In its 17 seasons, Grey's Anatomy has seen many characters leave the show. 1 / 8
The recent departure of Jesse Williams' Jackson Avery was one of the best handled. 2 / 8
Jackson left the hospital in order to fight against an unequal healthcare system... 3 / 8
...Seeming to reconcile with his ex and the mother of his child, April Kepner. 4 / 8
By contrast, Alex Karev's exit didn't work at all. 5 / 8
After seasons of growth and character evolution, Karev left the show abruptly... 6 / 8
...Leaving his wife to start a family with the long-departed Izzie Stevens. 7 / 8
At least Jackson and Alex weren't killed off like some other Grey's Anatomy favorites. 8 / 8