While there have been many fascinating guest stars and love interests on Grey's Anatomy, it's the main characters who are given the most meaningful and emotional storylines, and those are the doctors who work at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. OG characters like Meredith, Cristina, and Alex have made a big impression on fans, with fan favorites like Maggie joining the series a bit later on.
Which Grey's Anatomy characters have appeared in the most episodes? There are several favorite characters who have been featured in almost every single episode of the show and a few who fans will always associate with this beloved hospital drama.
Arizona Robbins: 224 Episodes
Through Arizona's best Grey's Anatomy episodes, fans have gotten to know an incredibly kind, helpful doctor who just wants to be there for her child patients. Arizona is also a character who has been in 224 episodes.
While Arizona left several seasons ago and viewers believe that she's living with Callie in New York City, her legacy lives on. Arizona is a great contrast to more cynical doctors such as Meredith and Amelia and Arizona proves that it's possible to take this job seriously while having some fun, too.
Callie Torres: 241 Episodes
Callie's presence on the show is definitely missed. During her 241 episodes, Callie falls in love with Arizona, becomes a parent, and stands up for herself at every given opportunity.
When fans look back on Callie saying that she "builds arms out of nothing," they can't help but smile and feel so proud of her. Callie also knows what she wants and she isn't going to back down, which is good energy to have around at the hospital.
Derek Shepherd: 261 Episodes
As Meredith's main love interest and soulmate, it definitely makes sense that Derek is another character who has appeared in the most episodes.
Many of Derek's 261 episodes are heartbreaking, including his season 11 death and the season 17 beach scenes that he appears in, but some are also romantic, as fans have enjoyed watching Derek and Meredith's relationship build over the seasons.
Nurse BokHee: 263 Episodes
Nurse BokHee is a fan favorite Grey's Anatomy nurse and she has appeared in over 200 episodes and it's clear that the surgeons rely on and love her.
Viewers like when BokHee talks because she has something wise and profound to say when that happens. In season 15, Meredith is the surgeon who has performed a surgery that has lasted for the most hours, and BokHee calls her "Wonder Woman."
Jackson Avery: 273 Episodes
From his up and down romance with April to his relationship with his mom Catherine, it makes sense that Jackson has appeared in more than 250 episodes, as he has covered so much ground story-wise.
Even if some viewers didn't want to say goodbye to Jackson, his ending makes sense and he'll do some good with the Catherine Fox Foundation.
Owen Hunt: 308 Episodes
Appearing in over 300 episodes, Owen has had a huge impact on Grey's Anatomy. Through his character, the show has talked about PTSD in a careful way.
Owen has been part of many epic relationships, and his love for Cristina and Teddy has resulted in some of the show's most heartbreaking moments. Owen's love for his children Leo and Allison adds even more layers to his character as fans have gotten to see him in an even more protective and caring role.
Alex Karev: 359 Episodes
Alex becomes a better Grey's Anatomy character and most fans tend to think that he has a real redemption arc.
As a surly and grumpy young intern, he can't stand the idea of being nice to people, but his attitude quickly falls away when he realizes that he loves his work at the hospital. Alex begins to feel connected to his co-workers, including Meredith, and even if viewers don't like how he leaves Jo for Izzie, Alex's arc is still full of meaning.
Richard Weber: 390 Episodes
Richard has been in the most episodes of this popular hospital drama, along with Bailey and Meredith, and it's sweet to think about how these three characters have grown over the years. Most of all, they have stayed strong while showing each other compassion, which is the most important element of working at a hospital.
Richard has done so much, from struggling in his marriage to Adele to coming to terms with his affair with Ellis to being electrocuted in one horrible scene. It's been heartwarming watching Richard bond with Maggie and Meredith as well.
Miranda Bailey: 390 Episodes
From Bailey's hilarious Grey's Anatomy quotes to her mentoring of the interns/doctors, she is a beloved part of the show and it's no wonder that she has been in the most episodes.
Bailey's soft side has come out more in recent seasons, but one thing is for sure, she will never let anyone tell her that she can't do something. Bailey has helped her co-workers so many times, and it has also been special and memorable watching her relationship with Ben.
Meredith Grey: 390 Episodes
Meredith has also been in the most Grey's Anatomy episodes and her journey has been incredible.
When she contracts COVID-19 in season 17, the other tragedies and hard times in Meredith's life come to the surface, the most obvious being Derek passing away and leaving Meredith to raise their kids by herself. It's been memorable seeing how Meredith deals with how tough life can be, and while viewers know that she messes up, she's trying her best.