftermath of the hospital explosion that closed out Season 21. According to ABC, the staff of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital faces impossible surgical decisions and personal turmoil as they fight to save both their patients and themselves. And this is the part most people miss—how will the characters' relationships evolve under such extreme pressure?
If you're wondering how to catch all the drama, here's the lowdown. The season premiere airs at 10:00 p.m. ET on ABC, following the returns of 9-1-1 and the new 9-1-1: Nashville series. For those without cable, live TV streaming services like DIRECTV, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV offer viable alternatives. DIRECTV, for instance, provides a five-day free trial and flexible subscription plans starting at $49.99/month. YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV also offer free trials for new subscribers.
If you prefer streaming on your own schedule, the Season 22 premiere drops on Hulu and Disney+ on Friday, October 10. Episodes will also be available for next-day streaming on ABC.com. Hulu even offers a one-month free trial for eligible subscribers. And if you're new to the series, you're in luck—Seasons 1 through 21 are available on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
With 18 episodes in Season 22, there's plenty of drama to look forward to. But here's a thought-provoking question: As Grey's Anatomy continues to evolve, is it still breaking new ground, or is it relying too heavily on its tried-and-true formula? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear whether you think this show still has what it takes to captivate audiences like it did nearly two decades ago.
