The eighth season of the American television

medical drama A medical drama is a television show or film in which events center upon a hospital, an ambulance staff, or any medical environment. Most recent medical drama (film and television), dramatic programming go beyond the events pertaining to the chara ...

Grey's Anatomy ''Grey's Anatomy'' is an American medical drama television series that premiered on March 27, 2005, on ABC as a mid-season replacement. The series focuses on the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings as they develop into ...

'', commenced airing on the

American Broadcasting Company The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is an Television in the United States, American Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast television network. It is the flagship property of the Disney General Entertainment Content#Current assets, ...

(ABC) on September 22, 2011, with a special 2-hour episode and ended on May 17, 2012 with the eighth season having a total of 24 episodes. The season was produced by

ABC Studios ABC Signature is an American television production studio that is a subsidiary of Disney Television Studios, a division of Walt Disney Television, which is part of the Disney General Entertainment Content division of The Walt Disney Company. ...

, in association with Shondaland Production Company and

The Mark Gordon Company The Mark Gordon Company (formerly The Meledandri/Gordon Company) is an American production company owned by Mark Gordon. It is notable for their output, including feature films, like ''Speed'', many of Roland Emmerich's films Gordon produced like ...

, and overseen by

showrunners A showrunner (or colloquially a helmer) is the top-level executive producer of a television series production who has creative and management authority through combining the responsibilities of employer and, in comedy or dramas, typically also the ...

Shonda Rhimes Shonda Lynn Rhimes (born January 13, 1970) is an American television screenwriter, producer, and author. She is best known as the showrunner—creator, head writer, and executive producer—of the television medical drama ''Grey's Anatomy'', it ...

Tony Phelan Tony Phelan is an American television screenwriter, producer and director. He is married to television producer and screenwriter Joan Rater. Phelan is best known for his work on ABC's ''Grey's Anatomy'', for which he has been nominated for two E ...

and Joan Rater. This season follows the storyline of Meredith Grey (

Ellen Pompeo Ellen Kathleen Pompeo (; born November 10, 1969) is an American actress. She is best known for her role on ''Grey's Anatomy'' as the titular Dr. Meredith Grey. One of the world's highest-paid actors since 2017, she has made multiple appearances ...

) and

Derek Shepherd Derek Christopher Shepherd, M.D., F.A.C.S., also referred to as "McDreamy", is a fictional surgeon from the ABC medical drama '' Grey's Anatomy'', portrayed by actor Patrick Dempsey. He made his first appearance in the pilot episode, " A Hard ...

(

Patrick Dempsey Patrick Galen Dempsey (born January 13, 1966) is an American actor and race car driver. He is best known for his role as neurosurgeon Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd in '' Grey's Anatomy''. He had early success as an actor, starring in a number of f ...

) as they try to save their marriage and adopt Zola after Meredith tampered with the Alzheimer's trial in the previous season.

Miranda Bailey Miranda Bailey, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy''. The character was created by series creator and producer Shonda Rhimes, and has been portrayed by actress Chandra Wilson since the ...

( Chandra Wilson) also struggles to forgive Meredith because

Richard Webber Richard Webber, M.D., F.A.C.S is a fictional character from the ABC medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy''. The character was created by Shonda Rhimes and is portrayed by actor James Pickens Jr. since the start of the show in 2005 ...

( James Pickens, Jr.) takes the blame for Meredith and steps down from his role of Chief of Surgery, and

Owen Hunt Major (Ret.) Owen Hunt, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series '' Grey's Anatomy'', which airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The character was created by series' produ ...

(

Kevin McKidd Kevin McKidd (born 9 August 1973) is a Scottish actor and television director. Before playing the role of Dr. Owen Hunt in '' Grey's Anatomy'', for which he is widely known, McKidd appeared as Tommy Mackenzie in Danny Boyle's ''Trainspotting'' ...

) takes his place.

Cristina Yang Cristina Yang, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which has aired for over 16 years on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The character was creat ...

(

Sandra Oh Sandra Miju Oh (born July 20, 1971) is a Canadian–American actress. She is best known for her starring roles as Rita Wu on the HBO comedy '' Arliss'' (1996–2002), Dr. Cristina Yang on the ABC medical drama series ''Grey's Anatomy'' (2005 ...

) decides to have an abortion, putting her relationship with Hunt at odds.

Callie Torres Calliope Iphegenia Torres, M.D. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which airs on the ABC in the United States. The character was created by series' producer Shonda Rhimes, and is portrayed ...

(

Sara Ramirez Sara Elena Ramírez (; born August 31, 1975) is a Mexican-American actor and singer. Born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Ramírez moved to the United States at eight years old, eventually graduating with a fine arts degree from the Juilliard School. ...

) and

Arizona Robbins Arizona Robbins, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character on the ABC television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', portrayed by Jessica Capshaw. She was introduced in the show's fifth season as an attending surgeon and the new chief of pediatric surg ...

( Jessica Capshaw) co-parent their baby with Mark Sloan ( Eric Dane) who continues to have an on/off relationship with

Lexie Grey Alexandra Caroline Grey, M.D. is a fictional character from ABC's medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', portrayed by actress Chyler Leigh. Created by series producer Shonda Rhimes, the character is first mentioned in season 2 by ...

( Chyler Leigh).

Alex Karev Alexander Michael Karev, (né Evans), M.D., F.A.C.S is a fictional character on the ABC television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', portrayed by actor Justin Chambers. Introduced as a surgical intern at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, Karev ev ...

(

Justin Chambers Justin Willman Chambers (born July 11, 1970) is an American actor and former model. He is best known for his role as Dr. Alex Karev in the ABC television drama ''Grey's Anatomy'' from 2005 to 2020. Born in Ohio, he went to Southeastern High S ...

) deals with the fallout of his decision to tell Owen about Meredith altering the Alzheimer's trial, and becomes an outcast by the other residents. Teddy Altman (

Kim Raver Kimberly Jayne Raver (born March 15, 1969) is an American actress and producer. She is best known for television roles as Dr. Teddy Altman on ABC's medical drama '' Grey's Anatomy'', Kim Zambrano on '' Third Watch'', and Audrey Raines on '' 2 ...

) marries Henry Burton (

Scott Foley Scott Kellerman Foley (born July 15, 1972) is an American actor and director. Foley is known for roles in television shows such as '' The Unit'', '' Scrubs'', '' Felicity'', and ''Scandal'', and in films such as '' Scream 3''. He has al ...

), who later dies of a heart condition, leaving her devastated. The season hit the series' low for ratings as it ended with an average of 10.92 million viewers ranking at #34 and in the 18-49 key demographic ranked at #12.

Loretta Devine Loretta Devine (born August 21, 1949) is an American actress, singer and voice actor. She is known for numerous roles across stage and screen. Her most high profile roles include Lorrell Robinson in the original Broadway production of '' Dreamg ...

garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal of Adele Webber and earned numerous nominations including the

Primetime Emmy Awards The Primetime Emmy Awards, or Primetime Emmys, are part of the extensive range of Emmy Awards for artistic and technical merit for the American television industry. Bestowed by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS), the Primetime ...

for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series and the

Critics' Choice Television Awards The Critics' Choice Television Awards are accolades that are presented annually by the Critics Choice Association (CCA). They were established in 2011, and the first ceremony was held on June 20, 2011, and streamed live on VH1.com. The fourt ...

. James Pickens, Jr. won Outstanding Supporting Actor at the

NAACP Image Awards The NAACP Image Awards is an annual awards ceremony presented by the U.S.-based National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to honor outstanding performances in film, television, theatre, music, and literature. Similar to ...

, and Chandra Wilson and

both received nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Drama. Stacy McKee was nominated for

Humanitas Prize The Humanitas Prize is an award for film and television writing, and is given to writers whose work explores the human condition in a nuanced and meaningful way. It began in 1974 with Father Ellwood "Bud" Kieser—also the founder of Paulist P ...

for writing "White Wedding".

was nominated at the 13th ALMA Awards for Favorite TV Supporting Actress. For the 38th People's Choice Awards, the show was nominated for Favorite TV Drama, and Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey were respectively nominated for Favorite TV Drama Actress and Favorite TV Drama Actor.

Episodes

The number in the "No. in series" column refers to the episode's number within the overall series, whereas the number in the "No. in season" column refers to the episode's number within this particular season. "U.S. viewers in millions" refers to the number of Americans in millions who watched the episodes live. Each episode of this season is named after a song.

Cast and characters

Main

as Dr. Meredith Grey *

as Dr.

* Chandra Wilson as Dr.

* James Pickens, Jr. as Dr.

as Dr.

* Eric Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan * Chyler Leigh as Dr.

as Dr.

* Jessica Capshaw as Dr.

as Dr. Teddy Altman *

Sarah Drew Sarah Drew is an American actress and director. She played Hannah Rogers in The WB family drama series ''Everwood'' (2004–2006) and Dr. April Kepner in the ABC medical drama series ''Grey's Anatomy'' (2009–2018, 2021–2022). Early life D ...

as Dr. April Kepner * Jesse Williams as Dr.

Jackson Avery Jackson Avery, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character in the ABC prime time medical drama, '' Grey's Anatomy'', portrayed by actor Jesse Williams. The character was created by series creator and executive producer, Shonda Rhimes. He was introd ...

as Dr.

Recurring

Jason George Jason Winston George (born February 9, 1972) is an American actor and model. He is best known for his roles as Michael Bourne on the NBC daytime soap opera ''Sunset Beach'', as J.T. Hunter on the UPN television sitcom '' Eve'', as Dr. Otis Col ...

as Dr. Ben Warren * Jela K. Moore as Zola *

as Henry Burton *

as Adele Webber *

Daniel Sunjata Daniel Sunjata Condon (born December 30, 1971) is an American actor who performs in film, television and theater. He is known for his role as Franco Rivera in the FX (TV channel), FX television series ''Rescue Me (American TV series), Rescue Me' ...

as Nurse Eli *

Debbie Allen Deborah Kaye Allen (born January 16, 1950) is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, singer-songwriter, director, producer, and a former member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. She has been nominated 20 times for an ...

as Catherine Avery * Janora McDuffie as Social Worker Janet *

Holley Fain Holley Fain (born August 28, 1981) is an American actress, known for her roles as Dr. Julia Canner on the ABC medical drama series '' Grey's Anatomy'', and Maureen van der Bilt on The CW's teen drama '' Gossip Girl''. She is also known for port ...

as Dr. Julia Canner * Amanda Fuller as Intern Morgan Peterson *

Summer Glau Summer Lyn Glau (; born July 24, 1981) is an American actress best known for her roles in science fiction and fantasy television series: as River Tam in ''Firefly'' (2002) and its continuation film ''Serenity'' (2005), as Tess Doerner in ''The ...

as Nurse Emily Kovach * Nicole Cummins as Paramedic Nicole

Notable guests

* Kate Walsh as Dr.

Addison Montgomery Addison Adrianne Forbes Montgomery, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.G is a fictional character who appears as a supporting main character on the ABC television series ''Grey's Anatomy,'' and as the protagonist of its spin-off ''Private Practice'' playe ...

* Caterina Scorsone as Dr.

Amelia Shepherd Amelia Frances Shepherd, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character on the ABC American television '' Grey's Anatomy ''medical drama and the spin-off series ''Private Practice'', portrayed by Caterina Scorsone. In her debut appearance in season three ...

Debra Monk Debra Monk (born February 27, 1949) is an American actress, singer, and writer, best known for her performances on the Broadway stage. She earned her first Tony Award for the 1993 production of ''Redwood Curtain'' and won an Emmy Award for seve ...

as Louise O'Malley * Kate Burton as Ellis Grey * Robert Baker as Dr. Charles Percy *

Alfre Woodard Alfre Woodard (; born November 8, 1952) is an American actress. She has received various accolades, including four Primetime Emmy Awards (tying the record for the most acting Emmys won by an African-American performer, along with Regina King) ...

as Justine Campbell * Stella Maeve as Lilly *

William Daniels William David Daniels (born March 31, 1927) is an American actor, who is best known for his television roles, notably as Mark Craig in the drama series '' St. Elsewhere'', for which he won two Primetime Emmy Awards; the voice of KITT in the tel ...

as Dr. Craig Thomas * Nia Vardalos as Karen * Vanessa Marano as Holly Wheeler *

Mitch Pileggi Mitch Pileggi (born April 5, 1952) is an American actor. He played Horace Pinker in '' Shocker'', Walter Skinner on ''The X-Files'', Colonel Steven Caldwell on '' Stargate Atlantis'', Ernest Darby in ''Sons of Anarchy'', and Harris Ryland in t ...

as Lawrence Jennings *

Lee Majors Lee Majors (born Harvey Lee Yeary; April 23, 1939) is an American actor. Majors portrayed the characters of Heath Barkley in the American television Western series ''The Big Valley'' (1965–1969), Colonel Steve Austin in the American television ...

as Chuck Cain *

Jordan Belfi Jordan Belfi is an American actor. He is best known for his work on HBO's '' Entourage'', in which he plays agent Adam Davies, the nemesis of Ari Gold ( Jeremy Piven). Early life Belfi was born in California and graduated from Wesleyan Universi ...

as Nick * Cynthia Watros as Ms. Konner * Mark Saul as Dr. Steve Mostow *

James LeGros James Le Gros () (born April 27, 1962) is an American actor. He was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his performance in ''Living in Oblivion''. Career James Le Gros appeared as Rick in Gus Van Sant's 198 ...

as Pilot Jerry *

Holland Roden Holland Roden is an American actress. She is known for her roles as Lydia Martin in MTV's teen drama series ''Teen Wolf'', Zoe Woods in Syfy's horror anthology series '' Channel Zero: Butcher's Block'', Bridget Cleary in Amazon Prime Video's ho ...

as Gretchen Shaw *

Rebecca Hazlewood Rebecca Jane Hazlewood is a British actress. She was born in Wales and grew up in the village of Kingswinford in the Black Country, West Midlands. She is of Anglo-Indian descent. Career Hazlewood was discovered by Caryn Franklin, who se ...

as Dr. Mara Keaton

Reception

Ratings

Live +SD ratings

Live + 7 Day (DVR) ratings

Critical response

The season received mixed-to-positive reviews. Tanner Stransky of ''Cinema Blend'' gave a fresh review to the season, "Juxtaposed against that nightmare that launched season 8's 2-hour season premiere was exactly what the show does portray rather accurately (most of the time) - the relationship drama." Verne Gay of ''

Newsday ''Newsday'' is an American daily newspaper that primarily serves Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island, although it is also sold throughout the New York metropolitan area. The slogan of the newspaper is "Newsday, Your Eye on LI", and ...

'' acknowledged the following for the show stating, "''Grey's'' has had a good season and has an intensely loyal fan base to prove it." ''TV Fanatic'' reviewing the episode ''Free Falling'' wrote, "This episode set the season in motion, and from the looks of it, it's going to be good." Carrie Raisler of ''

The A.V. Club ''The A.V. Club'' is an American online newspaper and entertainment website featuring reviews, interviews, and other articles that examine films, music, television, books, games, and other elements of pop-culture media. ''The A.V. Club'' was cr ...

'' gave a negative review to the season's alternate-reality episode, "Just because a show is meant to be fun doesn't mean it shouldn't have standards, and this episode just simply didn't measure up." Poptimal'‍s Tanya Lane regarding the

season finale A season finale (British English: last in the series; Australian English: season final) is the final episode of a season of a television program. This is often the final episode to be produced for a few months or longer, and, as such, will try ...

wrote, "Wow…just wow. ''Grey's Anatomy'' has once again managed to shock with its season finale." While she appreciated the "realism and authenticity that ''Grey's'' is known for", she found the episode was "almost too much" as it was "extremely gory and difficult to watch, initially because of the grisly wounds" but later because of the "heavy and emotional things that transpired". She added that "

gave one of her best performances when her character learned that her sister was dead."

DVD release

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Grey's Anatomy (Season 8) * 2011 American television seasons 2012 American television seasons Grey's Anatomy seasons