Grey's Anatomy

10 Best Episodes of Grey's Anatomy - Season 5

Grey's Anatomy has been a fan favorite since its debut in 2005. The show follows the personal and professional lives of a group of doctors at Seattle’s Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, delivering drama, romance, and heartbreak in equal measure. With 22 seasons under its belt, the show has had its fair share of standout moments and fan-favorite episodes.

To celebrate the show's success, we've compiled a list of the best episodes ranked by viewers. From shocking twists to heartwarming moments, these episodes are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, these episodes are a must-watch for any Grey's Anatomy enthusiast.

So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to relive some of the most iconic moments from Grey's Anatomy. With its gripping storylines, talented cast, and unforgettable characters, it's no wonder the show has remained a staple of primetime TV for over 15 years.

Written by Sophie and last updated on may 04, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Grey's Anatomy - S5E14

#15 - Beat Your Heart Out (Season 5 - Episode 14)

Now that Derek has the engagement ring, he searches for the perfect way to propose to Meredith, as Lexie demands that Mark go public with their relationship, and Bailey, encouraged by her work on recent cases and by Dr. Dixon, considers a new direction for her medical career.

The episode was rated 7.77 from 646 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E6

#14 - Life During Wartime (Season 5 - Episode 6)

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The chief gives Bailey new power and responsibility. He also gives her a very difficult surgical assignment: remove a girl's inoperable tumor. Meanwhile, new trauma chief Owen (Kevin McKidd) challenges the attendings' methods and the residents' skills.

The episode was rated 7.78 from 629 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E15

#13 - Before and After (Season 5 - Episode 15)

Addison, Naomi and Sam rush the ailing Archer to Seattle Grace and reunite with old friends Derek and Mark to help save his life; meanwhile, Izzie employs her fellow doctors in a medical game designed to help teach the interns, and Owen runs into a significant someone from his past

The episode was rated 7.79 from 624 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E21

#12 - No Good at Saying Sorry (One More Chance) (Season 5 - Episode 21)

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As preparations continue for Meredith and Derek's wedding, Izzie receives a surprise hospital visit from her handful-of-a-mother, Robbie. Meanwhile, a newly sober Thatcher visits his daughters, Meredith and Lexie, in order to make amends, and the Chief and Meredith bitterly fight over a controversial medical case.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 612 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E2

#11 - Dream a Little Dream of Me (2) (Season 5 - Episode 2)

Alex is offended when Izzie talks about how great a man Alex is to Meredith. Derek is stabbed with the scalpel in the palm of his hand by Rose, while the Chief is stunned over Mercy West's increase in the number of patients, a deadly ice storm ravages Seattle.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 535 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E20

#10 - Sweet Surrender (Season 5 - Episode 20)

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As she endures aggressive treatment for her cancer, Izzie throws herself into planning Derek and Meredith's wedding.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 637 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E16

#9 - An Honest Mistake (Season 5 - Episode 16)

Derek's confidence is shaken like never before as he faces off with Addison over what course is best for their dying pregnant patient; Cristina calls the abilities of a renown surgeon into question after she botches a standard procedure; and Bailey, who has decided to pursue a fellowship in Pediatrics, is appalled by the Chief's less-than-stellar recommendation letter.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 617 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E12

#8 - Sympathy for the Devil (Season 5 - Episode 12)

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Derek's mother, Carolyn, makes a surprise visit to Seattle and meets Meredith for the first time, as Mark tries to conceal his relationship with Lexie from her as well; meanwhile, death row inmate William wishes to donate his organs to Bailey and Arizona's patient, as Owen and Cristina try to go on their first date.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 638 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E17

#7 - I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Season 5 - Episode 17)

Derek decides to quit after learning that more of his patients have died than survived; Izzie's interns make an unsettling discovery about "Patient X."

The episode was rated 7.88 from 619 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E19

#6 - Elevator Love Letter (Season 5 - Episode 19)

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All eyes are on Derek as he is set to perform his first surgery after his breakdown; attention is also set on Izzie, whose medical condition requires her to undergo a difficult surgery; and Owen has another PTSD episode that injures Cristina and traumatizes both of them, throwing the future of their relationship into question.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 634 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E23

#5 - Here's to Future Days (Season 5 - Episode 23)

In the first part of the two hour season finale, Izzie spends time with a fellow cancer patient and contemplates whether or not to undergo a risky surgery, as Mark is ready to take his relationship with Lexie to the next level and a patient makes Owen reassess his place at Seattle Grace.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 653 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E18

#4 - Stand By Me (Season 5 - Episode 18)

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After his fellow surgeons try and fail to bring Derek back to work, Meredith must summon the strength to convince him. Meanwhile the hospital is abuzz as Mark attempts a rare face transplant surgery. Cristina, at last awarded her first solo surgery, is more focused on the needs of her friends, and Izzie does her best to keep her medical condition a secret.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 637 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E13

#3 - Stairway to Heaven (Season 5 - Episode 13)

Bailey grows desperate as a patient's condition becomes more and more dire. Everyone in the hospital is stepping up to try to find the boy a new organ donor, including Meredith, who considers a death row patient's wish to die before execution. Meanwhile, an injury leaves Mark in a compromising position in the OR and Cristina awkwardly avoids Owen.

The episode was rated 8.03 from 644 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E22

#2 - What a Difference a Day Makes (Season 5 - Episode 22)

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In the Grey's Anatomy episode "What a Difference a Day Makes," the anticipation for Meredith and Derek's wedding is mounting. However, the focus shifts when a group of college students involved in a devastating car crash are rushed to the ER. It's a race against time to save their lives and attend to their injuries. Amidst the chaos, Izzie is filled with fear as she starts experiencing familiar symptoms, leaving us all wondering what could be wrong.

Despite the numerous heart-wrenching deaths throughout the series, "What a Difference a Day Makes" stands out as one of the most beloved episodes. The wedding that was initially meant to be about Meredith and Derek takes an unexpected turn, offering a refreshing twist. Fans are ecstatic to witness the union of Izzie and Alex as husband and wife, bringing a sense of joy and hope amidst the turmoil.

Viewers couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Izzie as she faces yet another challenge. The unexpected turn of events tugs at our heartstrings, leaving us rooting for her recovery. Izzie's resilience shines through as she proves that the perfect wedding is not always about the grandeur, but rather the love and strength that can be found even in the face of adversity. Let's hope that she overcomes her battle with cancer and finds the happiness she deserves.

The episode was rated 8.27 from 671 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S5E24

#1 - Now or Never (Season 5 - Episode 24)

In the second part of Grey's Anatomy's two-hour season finale, emotions run high as shocking news is delivered and a beloved character fights for their life. George's announcement leaves Bailey and the entire hospital reeling, while Izzie's friends anxiously await her recovery from a life-changing surgery. The tension builds as Bailey's unexpected reaction to being accepted into the pediatric fellowship program adds another layer of drama. Amidst the chaos, a near-fatal traffic accident brings the talented doctors of Seattle Grace together, showcasing their skills and resilience. Brace yourself for the most heartbreaking episode yet.

The comments say it all. Viewers were left speechless and devastated by the events that unfolded in "Now or Never." From the shocking twists to the heart-wrenching moments, this episode left a lasting impact. Whether you were caught off guard or had an inkling of what was to come, the emotional rollercoaster was overwhelming. It's a testament to the show's ability to keep us on the edge of our seats, never knowing what's around the corner. Get ready to have your heart broken and your faith in the characters tested like never before.

"Um dos episódios mais tristes que eu já assisti na minha vida." This comment perfectly captures the sentiment shared by many. The sadness is palpable, and the impact of the episode lingers long after the credits roll. The writers and actors achieved something remarkable with "Now or Never" - they created an episode that will forever be etched in the memories of Grey's Anatomy fans. Prepare yourself for a powerful and unforgettable viewing experience that will leave you saying, "Well damn, I really wasn't expecting that... Jesus Christ..."

The episode was rated 8.45 from 689 votes.

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