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The “Grey’s Anatomy” season 17 premiere is set to air tonight at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Having never seen “Grey’s Anatomy,” I dropped in to watch three random episodes of the TV show to get a taste of the series and share my thoughts on whether I think it’s worth watching.
The first 16 seasons are currently available on Netflix.
The show’s Netflix description reads: “Intern (and eventual resident) Meredith Grey finds herself caught up in personal and professional passions with fellow doctors at a Seattle hospital.”
Content advisory: “Grey’s Anatomy” is rated TV-14, according to IMDB. The series contains adult themes including sexual relationships among characters, copious blood and occasionally graphic surgeries, mild language and alcohol use, according to Common Sense Media.
‘A Hard Day’s Night’
Season 1, Episode 1
Netflix description: “First-year intern Meredith Grey, the daughter of a famous surgeon, meets her fellow interns on her first day at Seattle Grace Hospital.”
- A central theme of “Grey’s Anatomy” that was apparent from the pilot episode was main character Meredith Grey’s struggle living in the shadow of her mother, a renowned doctor. Grey must handle constant comparison to her mother and the expectations others have set for her based on her mother’s legacy.
- I could tell from the first episode that this show is best for adult viewers, since it contained things like partial nudity and suggestive material.
‘Hope for the Hopeless’
Season 8, Episode 12
Netflix description: “Richard’s 10,000th surgery is a liver transplant for two sisters.”
- Eight seasons later, there are many new characters and life seems to have changed quite a bit for the original characters. It’s interesting to see how several of the doctors have bonded and become like a family.
- Real life in the medical field is probably quite different than how it is represented in “Grey’s Anatomy.” But if there is any element of truth to what the doctors in this show go through, there are some interesting insights into the life of a medical professional. The series shows what I imagine must be some of the challenges, such as working long hours and delivering bad news to a patient’s family, as well as rewards, like helping people and saving lives, of being a doctor.
‘Put On A Happy Face’
Season 16, Episode 21
Netflix description: “Andrew comes to Richard’s aid before his own condition spirals out of control. Secrets and lies jeopardize Teddy and Owen’s wedding.”
- “Grey’s Anatomy” is not for the faint of heart. The series does contain quite a bit of blood and depictions of surgical procedures that might make some viewers a little squeamish.
- After watching three episodes, the plot generally seems to center on problems at the hospital and how the doctors solve them, which can feel a little repetitive. But it seems the progression of what is happening in the characters’ personal lives is what gives the show more of a sense of continuation and keeps viewers coming back. After all, the series is premiering its 17th season, an impressive feat.
Is it worth watching? I would say yes. I personally feel hesitant to go back and watch the entire show because the graphic surgeries gross me out a little (I have a new appreciation for the surgeons who deal with this in real life). But I did think the story was interesting and could see “Grey’s Anatomy” being a series that many people would enjoy, especially those who have an interest in medical dramas.
