Grey's Anatomy

10 Best Episodes of Grey's Anatomy - Season 8

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 - S8E8

#15 - Heart-Shaped Box (Season 8 - Episode 8)

The doctors become nostalgic when George O'Malley's mother, Louise, returns to Seattle Grace for medical help after a botched surgery at a neighboring hospital; the residents are inspired by a medical miracle when they witness a harvested heart that continues to beat outside the body; a new pediatric fellow excites Arizona and makes Alex feel threatened; Jackson lets his suspicions about Mark and Lexie interfere with his work; and Henry and Teddy have their first marital fight when he expresses interest in pursuing medical school

The episode was rated 7.85 from 658 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E5

#14 - Love, Loss and Legacy (Season 8 - Episode 5)

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The residents try their hardest to impress surgical great Catherine Avery-who also happens to be Jackson's mother-when she arrives at Seattle Grace to perform a groundbreaking transplant surgery; Arizona and Alex find their hands tied with a confidentiality issue when a familiar patient comes into the ER; meanwhile, a love-struck Teddy throws a dinner party for the couples, and Bailey makes a decision regarding her love life

The episode was rated 7.86 from 662 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E4

#13 - What is it About Men? (Season 8 - Episode 4)

A stampede at a comic book convention leads to an influx of colorful characters in the ER; Mark continues to make life difficult for Jackson; Ben returns and realizes Bailey has moved on.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 646 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E1

#12 - Free Falling (Season 8 - Episode 1)

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The fifth-year residents return for the first day of a year that will make or break their careers: Meredith faces the consequences of tampering with Derek's clinical trial and is terminated at the hospital; April tries to step up to the plate as Chief Resident in the wake of a giant sinkhole in the middle of Seattle; and Cristina and Owen are still at odds over their drastically different feelings for their unborn child.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 668 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E7

#11 - Put Me In, Coach (Season 8 - Episode 7)

Owen stresses teamwork and moves his leadership role over to the baseball field when he signs the doctors up for a baseball league, pitting them against their biggest competition, Seattle Presbyterian; Lexie tries to hide her jealous rage when she sees Mark with a new woman, but her emotions get the better of her; Alex fights to keep Zola at Seattle Grace after it is suggested that she be moved to another hospital due to a conflict of interest with Meredith and Derek; and Richard scolds Meredith and Bailey for their feud

The episode was rated 7.89 from 675 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E18

#10 - The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Season 8 - Episode 18)

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A lion breaks loose in Seattle, leaving a couple's lives and relationship at risk; Lexie overhears Mark's discussion about moving in with Julia; Teddy begins to take steps towards coming to terms with Henry's death; Callie grills Arizona on her past lovers; and Alex requests to be taken off Morgan's preemie case when she becomes too dependent on him. Meanwhile, Meredith tries to be a support for Cristina as the tension between her and Owen hits a boiling point.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 645 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E11

#9 - This Magic Moment (Season 8 - Episode 11)

The doctors split into teams for a risky surgery involving conjoined twins; Bailey recruits Meredith to be a buffer between her and Ben when he puts pressure on moving their relationship to a more serious level; Richard teaches Alex a tough lesson in the OR; meanwhile Teddy questions Cristina about what exactly happened to Henry during his surgery.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 678 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E20

#8 - The Girl with No Name (Season 8 - Episode 20)

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The doctors work on a Jane Doe, who turns out to be the subject of a case that gained national interest; Cristina proves to be the highest in demand as the residents begin their interviews for post-residency positions at prospective hospitals; and Richard is faced with an unsettling realization when he visits Adele at Rose Ridge.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 668 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E2

#7 - She's Gone (Season 8 - Episode 2)

News of Meredith and Derek's unsteady relationship raises a red flag for Zola's adoption counselor; Alex quickly realizes that he has become the outcast of the group after ratting out Meredith; and Cristina makes a tough decision regarding her unexpected pregnancy. Also, Chief Webber brings Henry in for a last minute surgery, alarming Teddy. This is an historic episode that finally crosses a long-standing barrier.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 499 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E21

#6 - Moment of Truth (Season 8 - Episode 21)

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After eight years of practice, the residents head to San Francisco for their oral boards; sparks fly between Catherine and Richard when they bump into each other at the hotel; Bailey intervenes after Owen and Teddy get into a heated argument about their young car crash patient; and Mark tries to recruit Lexie for one of his cases. Meanwhile, Alex feels guilty for being away from the hospital when Tommy's health begins to fail.

The episode was rated 7.97 from 694 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E23

#5 - Migration (Season 8 - Episode 23)

The residents determine their future as they make their final decisions regarding post residency positions; Mark admits to Derek that he is torn between his love for Lexie and the fact that Julia can give him everything he's ever wanted; Ben plans something extra special for Bailey, but she is preoccupied with her work; and Arizona encourages her childhood friend, Nick, to have surgery. Meanwhile a couple on their third honeymoon come to the hospital complaining of mysterious symptoms.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 677 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E22

#4 - Let the Bad Times Roll (Season 8 - Episode 22)

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The residents agonize over their oral boards, reliving every answer they gave during their exams; Arizona's close childhood friend comes to Seattle Grace for medical help; the doctors work on a patient who is missing one third of his skull; and Julia asks Mark to start a family with her. Meanwhile Catherine tells Richard that one of his residents has failed.

The episode was rated 8.06 from 714 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E9

#3 - Dark Was the Night (Season 8 - Episode 9)

Teddy puts her husband’s life in the hands of her peers when Henry is sent to the OR for surgery and she’s called away on another case; Meredith and Derek receive the long-awaited news about Zola; Callie and Jackson come under fire when their patient experiences post-surgery complications; and Meredith and Alex are involved in a life-threatening situation when they travel to a neighboring hospital to tend to a sick newborn, on Grey’s Anatomy

The episode was rated 8.10 from 707 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E24

#2 - Flight (Season 8 - Episode 24)

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In this heart-stopping episode of Grey's Anatomy, titled "Flight," the doctors find themselves in a life-or-death situation. As they fight to stay alive, their main priority remains saving the lives of their fellow doctors. But amidst the chaos, Bailey and Ben must make a difficult decision about their relationship, adding another layer of tension to the already intense situation.

Meanwhile, Teddy is faced with a tempting offer that could potentially change her life. Will she give in to the temptation or stay true to her current path? And as if that wasn't enough, Richard plans a special dinner for the residents, bringing a moment of respite amidst the chaos.

This episode of Grey's Anatomy left fans reeling with its shocking twists and turns. The loss of a beloved character, Lexi, had viewers in tears, while the massive cliffhanger ending left them eagerly awaiting the next season. It's yet another reminder that Grey's Anatomy knows how to keep its audience on the edge of their seats, delivering both heart-wrenching and jaw-dropping moments.

The episode was rated 8.17 from 780 votes.

Grey's Anatomy - S8E10

#1 - Suddenly (Season 8 - Episode 10)

In the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy titled "Suddenly," the ER is thrown into chaos after a devastating car crash involving an entire family. With lives on the line, the doctors find themselves in an all-hands-on situation. But amidst the chaos, the eldest daughter is faced with an agonizing decision that will change her life forever.

Meanwhile, Teddy remains unaware of Henry's tragic death and turns to Cristina for help with her patient in the operating room. As the drama unfolds, Lexie finds herself working alongside Mark's new girlfriend, Julia, during a high-stakes eye surgery. Will their professional dynamic be put to the test?

But some fans are left scratching their heads as Meredith and Alex seemingly ignore their own well-being to tend to the patients. Viewers can't help but wonder why they aren't taking the necessary precautions and getting themselves checked out. Will their dedication to their work put them in harm's way? And why does Derek back down when Meredith insists she's fine? Find out in this gripping episode of Grey's Anatomy.

The episode was rated 8.26 from 701 votes.

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