On March 27, 2005, the pilot episode of Grey’s Anatomy aired, giving everyone the medical drama they didn’t know they needed. There have been a lot of characters throughout the series’ 14 seasons. To celebrate the show’s 13th anniversary, here are some characters we wish could come back:
Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) — There have been rumors that Yang might make a return and reunite with her person Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo). Those rumors surface almost every year, and Yang has yet to make her comeback. She left in season 10 to take a job at a cardiovascular center in Europe.
Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) — Oh, what Grey’s fans wouldn’t give for another cute MerDer moment. Remember when she made the layout of their seclusive home in candles? That was relationship goals. Derek’s death was one of the worst deaths on the show and one fans will never get over.
George O’Malley (T. R. Knight) — George’s death was the most devastating. He got hit by a bus while saving someone on his way home from enlisting in the Army. And the audience didn’t even know it was him the entire episode. We’ve been mourning that death since season five.
Adele Webber (Loretta Devine) — Adele died the night of Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson)’s wedding to Ben Warren (Jason Winston George). She suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) was already dating another person. It was incredibly sad to see him lose another person to the disease.
Ellis Grey (Kate Burton) — Ellis is another person who died from Alzheimer’s, and it was hard to swallow. She wasn't the nicest to Meredith, but she would definitely be useful this season. Meredith can’t get access to a patent because the owner has beef with Ellis. If she were around, Ellis could potentially fix everything.
Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) — With Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) leaving at the end of this season, Torres could return and pretty much have a fresh start. She wouldn’t have to worry about her ex being there and could be her own person.
Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) — Izzie wasn’t the most likable character, but she brought an added energy to the show. If she came back, it would come with a lot of drama because her former love interest Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) is now engaged to Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington).
Stephanie Edwards (Jakira Hinton) — Edwards was one of the best characters of the past few seasons. She was sassy, driven and talented. When she left in season 13, it took fans by surprise. Luckily, she didn’t die, so there’s still hope that she will return.
Nathan Riggs (Martin Henderson) — Riggs was in and out of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. He was just starting to get interesting as Meredith’s love interest. To be honest, I still ship them and would not be disappointed if he came back.
Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) — At the end of Thursday’s episode, it was hinted Teddy might come back to be Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd)’s official love interest. The two are best friends, and it could be cool to have another cardiothoracic surgeon at the hospital.
Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) — Lexie, aka Lexipedia, was another tragic death. She died surrounded by the people she loved while trapped under an airplane.
Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) — Mark died as a result of the injuries he sustained from the plane crash, but he was sarcastic until the very end. He is definitely one of the most missed characters in the show.
Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) — Remember when Izzie cut the LVAD cord to get the love of her life a heart? Well, it didn’t really work out and Denny still died. The only thing fans can hope for at this point is for his ghost to show up again.
