Grey's Anatomy: Season 8

2011
23 episodes

No matter how hot it gets - in the operating room or in the bedroom - the doctors of Seattle Grace know they can always lean on one another. As fifth-year residents, it's do or die for the doctors, and things get bumpy when the chief makes a decision that rocks the entire staff. Outside the hospital, Meredith and Derek struggle to keep their relationship afloat while they try to adopt an orphaned baby girl, and Cristina wrestles with a difficult choice that threatens to ruin her marriage.

Season 8 of Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 22, 2011 and has 23 episodes, from "Free Falling; She's Gone" to "Flight". The last episode aired on May 17, 2012.

Where to watch Grey's Anatomy

In the United States, you can stream Grey's Anatomy on Hulu, Netflix, fuboTV and YouTube TV. You can also buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and Fandango At Home. It is on streaming services in 61 countries.

Where to watch

Episodes

Episode 1Free Falling; She's GoneAired September 22, 2011
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. 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.
- 1h 26m
- Directed by Rob Corn
- Written by Debora Cahn and Joan Rater
Guest stars
- Scott Foley Henry Burton
- Teresa Huang Nurse Ruth
- Mitch Pileggi Lawrence Jennings
- Janora McDuffie Social Worker Janet
- John Cappon John the Paramedic
- Mackenzie Astin Danny Wilson
- Amy Price-Francis Susannah Wilson
- Robin Weigert Karen Lorenz
Episode 3Take the LeadAired September 29, 2011
The chief makes a decision that shocks everyone at Seattle Grace; Owen and Cristina attempt to find normalcy; April struggles in her new role; the 5th-year residents receive their first solo surgery assignments.
- 43m
- Directed by Chandra Wilson
- Written by William Harper
Guest stars
- Jon Schmidt Intern Logan
- Ken Weiler Rob
- Karly Rothenberg Ruth Bennet
- Christopher Carrington Sam
- Lawrence Adimora Jason
- Luke Diliberto Intern
- Jessica Anne Bogart Lindsay
- Sabrina Perez Marlene
Episode 4What is it About Men?Aired October 6, 2011
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.
- 43m
- Directed by Tom Verica
- Written by Stacy McKee
Guest stars
- Jason George Ben Warren
- Nicole Cummins-Rubio Paramedic Nicole
- Daniel Sunjata Eli Lloyd
- Denice Sealy Nurse
- Todd Buonopane Greg
- Matt Doherty Carter
- Jeremy Howard Keith Hitchens
- Jayden Lund Hulking Patient
Episode 5Love, Loss and LegacyAired October 13, 2011
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
- 43m
- Directed by Stephen Cragg
- Written by Denise Hahn
Guest stars
- Jason George Ben Warren
- Scott Foley Henry Burton
- Mark Sinacori Hospital Staff
- Robert Hoffman Chad
- Daniel Sunjata Eli Lloyd
- Janora McDuffie Social Worker Janet
- Debbie Allen Catherine Avery
- Carissa Kosta Nurse
Episode 6Poker FaceAired October 20, 2011
After being blackballed by most of the surgeons, Meredith uses Lexie to spark Derek's interest in her patient's rare brain tumor case and, in secret, gives guidance to April with Bailey's clinical trial; Callie's wish for Arizona and Mark to form a friendship comes to fruition and she realizes it's more irritating than helpful; Alex and Teddy research alternative surgeries for a very superficial patient; and Callie and Cristina struggle with a very difficult spinal surgery.
- 43m
- Directed by Kevin McKidd
- Written by Peter Nowalk
Guest stars
- Joelle Carter Mary Rolich
- Ali Louise Hartman Baby Emma (uncredited)
- Susanne Allan Hartman Baby Emma (uncredited)
- Lee Majors Chuck Cain
- Marilu Henner Alice Moser
- Dash Mihok Clay Rolich
- Sam McMurray Gus Moser
- Jake Abel Tyler Moser
Episode 7Put Me In, CoachAired October 27, 2011
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
- 43m
- Directed by Debbie Allen
- Written by Jeannine Renshaw
Guest stars
- Scott Foley Henry Burton
- Grace Rowe Paramedic Grace
- Payton Silver Dr. Knox
- Ernie Hudson Brad McDougall
- Drew Powell Carl Shatler
- Judith Moreland Mrs. Baer
- Holley Fain Julia Canner
- Jeff Holman Mr. Felker
Episode 8Heart-Shaped BoxAired November 3, 2011
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
- 43m
- Directed by Jessica Yu
- Written by Austin Guzman
Guest stars
- Scott Foley Henry Burton
- Teresa Huang Nurse Ruth
- Debra Monk Louise O'Malley
- Vedette Lim Polly Preston
- Alfre Woodard Justine Campbell
- Keong Sim Dr. Park
- Martin Yu CT Tech
- Anthony S. Johnson Transplant Surgeon
Episode 9Dark Was the NightAired November 10, 2011
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
- 43m
- Directed by Allison Liddi-Brown
- Written by Debora Cahn
Guest stars
- Scott Foley Henry Burton
- Nicole Cummins-Rubio Paramedic Nicole
- Dylan Bruno Griffin Lewis
- Scott Klace Jordan Wagner
- Amber Bela Muse Laura
- Caroline Macey Dana
- Frank Maharajh Paramedic Driver
- Carissa Kosta OR Nurse
Episode 10SuddenlyAired January 5, 2012
A severe car crash involving an entire family results in an all-hands-on situation in the ER, as the eldest daughter is left to make the toughest decision of her life. Meanwhile Teddy, still in the dark about Henry's death, calls upon Cristina to help with her patient in the O.R., and Lexie finds herself working alongside Mark's new girlfriend, Julia, during an eye surgery.
- 43m
- Directed by Ron Underwood
- Written by Stacy McKee
Guest stars
- Scott Foley Henry Burton
- Denice Sealy Nurse
- Janora McDuffie Social Worker Janet
- Dylan Bruno Griffin Lewis
- Amber Bela Muse Laura
- Dan Conroy Robert
- Justin Benson Drew
- Evelyn Reese Grandma
Episode 11This Magic MomentAired January 12, 2012
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.
- 43m
- Directed by Steve Robin
- Written by Zoanne Clack
Guest stars
- Jason George Ben Warren
- Holland Roden Gretchen Shaw
- Payton Silver Dr. Knox
- Kate Mines Nurse Gloria
- Brendan Michael Coughlin Charley Evans
- Miguel Nájera Janitor Mike
- Lak Rana N.D. Peds Surgeon
- Carla Vila Angela
Episode 12Hope for the HopelessAired January 19, 2012
Richard performs a monumental surgery in his career; Derek and Lexie attempt to work miracles for a patient with an inoperable tumor
- 43m
- Directed by Mark Jackson
- Written by Peter Nowalk
Guest stars
- Loretta Devine Adele Webber
- Leith M. Burke Dr. McQueen
- Holley Fain Julia Canner
- Cheryl White Lynn Connors
- Ryan Wynott Wes Connors
- Nia Vardalos Karen
- Peri Gilpin Marcy
- Stacie Greenwell Mrs. Vanderburg
Episode 13If/ThenAired February 2, 2012
As Meredith puts Zola to bed and falls asleep, she begins to wonder -- what if her mother had never had Alzheimer's and she'd had loving, supportive parents? The reverberations of a happy Meredith Grey change the world of Seattle Grace as we know it. What if she had never met Derek in that bar and he had never separated from Addison? What if Callie and Owen had become a couple long before she met Arizona? And what if Bailey never evolved from the meek intern she once was?
- 43m
- Directed by Jeannot Szwarc
- Written by William Harper
Guest stars
- Kate Walsh Addison Montgomery
- Loretta Devine Adele Webber
- Teresa Huang Nurse Ruth
- Kate Burton Ellis Grey
- Robert Baker Charles Percy
- Nicole Cummins-Rubio Paramedic Nicole
- Kevin Brief Barry
- Marilyn McIntyre Jill
Episode 14All You Need is LoveAired February 9, 2012
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Meredith and Derek try to have a night to themselves when Lexie offers to watch Zola; Callie hands babysitting duties over to Mark so that she can surprise Arizona with a romantic evening; and Ben proves to Bailey that he knows her better than she thinks. Meanwhile, the ER fills with romantics, including a 10-year-old girl who has an allergic reaction to chocolates from her valentine and a man who is hit by a car while chasing down his frustrated girlfriend.
- 43m
- Directed by Rob Corn
- Written by Jeannine Renshaw
Guest stars
- Jason George Ben Warren
- Aidan Andrews Nico
- Mark Saul Steve
- Nicole Cummins-Rubio Paramedic Nicole
- Matt Servitto Ray Jones
- Missy Yager Terri
- Mandy June Turpin Karla
- Nate Mooney Randy Barnett
Episode 15Have You Seen Me Lately?Aired February 16, 2012
Amelia arrives at Seattle Grace to beg Derek to help with the gliosarcoma case; Cristina and Owen have heated arguments during marriage counseling; Alex realizes he needs to improve his people skills in order to be a good doctor.
- 43m
- Directed by Tony Phelan
- Written by Austin Guzman
Guest stars
- Caterina Scorsone Amelia Shepherd
- Nicole Cummins-Rubio Paramedic Nicole
- Jon Schmidt Intern Logan
- Rachel Andersen Nurse Carol
- Amanda Fuller Morgan Peterson
- Ellen Crawford Carrie Reisler
- Michael Carbonaro Dominic Zicaro
- Brian Scolaro Mike
Episode 16If Only You Were LonelyAired February 23, 2012
As Adele's condition continues to deteriorate, Richard considers altering their living situation; an explosion at a local coffee shop results in a busy day in the ER for the doctors; Callie takes Meredith under her wing by helping her study for her boards; Lexie joins Arizona and Alex in peds, as they continue to care for intern Morgan's premature son; and when Jackson snaps at a patient, Mark encourages him to find ways to relieve his stress. Meanwhile, Cristina lets her suspicions get the best of her.
- 43m
- Directed by Susan Vaill
- Written by Matt Byrne
Guest stars
- Loretta Devine Adele Webber
- Grace Rowe Paramedic Grace
- Mitch Pileggi Lawrence Jennings
- Shi Ne Nielson Paramedic
- Zibby Allen Nurse Zibby
- Amanda Fuller Morgan Peterson
- Summer Glau Emily Kovach
- Gil McKinney Chris
Episode 17One Step Too FarAired March 15, 2012
Derek encourages a hesitant Meredith to work with him again in neurology; Jackson's mother, Catherine Avery, returns to Seattle Grace with a urology fellow and develops an interest in Richard; and Cristina becomes increasingly suspicious of Owen's every move. Meanwhile, Alex tries to deny the fact that Morgan may be falling for him.
- 43m
- Directed by Edward Ornelas
- Written by William Harper
Guest stars
- Teresa Huang Nurse Ruth
- Payton Silver Dr. Knox
- Debbie Allen Catherine Avery
- Amanda Fuller Morgan Peterson
- Summer Glau Emily Kovach
- James Avery Sam
- Rebecca Hazlewood Mara Keaton
- Ginny McMath Irene
Episode 18The Lion Sleeps TonightAired April 5, 2012
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.
- 43m
- Directed by Mark Jackson
- Written by Stacy McKee
Guest stars
- Danny Strong Paul
- Ilea Alfaro Noel
- Nicole Cummins-Rubio Paramedic Nicole
- Michael Lespinasse Paramedic
- Kate Mines Nurse Gloria
- Amanda Fuller Morgan Peterson
- Elizabeth Franz Emma Carroll
- Rance Howard Martin Carroll
Episode 19Support SystemAired April 12, 2012
A devastated Cristina presses Owen to confess the intimate details of his affair; Mark takes his new authority very seriously when he steps in as chief for the day and butts heads with Richard over a patient's liver transplant; and Callie deems Meredith ready for the boards, while the rest of the residents continue to stress about the exam. Meanwhile, Callie, Arizona and Bailey plan a much needed ladies night for Teddy.
- 43m
- Directed by Allison Liddi-Brown
- Written by Heather Mitchell
Guest stars
- Jason George Ben Warren
- Shi Ne Nielson Paramedic
- René Auberjonois Neil Sheridan
- Alexis Carra The Other Woman
- Burl Moseley Jason
- Cloie Wyatt Taylor Annie
- Maura Soden Librarian
Episode 20The Girl with No NameAired April 19, 2012
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.
- 43m
- Directed by Ron Underwood
- Written by Peter Nowalk
Guest stars
- Loretta Devine Adele Webber
- Payton Silver Dr. Knox
- Lorraine Toussaint Helen Fincher
- Vanessa Marano Holly Wheeler
- Stacy Edwards Kathleen Wheeler
- Frank Wood Frank Wheeler
- Wren T. Brown Michael
- Peter Breitmayer Carson Methodist Doctor
Episode 21Moment of TruthAired April 26, 2012
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.
- 43m
- Directed by Chandra Wilson
- Written by Zakiyyah Alexander
Guest stars
- Nicole Cummins-Rubio Paramedic Nicole
- Kate Mines Nurse Gloria
- Debbie Allen Catherine Avery
- Amanda Fuller Morgan Peterson
- Kari Coleman Mother
- Thad Luckinbill Kevin Banks
- David Pevsner Examiner
- Susan Ortiz Examiner
Episode 22Let the Bad Times RollAired May 3, 2012
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.
- 43m
- Directed by Kevin McKidd
- Written by Matt Byrne
Guest stars
- Cynthia Watros Mrs Connor
- David DeLuise Charlie Connor
- William Daniels Craig Thomas
- Debbie Allen Catherine Avery
- Holley Fain Julia Canner
- Rachel Andersen Nurse Carol
- Jordan Belfi Nick
- Jane Daly Meredith's Examiner
Episode 23MigrationAired May 10, 2012
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.
- 43m
- Directed by Stephen Cragg
- Written by Mark Wilding and Jenna Bans
Guest stars
- Jason George Ben Warren
- Jordan Belfi Nick
- Mary Lynn Rajskub Marion Steiner
- Patrick Fischler Jake Steiner
Episode 24FlightAired May 17, 2012
Faced with a life threatening situation, the doctors must fight to stay alive while trying to save the lives of their peers; Bailey and Ben make a decision regarding their relationship; and Teddy is presented with a tempting offer. Meanwhile, Richard plans a special dinner for the residents.
- 43m
- Directed by Rob Corn
- Written by Shonda Rhimes
Guest stars
- Jason George Ben Warren
- Kate Mines Nurse Gloria
- James Le Gros Jerry
- Brie Eley Administrative Assistant