Grey’s Anatomy TV Show: Why Are Stars Bailing Out on the Show?

Grey’s Anatomy TV show has been a phenomenon. If you only base it on the ratings alone, it is already enough proof that this drama series has penetrated mainstream pop culture. With its well-developed characters, compelling storylines, and a pinch of on-the-set drama, its appeal on audiences worldwide is unprecedented. The strongest trump card of the show is said to be its way of leveraging character’s complexities. The long-winding farrago of surprises, twists and turns of relationship troubles in the show have had everyone glued episode after episode. Grey’s Anatomy has indeed etched an indelible mark on primetime TV.

Just like all other TV shows that has reaped majority of viewer-ship and skyrocketing ratings, Grey’s Anatomy TV show has its share of ups and downs. A lot of controversies have been thrown on the show and one of which is its long line of actor who, despite gaining much from the show’s popularity, still opted to leave the set for good.

One of the first to leave was Isaiah Washington. The reason behind his character being axed from the show was not entirely a surprise. Because of his involvement in the anti-gay comment controversy that happened during an Awards’ years ago, the show’s ratings dropped dramatically. Complaints were hurled at the actor after apparently making a derogatory comment about co-star, T.R. Knight. It escalated to a point of concern when the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation filed complaints against the actor for the alleged anti-gay slur. ABC did not let the incident pass and rebuked the actor. Although Isaiah Washington already delivered an apology for the controversy he has made, the harm on his and the show’s reputation can not be undone. This then paved the way for his character to be crossed out from the show.

Isaiah Washington’s dismissal made a snowball effect on the stability of other actor’s contract to star in Grey’s Anatomy TV show. A few months after the incident, rumors about Katherine Heigl and T.R. Knight leaving the show came brewing hot on tabloids. There were speculations about talent fee issues, feud among cast members and fight for the spotlight in the show. However, these rumors were ironed out by producers and directors immediately. Despite the issue being messily depicted on gossip shows and publications, the actors involved signed another deal for succeeding episodes of the show.

Just recently, the show has lost another of its most adored characters. Melissa George announced that her stint in the award-winning medical drama is about to go kaput. According to the actress, the reason behind her departure from the show was her personal decision and has nothing to do with a rumored feud with the drama’s actors. Although the decision to move on has already been said and done, critics and entertainment magazines can’t help but speculate about the real reason behind the end of Melissa’s arc in the show. Rumor has it that the decision to leave did not solely come from George. In fact, there have been talks about dismissing her episodes before she announced plans of declining another contract with producers. It was said that the producers thought the Sadie, Melissa’s character, was not interesting enough to keep ratings afloat. Grey’s Anatomy TV show is maintaining that the actress’ departure was the most natural thing to do.