Created by Shonda Rhimes, Grey's Anatomy is one of the most popular medical dramas of recent times. It is also the longest-running primetime series by ABC. It was renewed for a 20th season, recently. Starring Ellen Pompeo as the protagonist (Meredith Grey), the series revolves around her journey from surgical intern to the chief of general surgery.
The show is set in Seattle and takes place at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital. It also has a huge ensemble cast that has changed over the seasons and the series chronicles their personal and professional lives. Starting in 2005, in its almost 20-year run, Grey's Anatomy has built an extensive fanbase, won multiple Emmy awards, and has been praised by critics for setting the standard for medical dramas.
Scrubs, The Good Doctor, and other medical dramas to watch if you like Grey's Anatomy
1) Private Practice - Amazon Video
A spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, it follows the life of Dr. Addison Montgomery, who shifts to Los Angeles after her divorce with Derek Shepherd. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the series stars Kate Walsh in the lead role and has six seasons.
After exiting Seattle Grace Hospital, the plot is centered around Walsh’s new life at the Seaside Health & Wellness Center. The show explores the difference in medical practice at small, private institutions when compared to large hospitals. It also focuses on the personal lives of Walsh and the friends she makes while working there.
2) New Amsterdam - Netflix
Based on the book, Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital by Eric Manheimer, this engrossing series aired for five seasons and stars Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin, who joins one of the country's oldest hospitals as a medical director.
The series provides the viewers with an in-depth view of the bureaucracy that exists at large hospitals like the New Amsterdam Medical Center and follows Goodwin’s efforts to toss out the hospital’s outdated customs. The show offers plenty of drama like Grey's Anatomy, as Goodwin’s efforts cause friction with other staff members.
3) Scrubs - Amazon Video
A different take on medical shows, Scrubs is a sitcom that offers laughs and is great for those looking to watch something light after the turmoil-filled Grey’s Anatomy. The series is set in the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital and the narrator and protagonist is John Dorian or J.D. played by Zach Braff, who is a medical intern.
Even though the show is light-hearted, it does follow the complex personal lives of the doctors at the hospital like Grey’s Anatomy. The show is critically acclaimed for its writing, particularly its slapstick nature and the surreal daydreams of J.D. that offer a unique but well-balanced format.
4) Chicago Med - Amazon Video
Created by Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead, this medical show focuses exclusively on the emergency department team of doctors and nurses at the fictional Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
The show offers the same adrenaline rush and emotional moments as Grey’s Anatomy, as the doctors have to brainstorm in a time-bound manner to successfully solve difficult cases. And also manage their interpersonal relationships. The show is a must-watch for fans of fast-paced medical dramas and intriguing medical cases.
5) ER - Amazon Video
Considered a forerunner to Grey’s Anatomy, this medical drama set the stage for other medical shows. It was immensely popular during its entire run of 15 seasons. Created by Michael Crichton, the show won several awards and starred George Clooney.
The show focuses on the personal lives of the doctors and nurses at the Cook Country General Hospital’s emergency room. It also showcases their fight to treat and save their patients in the best possible manner. The show also covered topics like Grey's Anatomy on issues like HIV, mental illness, poverty, racism, gay rights, and more.
6) House - Netflix
Also known as House, M.D. this popular medical show was created by David Shore and featured Hugh Laurie in the lead role of Dr Gregory House. The series is a smart and humorous one as it follows the misanthropic and eccentric genius Dr House, who leads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.
The show is inspired by Sherlock Holmes and shows Dr House solving some of the most peculiar cases in the most unorthodox ways, which causes problems with the hospital authority. Still, House routinely flouts norms and is addicted to narcotics, which brings drama to the show. A must-watch after Grey's Anatomy.
7) The Good Doctor - Amazon Video
A remake of a South Korean series, this medical drama is about a skilled autistic surgeon, that joins the fictional San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. Developed by David Shore, the show focuses on Dr. Shaun Murphy (played by Freddie Highmore), who encounters difficulties with his colleagues due to his unpredictable behavior and blunt observations.
The show also delves into Murphy’s past life, which is filled with trauma and issues that will keep the viewers engaged. The show is thought-provoking and highlights issues like Grey's Anatomy did that are related to autism at the workplace and in one’s personal life.
8) The Resident - Amazon Video
This medical drama is set at the fictional Chastain Park Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and focuses on the personal lives and interpersonal relationships of the hospital staff.
The lead role is played by Matt Czuchry, who plays Dr. Conrad Hawkins, a senior resident of internal medicine, who later becomes the chief resident. The show is similar to Grey’s Anatomy as it also tackles the bureaucratic side of hospitals, internal politics, and ethical issues.
9) Nurses - Amazon Video
While there are many shows that center around doctors, this unique Canadian show chooses to focus on the hectic lives of nurses instead. The show aired for two seasons and offered a much-overlooked view into the work done by nurses.
The show follows a group of five young nurses, who work at a busy Toronto hospital. Just like Grey’s Anatomy, the show offers a peek into the interpersonal lives, ethical dilemmas, and complex medical cases that nurses have to deal with on a daily basis.
Viewers who love the fast-paced and gripping world of medical dramas can choose to watch any of these shows on the list to satisfy their Grey’s Anatomy cravings.