Grey's Anatomy: Every Season Ranked Worst To Best

The shortest season since its debut, Grey's Anatomy's landmark 20th chapter brought about some major behind-the-scenes changes, from the heavily reduced role of Meredith's Ellen Pompeo to the loss of Krista Vernoff as showrunner after six years (and many more as a prominent writer). 

Meg Marinis, a writer on the show since its third season, took over from Vernoff with an eye on returning the series to its more emotionally grounded basics, shifting focus from Meredith and back onto the new interns of the hospital. The drama here is simpler than in previous years, more character-focussed, less explosive. 

Meredith still plays a role, and her Alzheimer's research project certainly has some powerful beats, especially when it slows down to remind audiences how far she's come... and how much she's lost. Likewise, prolific mainstays Miranda Bailey and Richard Webber are also on great form as they teach the new interns to thrive. 

Season 20 may feel miles away from where Grey's Anatomy started - and there's a sense, yes, that these newcomers can't carry the show as the old guard did - but it still makes for engaging television. Far from what it was, but it's ticking along just fine.