Since Season 21 is releasing episodes weekly, I figured I’d re-watch the previous season in the meantime. And with just 10 episodes, Season 20 felt like a quick and easy binge. So now I just finished watching the 20th Season and honestly, I have so many thoughts. This season felt like a fresh start in many ways, as we got more insights on new batch of interns—Lucas, Jules, Mika, Benson, and Simone. Each of them brings their own baggage, quirks, and strengths, and it was genuinely interesting to see them try to survive the chaos of Grey Sloan Memorial.
What I really enjoyed was the mix of new and familiar faces. While the show gave the interns a lot of screen time, it didn’t forget its roots. The legacy characters like Bailey, Webber, Amelia, Hunt, Teddy, Link, and Jo all had their own arcs, and it felt like a beautiful balance between old and new. Seeing Bailey back in charge of the interns was such a treat. She’s strict and intimidating, sure, but she also cares deeply for each of them. Her tough love approach adds both heart and humor to the show, and it’s always fun watching her put the interns in their place while secretly cheering for them behind the scenes.
When the new batch of interns was introduced, my favorite was Jules Millin. She felt different from the start—strong, caring, and a little bit quirky. Jules grew up with artist parents who had a lot of problems, so she had to take care of herself from a young age. That made her really independent and responsible, which I admired. She’s not just book-smart; she’s also kind and brave. Jules sometimes breaks the rules if she thinks it will help a patient (in fairness, that's true about almost all the characters in this show), and I love that about her. It shows she really cares. Even though she’s serious about her work, she also has a fun side—she likes astrology and crystals, which made her feel more real to me. Jules stands out because she’s strong, honest, and still learning. I love watching her grow, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Meredith didn’t appear in every episode, but every time she did, it was great. Her storyline focused on her Alzheimer’s research, and though she wasn’t in the OR much this season, her work still carried a lot of weight. I especially loved seeing her team up with Amelia—there’s something really beautiful about their relationship. They’re both brilliant in their own ways, and their collaboration felt emotional and meaningful, especially considering their connection through Derek. They were truly working for something bigger than themselves, and I appreciated how the show handled that.
The premiere episode was a strong one. It picked up right where season 19 ended, with Teddy collapsing in the OR. It was tense and emotional, and the pacing of the episode kept me hooked from the start. Owen had a lot to do in that storyline, and I was glad Amelia played a big role too. Their past is complicated, but their current dynamic as supportive friends was actually very heartwarming. And of course, Meredith teaming up with Bailey again brought a wave of nostalgia. Their banter, their history—it all just worked.
One episode that really stayed with me involved an inmate who came in with chest pain. He’d been in prison since he was 17, and the way his story was told felt incredibly raw and human. It made me think about how easily people can be forgotten by society and how rare it is for them to get the help they need. That episode broke my heart a little, in the best way.
That said, there were a few things I didn’t love. Catherine Fox being overly controlling about Meredith’s research felt like forced drama. It just slowed things down and made her character come off as unnecessarily difficult. Also, the back-and-forth between Simone and Lucas was frustrating. Simone, especially, seemed unsure of what she wanted, and it felt like we were just going in circles. And not having Meredith perform a single surgery? That felt like a missed opportunity. She’s known as one of the best, and even one big OR moment would’ve been nice to see.
Despite those few lows, Season 20 had a lot to offer. It was emotional, fast-paced, and filled with meaningful moments. It managed to carry the legacy of the original show while still introducing us to new stories and characters. It reminded me why I’ve stuck with Grey’s Anatomy for so long. Even after all these years, it still knows how to pull at my heartstrings and keep me coming back for more. Not my favorite season by any stretch but it wasn't a bad one either.