There's a reason why Grey's Anatomy is the longest-running primetime medical drama of all time. Since 2005, the show has offered viewers suspenseful health mysteries, interoffice love stories, epic laughs, and much-needed sobs. In honor of one of the most popular shows of all time, we've rounded up 45 behind-the-scenes photos from the set of the show—from the pilot episode all the way to the current season. (Yes, there are 16 of them and counting.)
2005: The Cast
After the first episode, the casting seemed *chef's kiss* perfect. We later found out that Sandra Oh was originally offered the role of Dr. Bailey (Chandra Wilson), but asked to audition for Cristina instead. Meanwhile, show creator Shonda Rhimes added the part of Alex Karev a year after the pilot was shot.
2005: Becoming Meredith Grey
Ellen Pompeo is the highest-paid actress on TV thanks to Meredith Grey—but she almost turned it down.
"I was offered the role of Meredith. I had done a movie for the studio called Moonlight Mile, so the studio was aware of me. Then...I met Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman...We sat down and talked about me possibly doing an arc on Alias. That didn't happen. Bob and Alex wrote a show called Secret Service," Pompeo told TV Guide. "I really wanted to do that and the studio really wanted me to do Grey's instead. I wanted to do the Secret Service pilot that didn't go, of course; me and my brilliant choices. I read Grey's and I went and met Shonda and I decided to come on and do this. It was just an invitation and I happily accepted."
2005: Developing the Characters
There was a lot of pressure put on Chandra Wilson to nail the role of Miranda Bailey, as the character was based on Shonda Rhimes's mother—you know, the show's creator, executive producer, and head writer. "She's very no-nonsense. Dr. Bailey says stuff like 'These people are nasty—all they think about is sex while we're trying to save lives here.' My mother is definitely that kind of realist," Rhimes told O, The Oprah Magazine.
2005: Making It Realistic
The crew of Grey's Anatomy use aerial cameras to film the scenes on the operating table and the producers consult with medical professionals to make sure it all looks realistic.
2005: Hello, McDreamy
Patrick Dempsey almost didn't land the part of McDreamy. Initially, the role of Derek Shepherd was offered to Rob Lowe, who turned it down to do a show called Dr. Vegas.
2009: The Best Actors for the Job
Shonda Rhimes told O, The Oprah Magazine that she didn't intentionally cast any of the characters for a specific race, she just went with the best actors for the role: "We read every color actor for every single part. My goal was simply to cast the best actors."
2009: Goofing Around
Ellen Pompeo shared an Instagram of her and costar Sandra Oh joking around in the makeup trailer.
2010: A Dramatic Exit
Katherine Heigl's character, Izzie, was beloved by fans—however, the actress left the show in the midst of drama. After refusing an Emmy nomination because she didn't think the show's writing warranted her one, Heigl's character was written out of the show at the end of season six.
2013: Table Reads
Shonda Rhimes shared an Instagram of Justin Chambers (left), Sandra Oh (center), and Tessa Ferrer (right) during a table read with the cast.
2013: Ready, Set, Action
A shot from behind the camera lens shows Chandra Wilson shooting an emotional scene for the premiere of season 10, which 9.27 million viewers tuned in for. No big deal.
2013: Derek and Meredith Forever
Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo shoot together as their characters prepare for the birth of their baby. The popular TV couple garnered a huge following and even prompted a real-life wedding registry that was made in their name at the time of their TV wedding.
2018: Taking a Break
Camilla Luddington shared an Instagram of herself, Justin Chambers, Giacomo Gianniotti, and members of the crew talking between takes on set in Jo and Alex's loft.
2018: Kevin McKidd Directs
In 2018, Kevin McKidd also took a turn directing—but this wasn't his first time. The Scottish actor, who plays Dr. Owen Hunt, has directed over 26 episodes of the television show beginning all the way back in 2011.
2018: Stars on Set
Debbie Allen shared an Instagram of the show's lead, Ellen Pompeo, with her real-life husband, Chris Ivery, while he was visiting the actress on set.
2019: The Men on Set
Ellen Pompeo shared an Instagram of her and some of the show's leading men last year with the caption: "I'm a Pretty lucky girl...these guys hold me up and when necessary hold me down!"
2020: No End in Sight
Ellen Pompeo, who signed a contract with ABC through 2021, doesn't need to worry about whether or not her character will get killed off. According to Shonda Rhimes, she will continue writing the script as long as Pompeo is willing to do it. Talk about job security.
2020: A Historic Run
Already in its 17th season and renewed for one more, Grey's Anatomy has crossed many milestones thanks to its long-standing spot on primetime television and huge fan base.
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