Screen Rant

  • In its 17 seasons, Grey's Anatomy has seen many characters leave the show. 1 / 8

    Grey's Anatomy Vertical
  • The recent departure of Jesse Williams' Jackson Avery was one of the best handled. 2 / 8

    Greys Anatomy Jackson pic vertical
  • Jackson left the hospital in order to fight against an unequal healthcare system... 3 / 8

    Jackson Greys Anatomy pic vertical
  • ...Seeming to reconcile with his ex and the mother of his child, April Kepner. 4 / 8

    April and Jackson in Greys Anatomy pic vertical
  • By contrast, Alex Karev's exit didn't work at all. 5 / 8

    Grey's Anatomy Alex image pic vertical
  • After seasons of growth and character evolution, Karev left the show abruptly... 6 / 8

    Alex-Karev-in-Greys-Anatomy-season-1 pic vertical
  • ...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

    patrick-dempsey Greys Anatomy Vertical