24 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Grey's Anatomy'

Martha SorrenNov 9, 2020, 21:16 IST

Grey's Anatomy has been running for over 10 years.Kelsey McNeal/ABC

ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" premiered on March 27, 2005, and has been on the air for over a decade.
Every "Grey's Anatomy" episode name is a song title except for one.
The series has medical advisors and uses cow organs to make the surgeries look more realistic.

"Grey's Anatomy" is the longest-running scripted prime-time show on ABC, and it's been on the air since 2005.

During that time, it's had more than 15 seasons, over 300 episodes, and multiple major doctor deaths.

It's been a wild, sometimes devastating ride for fans — but they're still tuning in over a decade later.

But not even "Lexipedia" Grey herself could be expected to remember all of these interesting tidbits about "Grey's Anatomy."

Read on for 24 things you probably didn't know about the hit medical drama.

The show's title comes from a real medical textbook.

The book is called "Gray's Anatomy." ABC/Christopher Willar

"Grey's Anatomy" wasn't actually the original show title.

The title was changed at least three times. ABC

A real hospital is used for some scenes.

The hospital is in LA. ABC

Only three of the main season-one cast members are still on the show.

Ellen Pompeo plays Meredith Grey. ABC

Bohkee is a scrub nurse in real life.

Bokhee is a real-life nurse. ABC

The show takes its medical scenes seriously.

The show consults medical advisors. ABC/Jessica Brooks

The organs and fake blood are made from some pretty nasty materials.

The show uses cow organs for medical scenes. ABC

Katherine Heigl rejected her Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Izzie Stevens.

Katherine Heigl as Izzie Stevens and Justin Chambers as Alex Karev. Eric McCandless/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Some of the stars have also directed episodes.

Ellen Pompeo has directed an episode. ABC

The show helped to raise awareness for a critical illness.

"Can't Fight This Feeling" features a boy with Kawasaki disease. ABC

There have been two spin-offs from "Grey's Anatomy."

"Private Practice" is a spin-off. ABC

Derek and Meredith had a real wedding registry.

Proceeds went to charity. ABC

"Grey's Anatomy" scrubs are used in real hospitals.

The scrubs are apparently quite popular. ABC

The character Miranda Bailey is partially inspired by Shonda Rhimes' mom.

Shonda Rhimes said Dr. Bailey is a realist like her mom. ABC

Chambers is nothing like his character.

Justin Chambers has five kids. Alberto E. Rodriguez/GettyImages

Camilla Luddington, who plays Jo Wilson, is actually British.

Camilla Luddington naturally speaks with a British accent. Getty Images / Frazer Harrison

Every "Grey's Anatomy" title is a song title except for one.

The episode is titled after the hotline for domestic abuse. ABC

Jesse Williams was a teacher before he played Jackson Avery.

Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery. Eric McCandless/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Derek Shepherd was almost played by Rob Lowe.

It's hard to imagine anyone but Patrick Dempsey. ABC

Rhimes loves to use some of the same actors in her projects.

Meredith's dad is also Cyrus Beene on "Scandal." ABC

Pompeo and Dempsey didn't originally know that Derek was married during season one.

Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo on "Grey's Anatomy." ABC

Drew gave birth in real life right after filming April's birth scene.

Sarah Drew was pregnant in real life. ABC

Pompeo is one of the highest-paid actresses.

Ellen Pompeo has made millions of dollars for her work on "Grey's Anatomy." ABC, Grey's Anatomy / screenshot

As long as Pompeo wants to still make the show, it will go on.

Ellen Pompeo is still the show's lead. Tony Rivetti/ABC

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