Grey's Anatomy (season 8)

Grey's Anatomy (season 8)
DVD cover art for the eighth season of Grey's Anatomy
Starring	Ellen Pompeo Sandra Oh Justin Chambers Chandra Wilson James Pickens, Jr. Sara Ramirez Eric Dane Chyler Leigh Kevin McKidd Jessica Capshaw Kim Raver Sarah Drew Jesse Williams Patrick Dempsey
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	24
Release
Original network	ABC
Original release	September 22, 2011 – May 17, 2012
Season chronology

The eighth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, commenced airing on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on September 22, 2011, with a special two-hour episode and ended on May 17, 2012 with the eighth season having a total of 24 episodes. The season was produced by ABC Studios, in association with ShondaLand Production Company and The Mark Gordon Company, and overseen by showrunner Shonda Rhimes

This season follows the story-line of Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) as they try to save their marriage and adopt Zola after Meredith tampered with the Alzheimer's trial in the previous season. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) also struggles to forgive Meredith because Richard Webber (James Pickens, Jr.) takes the blame for Meredith and stepping down, and Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) takes his place as Chief of Surgery. Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) decides to have an abortion, putting her relationship with Hunt at odds. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) co-parent their baby with Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) who continues to have an on/off relationship with Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh). Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) deals with the fallout of his decision to tell Owen about Meredith altering the Alzheimer's trial, and becomes an outcast by the other residents. Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) marries Henry Burton (Scott Foley), who later dies of a heart condition, leaving her devastated.

The season hit the series' low for ratings as it ended with an average of 10.92 million viewers ranking at no. 34 and in the 18-49 key demographic ranked at no. 12.^[1] Loretta Devine garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal of Adele Webber and earned numerous nominations including the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series and the Critics' Choice Television Awards. James Pickens, Jr. won Outstanding Supporting Actor at the NAACP Image Awards, and Chandra Wilson and Sandra Oh both received nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Drama. Stacy McKee was nominated for Humanitas Prize for writing White Wedding. Sara Ramirez was nominated at the 13th ALMA Awards for Favorite TV Supporting Actress. For the 38th People's Choice Awards, the show was nominated for Favorite TV Drama, and Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey were respectively nominated for Favorite TV Drama Actress and Favorite TV Drama actor.

Plot

In season 8, Meredith and Derek try to save their marriage after the fallout due to Meredith's tampering of the Alzheimer's trial in Season 7. Their marital unrest, as well as Meredith's professional fallout, threatens to destroy their chances of adopting Zola, but they eventually get full custody of her in episode 10, "Suddenly." After discovering the reason Meredith tampered with the trial was in attempt to deliver the drug to Adele and potentially cure her Alzheimer's, Richard takes the blame, and steps down as Chief of Surgery. Owen is named the new Chief of Surgery (episode 3, "Take the Lead"), which leaves Miranda angry. She blames Meredith for destroying Richard's career, as well as Meredith's.

April is named the new Chief resident, and struggles throughout the season to be taken seriously by the other residents, while also developing a much deeper friendship with Jackson until she finally has sex with him in episode 21, "Moment of Truth." Throughout the season, the fifth year surgical residents (Meredith, Cristina, Alex, April, and Jackson) prepare for their boards. Everyone passes, except for April, who gave her virginity to Jackson the night before the exam.

Cristina chooses to terminate her pregnancy (episode 1, "Free Falling"), which Owen does not want because he wants to have children. He accompanies her to the abortion and supports her, but a huge rift has been made in their relationship. Owen can't accept that Cristina never wants to be a mother. Eventually, he cheats on Cristina (episode 17, "One Step Too Far). Callie, Arizona, and Mark co-parent baby Sofia. Mark and Lexie attempt to move on from one another, but can't. Ben returns (episode 4 "What Is It About Men?"), after giving Miranda space to heal after being traumatized by the shooting in the season 6 finale, but is shocked and hurt to see that she is having a casual, but very physical, relationship with Eli. Miranda breaks things off with Eli, and eventually she and Ben reunite. In the season finale, "Flight," they become engaged. Adele's Alzheimer's progresses rapidly and Richard chooses to have her placed in a care facility, Rose Ridge, the same one Ellis was in before she died. Adele falls in love with another dementia patient (Episode 20) and the staff tell Richard he should not visit as much because it confuses her. Later in the season, he begins a romance with Catherine Avery. Lexie and Mark struggle to let each other go and attempt to date other people, but can't seem to move on. Tragically, they only confess their love to each other moments before Lexie's death in episode 24 "Flight."

Teddy and her husband Henry (Scott Foley), now deeply in love, adjust to life not only as newlyweds, but with Henry's health finally stable, the two adjust to the changing dynamics of their relationship. Henry begins planning for a future, and tells Teddy he wants to go to medical school (episode 8 "Heart Shaped Box"). Teddy balks at the prospect of Henry being in school for the next 10 years, and they have their first big fight. Before they can make up, however, Henry falls suddenly ill due to a new tumor, and his condition is revealed to be extremely serious. At the hospital, Teddy is forced to leave his side because of an emergent heart surgery, and asks that Cristina perform the surgery on Henry to save his life (episode 9 "Dark Was the Night"). Teddy and Owen agree that it may be too much pressure for Cristina if she knows who she is operating on, so they drape Henry's face in the OR before bringing Cristina in. Henry can't be saved and dies in surgery. Because Teddy is still in surgery, and worried about Henry, Owen decides to lie to her and imply that Henry made it through and is recovering. After she learns the truth, Teddy is devastated by Henry's death. She hates Owen for lying to her, and the friendship between the two is over, until he fires her in the season finale and she moves on to another job.

After the residents receive their board results, they weigh offers from other hospitals. When the season ends, Alex has accepted a fellowship at Johns Hopkins, Cristina has chosen to go to the Mayo Clinic, and Derek has been offered an endowment and an opportunity to continue Alzheimer's research at Harvard, which sways Meredith's decision to accept an elite fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. In the finale, Meredith, Cristina, Derek, Lexie, Arizona, and Mark board a small plane to fly to Boise, Idaho to perform a surgery separating conjoined twins. Alex was meant to be on the plane, but Arizona, furious at his decision to turn down the Seattle Grace pediatrics fellowship in favor of Johns Hopkins, Arizona boots him from the plane and takes his place. En route, the plane crashes. In "Flight" the six doctors and the pilot fight to survive. Derek's hand is severely injured, as is Arizona's leg. Lexie is trapped and crushed beneath part of the plane. She and Mark finally confess their love to each other, and within moments, she dies. Mere seconds later, Meredith arrives too late, and is devastated by her sister's death. They soon realize that Mark has severe internal injuries. The season ends with the 5 remaining surgeons in peril, lost in the woods and not knowing when or if help will come.

Cast

Main cast Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang Justin Chambers as Alex Karev Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres Eric Dane as Mark Sloan Chyler Leigh as Lexie Grey Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins Kim Raver as Teddy Altman Sarah Drew as April Kepner Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd

Recurring cast Scott Foley as Henry Burton Loretta Devine as Adele Webber Jason George as Dr. Ben Warren Daniel Sunjata as Nurse Eli Debbie Allen as Catherine Avery Janora McDuffie as Social Worker Janet Holley Fain as Dr. Julia Canner Amanda Fuller as Intern Morgan Peterson Summer Glau as Nurse Emily Kovach Nicole Cummins as Paramedic Nicole

Guest stars Debra Monk as Louise O'Malley Kate Walsh as Addison Montgomery Kate Burton as Ellis Grey Robert Baker as Dr. Charles Percy Alfre Woodard as Justine Campbell Stella Maeve as Lilly Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd Vanessa Marano as Holly Wheeler Jordan Belfi as Nick Cynthia Watros as Ms. Konner James LeGros as Pilot Jerry Holland Roden as Gretchen Rebecca Hazlewood as Dr. Mara Keaton

Critical reception

Poptimal'‍s Tanya Lane stated that Ellen Pompeo gave one of her best performances in the season finale.

The season received mostly positive reviews. Tanner Stransky of Cinema Blend gave a fresh review to the season, "Juxtaposed against that nightmare that launched season 8's two-hour season premiere was exactly what the show does portray rather accurately (most of the time)- the relationship drama."^[2]

Verne Gay of Newsday acknowledged the following for the show stating, "Grey's has had a good season and has an intensely loyal fan base to prove it."^[3] TV Fanatic reviewing the episode Free Falling wrote, "This episode set the season in motion, and from the looks of it, it's going to be good."^[4]

Carrie Raisler of The A.V. Club gave a negative review to the season saying, "Just because a show is meant to be fun doesn't mean it shouldn't have standards, and this episode just simply didn't measure up."^[5]

Poptimal'‍s Tanya Lane regarding the season finale wrote, "Wow…just wow. Grey's Anatomy has once again managed to shock with its season finale." While she appreciated the "realism and authenticity that Grey's is known for", she found the episode was "almost too much" as it was "extremely gory and difficult to watch, initially because of the grisly wounds" but later because of the "heavy and emotional things that transpired". She added that "Ellen Pompeo gave one of her best performances when her character learned that her sister was dead."^[6]

Episodes

The number in the "No. in series" column refers to the episode's number within the overall series, whereas the number in the "No. in season" column refers to the episode's number within this particular season. "U.S. viewers in millions" refers to the number of Americans in millions who watched the episodes live.

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
149	1	"Free Falling"	Rob Corn	Tony Phelan & Joan Rater	September 22, 2011	10.38[7]
A giant sinkhole opens up in the middle of Seattle, causing April to step up as Chief Resident. Meredith must deal with the professional ramifications of her actions last season while Cristina and Owen have yet to see eye to eye regarding their feelings for their unplanned pregnancy.
150	2	"She's Gone"	Tony Phelan	Debora Cahn	September 22, 2011	10.38[7]
The sinkhole crisis continues while Meredith and Derek maintain the rocky state of their relationship, which becomes a concern for the adoption counselor. Cristina makes a decision regarding her unplanned pregnancy and Alex realizes that he is the outcast after revealing Meredith's dishonesty.
151	3	"Take the Lead"	Chandra Wilson	William Harper	September 29, 2011	10.20[8]
The Chief makes a career-changing decision that shocks Seattle Grace Hospital, while Cristina and Owen try to find normalcy in their relationship. April continues to struggle in her new role as Chief Resident, and the 5th year residents are given their first solo surgeries, only to find out that even the most routine procedures aren't always easy.
152	4	"What Is It About Men"	Tom Verica	Stacy McKee	October 6, 2011	8.70[9]
Ben returns and Miranda is skeptical of his arrival, until Ben realizes that she has finally moved on. A stampede at a comic convention causes the ER to be inundated with colorful costume-bearers. This episode centers largely on the men of Seattle Grace as opposed to focusing on the women.
153	5	"Love, Loss and Legacy"	Stephen Cragg	Denise Hahn	October 13, 2011	9.97[10]
Jackson's mother, Dr. Catherine Avery, comes to Seattle Grace for a groundbreaking transplant surgery. Zola comes into the hospital, Alex and Arizona must deal with the confidentiality issue with Derek and Meredith. Teddy throws house warming party. Eli and Miranda break up.
154	6	"Poker Face"	Kevin McKidd	Peter Nowalk	October 20, 2011	9.54[11]
April steps up as Chief Resident while managing a clinical trial. Callie and Cristina deal with a difficult spinal surgery while Alex and Teddy must find alternative ways to operate on a patient. Meredith struggles to follow her new rule of not talking to Derek about work while at the hospital.
155	7	"Put Me In, Coach"	Debbie Allen	Jeannine Renshaw	October 27, 2011	9.93[12]
In order to stress cooperation and teamwork, Owen enters the doctors into a softball league where they will compete against Seattle Presbyterian, the other hospital in Seattle. Derek and Lexie deliberate a treatment plan when a desperate mother of girl with an inoperable brain tumor specifically seeks his help. Richard tries to repair Miranda and Meredith's working relationship. Lexie becomes jealous over Mark dating a new woman and Alex fights to keep Zola at Seattle Grace.
156	8	"Heart-Shaped Box"	Jessica Yu	Austin Guzman	November 3, 2011	9.52[13]
A medical miracle occurs, leaving the residents feeling inspired. Louise O'Malley returns to Seattle Grace after a surgery was botched by a different hospital, causing the residents to reminisce about all the times they had with George. Arizona makes friends with a new pediatric fellow, making Alex feel threatened. Teddy and Henry fight over Henry wanting to attend medical school.
157	9	"Dark Was the Night"	Allison Liddi-Brown	Debora Cahn	November 10, 2011	11.29[14]
Teddy brings Henry into the ER after finding him at home vomiting blood; While Meredith gets news from Janet that she and Derek aren't going to get Zola back. Just as Teddy waits on Henry's CT she is called onto another case, the case being Callie and Jackson's spinal surgery, whose heart is now bleeding uncontrollably. After deciding to operate on Callie's patient, Teddy decides to get Cristina to operate on Henry, with Dr. Webber and Lexie in with her, only not to tell her that it's him. Meredith and Alex go to a neighboring hospital to help a new premature baby, since the hospital doesn't have the equipment to save the baby's life; After believing that Henry is in the clear, Cristina finds that the tumor had gone into the heart, after twenty minutes of performing CPR Cristina calls time of death, only moments later to find out it was Henry. After their ambulance breaks down, Alex and Meredith, call Arizona, Mark, and Derek to see if they knew how to take care of the baby, only for the ambulance to crash while on the phone; When Meredith and Alex step out, they see that a car with victims in it was what hit them.
158	10	"Suddenly"	Ron Underwood	Stacy McKee	January 5, 2012	12.12[15]
The ER is swamped by victims from the crash which involved a family car and Alex and Meredith's ambulance. Alex and Meredith fight to save the lives of a family; after realizing that telling Teddy about Henry's death would stop her from saving her patient's life, Owen decides to not tell Teddy until she is out of surgery. When Meredith and Alex get back to the hospital they try to save the families life, only for all but the father and the children of the family to die immediately. While operating on the youngest child of the family, Derek and Mark realize that they need help if they are going to save the child's eye only to call Mark's ophthalmologist girlfriend, Julia, in to assist them, with Lexie assisting Derek. Arizona and Alex work to save the babies life that they brought from the hospital. Cristina struggles whether or not to tell Teddy about Henry in the middle of a critical surgery.
159	11	"This Magic Moment"	Steve Robin	Zoanne Clack	January 12, 2012	10.71[16]
A risky surgery which involves conjoined twins has the doctors split into two teams. Meredith unwittingly finds herself acting as a buffer between Miranda and Ben, Alex is taught a lesson in the OR by Webber and Teddy makes everyone in her O.R. uncomfortable when she has Cristina recount the events leading up to Henry's death. Back at home, Derek and Meredith find joy in parenthood.
160	12	"Hope for the Hopeless"	Mark Jackson	Peter Nowalk	January 19, 2012	9.42[17]
A pair of bickering sisters come in for a liver transplant performed by Richard, making it his 10,000th surgery. Meredith must choose a new specialty, Derek and Lexie operate on a previously inoperable neuroblastoma and Teddy and Cristina defy Owen and steal a case from Alex. Adele is brought to Seattle Grace after being found wandering the streets and the full extent of her Alzheimer's is revealed.
161	13	"If/Then"	Jeannot Szwarc	William Harper	February 2, 2012	9.71[18]
Meredith dreams of an alternative universe in which her mother, Ellis Grey, never had Alzheimer's and is a more supportive and loving mother. This leads Meredith to be a happy version of herself, causing Seattle Grace to be completely different. She and Cristina are enemies while April is her best friend, who is sleeping with Meredith's fiance, Alex, who is only with Meredith because of her family's legacy. Owen has married Callie and they have 3 children, although they are not happy. Addison and Derek are expecting a child, only it is revealed that the baby is actually Mark's and Addison and Derek's relationship is falling apart just as Derek's own career is also stagnating. Lexie has become an orphan and a drug addict. It is revealed that George failed his boards and was never seen again while Izzie went insane after Denny's death. Richard left Adele and married Ellis and Meredith took Webber as her last name. The episode ends reminiscent of how Derek and Meredith first met. Throughout the entire episode all the couples that actually do exist seem to have connections, which includes Callie and Arizona, and also Yang and Owen.
162	14	"All You Need Is Love"	Rob Corn	Jeannine Renshaw	February 9, 2012	10.27[19]
It's Valentine's Day at Seattle Grace and the ER fills with romantics. The singles, Lexie and Mark, are stuck on babysitting duty. Miranda and Ben's plans are ruined when she is called away to a series of emergencies but Ben surprises her at the end of the day. Meanwhile, Owen and Cristina keep avoiding each other after their big fight.
163	15	"Have You Seen Me Lately?"	Tony Phelan	Austin Guzman	February 16, 2012	8.31[20]
During marriage counselling sessions, Owen and Cristina are constantly engaging in heated arguments. Owen cannot seem to move past the fact that Cristina does not want kids. Amelia arrives at Seattle Grace hoping to convince Derek to assist her with Erica's (A.J. Langer) gliosarcoma. Lexie gets caught in between the two Shepherds, Meredith shows off her surgical skills, Alex learns the importance of people skills, Mark and Jackson teach Dr. Bailey a lesson, and the residents continue to prep for their oral boards. This episode begins a crossover with Private Practice that concludes on "You Break My Heart".
164	16	"If Only You Were Lonely"	Susan Vaill	Matt Byrne	February 23, 2012	9.06[21]
A coffee shop explodes, flooding the ER with patients. Richard reassesses his living situation with Adele as she continues to deteriorate before his very eyes. Callie assists Meredith with studying for her boards, Lexie assists on a peds case with Arizona and Alex, and Mark encourages Jackson to relieve his stress. Meanwhile, Cristina's suspicions get the better of her as she thinks Owen is cheating on her with a nurse.
165	17	"One Step Too Far"	Edward Ornelas	William Harper	March 15, 2012	9.62[22]
Derek encourages a hesitant Meredith to work with him again in neurosurgery; Jackson’s mother, Catherine Avery, returns to Seattle Grace with a urology fellow and develops an interest in Richard; and Cristina becomes increasingly suspicious of Owen’s every move. Meanwhile, Alex tries to deny everyone's observations that Morgan may be falling for him.
166	18	"The Lion Sleeps Tonight"	Mark Jackson	Stacy McKee	April 5, 2012	8.19[23]
A lion breaks loose in Seattle and leaves a trail of victims in its midst; Lexie overhears Mark's discussion about moving in with Julia; Teddy begins to take steps towards coming to terms with Henry's death; Callie grills Arizona on her past lovers; and Alex requests to be taken off Morgan's preemie case when she becomes too dependent on him. Meanwhile, Meredith tries to be a support for Cristina as the tension between her and Owen hits a boiling point.
167	19	"Support System"	Allison Liddi-Brown	Heather Mitchell	April 12, 2012	8.85[24]
Cristina and Owen call in sick to work out their marriage at home. Mark takes his appointment as interim chief very seriously, much to the attendings' annoyance. Arizona, Callie and Miranda plan a special night for Teddy.
168	20	"The Girl With No Name"	Ron Underwood	Peter Nowalk	April 19, 2012	9.82[25]
The doctors work on a Jane Doe, who turns out to be the subject of a case that gained national interest. Cristina proves to be in highest demand as the residents begin their interviews for post-residency positions at prospective hospitals while the attendings find ways to keep their best residents in Seattle. Richard is faced with an unsettling realization when he visits Adele at Rose Ridge.
169	21	"Moment of Truth"	Chandra Wilson	Zakiyyah Alexander	April 26, 2012	9.45[26]
The residents travel to San Francisco for the oral boards. Sparks fly when Richard and Catherine (Debbie Allen) bump into each other at a hotel. Alex feels guilty about being away from the hospital as Tommy's health takes a turn for the worse. April loses her virginity to Jackson.
170	22	"Let the Bad Times Roll"	Kevin McKidd	Matt Byrne	May 3, 2012	9.24[27]
The residents agonize over their upcoming exam results; Arizona's childhood friend needs medical help; the doctors try to help a patient who is missing one third of his skull; Julia wants to start a family with Mark, causing Lexie to finally tell him how she feels.
171	23	"Migration"	Stephen Cragg	Mark Wilding & Jenna Bans	May 10, 2012	9.82[28]
The 5th years make their final decisions regarding their post residency plans, Mark confides in Derek about being torn between Lexie and Julia. Arizona encourages a childhood friend to have surgery, and Ben plans something for Miranda, who is preoccupied with work. Meredith, Derek, Cristina, Mark, Lexie and Alex are scheduled to fly to assist in a surgery at a hospital in Boise, though Arizona takes Alex's place after she discovers he is planning to leave Seattle Grace for Johns Hopkins Hospital. However, en route their plane crashes in the woods, leaving their fates unknown.
172	24	"Flight"	Rob Corn	Shonda Rhimes	May 17, 2012	11.44[29]
After their plane crashes in the woods, the doctors fight to stay alive while trying to save their peers, but it is too late for Lexie. Mark makes a confession to her, the future of Derek's career may be in jeopardy, Ben and Miranda make a decision about their future together, Teddy gets a tempting offer, Richard plans a dinner for the residents, Owen fires Teddy to force her to move on from her husband's death and discovers his doctors are missing.

Ratings

Live +SD ratings

No. in series	No. in season	Episode	Air date	Time slot (EST)	18–49 (Rating/Share)	Viewers (m)	18–49 Rank	Rank out of Top 25
149	1	"Free Falling"	September 22, 2011	Thursdays 9:00 P.M.	4.1/10[7]	10.38[7]	21[30]	N/A
150	2	"She's Gone"	September 22, 2011		4.1/10[7]	10.38[7]	21[30]	N/A
151	3	"Take the Lead"	September 29, 2011		3.6/9[8]	10.20[8]	16[31]	N/A
152	4	"What Is It About Men"	October 6, 2011		3.1/8[9]	8.70[9]	24[32]	N/A
153	5	"Love, Loss and Legacy"	October 13, 2011		3.6/9[10]	9.97[10]	16[33]	N/A
154	6	"Poker Face"	October 20, 2011		3.6/9[11]	9.54[11]	18[34]	N/A
155	7	"Put Me In, Coach"	October 27, 2011		3.7/9[12]	9.93[12]	18[35]	N/A
156	8	"Heart Shaped Box"	November 3, 2011		3.6/9[13]	9.52[13]	20[36]	N/A
157	9	"Dark Was the Night"	November 10, 2011		4.1/10[14]	11.29[14]	10 [37]	20[37]
158	10	"Suddenly"	January 5, 2012		4.5/11[15]	12.12[15]	5[15]	8[15]
159	11	"This Magic Moment"	January 12, 2012		3.8/10[16]	10.71[16]	11[38]	15[38]
160	12	"Hope for the Hopeless"	January 19, 2012		3.5/8[17]	9.42[17]	11[39]	21[39]
161	13	"If/Then"	February 2, 2012		3.6/9[18]	9.71[18]	8[40]	15[40]
162	14	"All You Need Is Love"	February 9, 2012		4.0/10[19]	10.27[19]	10[41]	22[41]
163	15	"Have You Seen Me Lately?"	February 16, 2012		3.2/8[20]	8.31[20]	12[42]	N/A
164	16	"If Only You Were Lonely"	February 23, 2012		3.1/8[21]	9.06[21]	15[43]	N/A
165	17	"One Step Too Far"	March 15, 2012		3.0/8[22]	9.62[22]	6[44]	13[44]
166	18	"The Lion Sleeps Tonight"	April 5, 2012		2.8/8[23]	8.16[23]	13[45]	N/A
167	19	"Support System"	April 12, 2012		2.9/8[24]	8.85[24]	14[46]	24[46]
168	20	"The Girl With No Name"	April 19, 2012		3.3/9[25]	9.82[25]	8[47]	13[47]
169	21	"Moment of Truth"	April 26, 2012		3.3/9[26]	9.45[26]	6[48]	16[48]
170	22	"Let the Bad Times Roll"	May 3, 2012		3.3/9[27]	9.24[27]	8[49]	24[49]
171	23	"Migration"	May 10, 2012		3.5/10[28]	9.82[28]	8[50]	23[50]
172	24	"Flight"	May 17, 2012		4.1/11[29]	11.44[29]	3[51]	13[51]

Live + 7 Day (DVR) ratings

No. in Series	No. in Season	Episode	Air Date	Timeslot (EST)	18–49 rating increase	Viewers (millions) increase	Total 18-49	Total viewers (millions)	Ref
149	1	"Free Falling"	September 22, 2011	Thursdays 9:00 P.M.	1.7	3.54	5.8	13.92	[52]
150	2	"She's Gone"	September 22, 2011		1.7	3.54	5.8	13.92	[52]
151	3	"Take the Lead"	September 29, 2011		1.5	2.95	5.1	13.15	[53]
152	4	"What Is It About Men"	October 6, 2011		1.7	3.29	4.8	11.99	[54]
153	5	"Love, Loss and Legacy"	October 13, 2011		1.5	2.93	5.1	12.90	[55]
154	6	"Poker Face"	October 20, 2011		1.6	3.06	5.2	12.59	[56]
155	7	"Put Me In, Coach"	October 27, 2011		1.6	3.14	5.3	13.07	[57]
156	8	"Heart Shaped Box"	November 3, 2011		1.6	3.21	5.2	12.74	[58]
157	9	"Dark Was the Night"	November 10, 2011		1.5	2.96	5.6	14.25	[59]
158	10	"Suddenly"	January 5, 2012		1.6	2.96	6.1	15.08	[60]
159	11	"This Magic Moment"	January 12, 2012		1.6	3.00	5.4	13.71	[61]
160	12	"Hope for the Hopeless"	January 19, 2012		1.7	3.26	5.2	12.68	[62]
161	13	"If/Then"	February 2, 2012		1.4	2.91	5.0	12.62	[63]
162	14	"All You Need Is Love"	February 9, 2012		1.6	3.35	5.6	13.61	[64]
163	15	"Have You Seen Me Lately?"	February 16, 2012		1.5	3.25	4.7	11.55	[65]
164	16	"If Only You Were Lonely"	February 23, 2012		1.6	3.14	4.7	12.20	[66]
165	17	"One Step Too Far"	March 15, 2012		1.5	2.83	4.5	12.45	[67]
166	18	"The Lion Sleeps Tonight"	April 5, 2012		1.5	3.01	4.3	11.18	[68]
167	19	"Support System"	April 12, 2012		1.6	3.10	4.5	11.93	[69]
168	20	"The Girl With No Name"	April 19, 2012		1.5	3.04	4.8	12.86	[70]
169	21	"Moment of Truth"	April 26, 2012		1.4	2.88	4.7	12.33	[71]
170	22	"Let the Bad Times Roll"	May 3, 2012		1.5	2.89	4.8	12.13	[72]
171	23	"Migration"	May 10, 2012		1.4	2.90	4.9	12.72	[73]
172	24	"Flight"	May 17, 2012		1.2	2.53	5.3	13.98	[74]

DVD release

Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Eighth Season - Extraordinary Moments[75]
Set Details			Special Features
24 Episodes (1 extended) 6-Disc Set English (Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround) Audio Commentaries			A Journey Home With Kevin McKidd Extended Episode-"If/Then" Deleted Scenes In Stitches: Season Eight Outtakes
Release Dates
Region 1		Region 2		Region 4
September 4, 2012[76]		December 3, 2012[77]		October 17, 2012[78]

References

1. http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/tv-season-series-rankings-2013-full-list/
2. http://tvrecaps.ew.com/recap/greys-anatomy-season-8-premiere-recap/
3. http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/grey-s-anatomy-season-finale-review-1.3719837
4. http://www.tvfanatic.com/2011/09/greys-anatomy-review-free-falling/
5. http://www.avclub.com/articles/greys-anatomy-ifthen,68767/
6. http://poptimal.com/2012/05/greys-anatomy-season-finale-review-tears-and-gore-galore/#.T7u36flTadk
7. Seidman, Robert (September 23, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'The X Factor,' 'Parks & Recreation' and 'Whitney' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
8. Gorman, Bill (September 30, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Office' & 'The Secret Circle,' 'Mentalist' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved October 1, 2011.
9. Seidman, Robert (October 7, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Office,' 'Person of Interest,' 'Parks & Rec' Adjusted Up; 'Private Practice' Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
10. Gorman, Bill (October 14, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Office,' 'Person Of Interest,' 'X Factor' Adjusted Up, 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
11. Seidman, Robert (October 21, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: World Series + 'Big Bang,' 'Grey's,' 'Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up; 'Rules,' 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
12. Gorman, Bill (October 28, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: World Series Game 6 Finals + 'Big Bang,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Office,' 'Person,' Adjusted Up; 'Rules,' 'Secret Circle,' 'Whitney,' 'Prime Suspect' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
13. Seidman, Robert (November 4, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'The X Factor,' 'Parks & Recreation,' 'The Office,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
14. Seidman, Robert (November 11, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's,' 'Prime Suspect' Adjusted Up; 'Bones,' 'Rules,' 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
15. Gorman, Bill (January 6, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up; 'Wipeout,' 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
16. Seidman, Robert (January 13, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
17. Gorman, Bill (January 20, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' Tops 'American Idol' 1st Half Hour; 'Office,' 'Mentalist,' 'Grey's' Adj. Up; 'Person,' 'Rob,' 'Parks' Adj. Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved January 21, 2012.
18. Gorman, Bill (February 3, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Office,' 'Mentalist' Adjusted Up; 'Rob' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
19. Seidman, Robert (February 10, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'American Idol,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Mentalist,' 'Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up; 'Rob,' 'Private Practice,' 'The Finder,' 'Up All Night' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved February 11, 2012.
20. Gorman, Bill (February 17, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Big Bang Theory,' '30 Rock,' 'Office' Adjusted Up; 'Person Of Interest,' 'Mentalist,' 'Secret Circle' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
21. Biel, Sara (February 24, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'American Idol,' 'The Mentalist' Adjusted Up; 'Rob,' 'Private Practice,' 'Up All Night' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
22. Kondolojy, Amanda (March 16, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'The Office', 'Missing' Adjusted Up, 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down + NCAA Game Ratings". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
23. Bibel, Sara (April 6, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Person of Interest', 'Missing', 'Up All Night' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
24. Bibel, Sara (April 13, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Office' and 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
25. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 20, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Awake' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' & 'Parks and Recreation' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
26. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 27, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Idol', 'Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's', 'The Vampire Diaries', 'Mentalist' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted DownDown". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
27. Kondolojy, Amanda (May 4, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings:'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Secret Circle', 'The Mentalist', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
28. Kondolojy, Amanda (May 11, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Office', 'Secret Circle', 'Grey's' Adjusted Up; 'Touch', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
29. Bibel, Sara (May 18, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', '30 Rock' Adjusted Up; 'Touch', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
30. "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Two And A Half Men' Tops 'Sunday Night Football' For Week Ending September 25, 2011". TV by the Numbers. September 27, 2011. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
31. Seidman, Robert (October 4, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Two And A Half Men' Falls Just Short of 'Sunday Night Football' with Adults 18-49, But Tops Everything in Viewing". Retrieved May 1, 2014.
32. Gorman, Bill (October 11, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Two & A Half Men,' 'Modern Family' Top Week's Adults 18-49 Ratings". Retrieved May 1, 2014.
33. Seidman, Robert (October 18, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Two and a Half Men,' 'Modern Family,' 'NCIS' Top Week #4 Viewing". Retrieved May 1, 2014.
34. Gorman, Bill (October 25, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football' Beaten By 'Modern Family' & 'Two and a Half Men' In Week #5 Among Adults 18-49". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
35. Seidman, Robert (November 1, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football' & 'World Series' Top Week #6 Among Adults 18-49". Retrieved May 1, 2014.
36. Seidman, Robert (November 8, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: Ravens-Steelers, LSU-Alabama, 'Modern Family' Top Week #7 Among Adults 18-49". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
37. Gorman, Bill (November 15, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Big Bang Theory' Top Week No. 8 Among Adults 18–49". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
38. Gorman, Bill (January 18, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: Broncos/Patriots, 'Simpsons,' 'NCIS' Top Week 17". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
39. Seidman, Robert (January 24, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: Giants-49ers, 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory' Top Week 18". Retrieved May 1, 2014.
40. Gorman, Bill (February 7, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Super Bowl,' 'The Voice' Top Week 20". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
41. Gorman, Bill (February 14, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Grammy Awards,' 'The Voice,' 'The Big Bang Theory' Top Week 21". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
42. Seidman, Robert (February 22, 2014). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol,' 'The Voice,' 'The Big Bang Theory' and 'NCIS' Top Week 22". Retrieved May 1, 2014.
43. Kondolojy, Amanda (February 28, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Academy Awards' Towers Over The Week, 'Big Bang Theory' Is Top Scripted Show". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
44. Kondolojy, Amanda (March 20, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol,' 'The Voice,' 'Modern Family' Top Week 26 Ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
45. Bibel, Sara (April 10, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory', 'The Voice,'and 'Person of Interest' Top Week 29 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
46. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 17, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol', 'NCIS' Top Week 30 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
47. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 24, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol', 'Modern Family' Top Week 31 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 24, 2012.
48. Bibel, Sara (May 1, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol', 'Big Bang Theory' Top Week 32 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
49. Kondolojy, Amanda (May 8, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol', 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'NCIS' Top Week 33 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
50. Bibel, Sara (May 15, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol' & 'NCIS' Top Week 34 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
51. Kondolojy, Amanda (May 22, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol', 'NCIS' Top Week 35 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
52. Gorman, Bill (October 10, 2011). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Gains, 'Supernatural' Tops % Gains In Season's Premiere Week". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
53. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Gains, 'Fringe' Tops % Gains In Week #2".
54. Gorman, Bill (October 24, 2011). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Gains, 'The Secret Circle' Tops % Gains In Week 3". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
55. Seldman, Robert (October 31, 2011). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Gains, 'Nikita' Tops % Gains In Week 4". Retrieved April 30, 2014.
56. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Gains, 'Private Practice' Tops % Gains In Week 5". TV by the Numbers. November 7, 2011. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
57. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Big Bang Theory' Top Absolute Gains, 'Supernatural' Tops % Gains In Week 6". TV by the Numbers. November 14, 2011. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
58. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Gains, 'House' Tops % Gains In Week 7". TV by the Numbers. November 21, 2011. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
59. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Two and a Half Men,' 'House,' 'Hawaii Five-0' Top Absolute Gains, 'Fringe' Tops % Gains In Week 8". TV by the Numbers. November 29, 2011. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
60. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Gains; 'Pan Am' Tops % Gains in Week 16". TV by the Numbers. January 23, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
61. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Gains; 'Grimm' Tops % Gains in Week 17". TV by the Numbers. January 30, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
62. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Gains; 'Fringe' Tops % Gains in Week 18". TV by the Numbers. February 6, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
63. Seldman, Robert (February 21, 2012). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Glee' Tops Absolute Gains; 'Grimm' Tops % Gains in Week 20". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
64. Kondolojy, Amanda (February 27, 2012). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Ratings Gains; 'Pan Am' Tops % Gains in Week 21". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
65. Seldman, Robert (March 5, 2012). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Ratings Gains; 'Fringe' Tops % Gains in Week 22". Retrieved April 30, 2014.
66. Kondolojy, Amanda (March 12, 2012). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Still Tops Absolute Ratings Gains; 'Grimm' and 'Alcatraz' Top % Gains in Week 23". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
67. Bibel, Sara (April 2, 2012). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: "Modern Family' Tops Absolute Ratings Gain; 'Nikita' & 'Ringer' Top % Gains in Week 26". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
68. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 23, 2012). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'New Girl' Tops Absolute Ratings Gain, 'Fringe' Tops % Gains, 'The Mentalist' Tops Total Viewer Gains in Week 29". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
69. Bibel, Sara (April 30, 2012). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Ratings Gain, 'The Firm' Tops % Gains, 'Modern Family' Tops Total Viewer Gains in Week 30". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
70. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Tops Absolute Ratings & Total Viewer Gains, 'Firm' Tops % Gains in Week 31". TV by the Numbers. May 7, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
71. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' Tops Absolute Ratings, 'Fringe' Tops % Gains, 'The Mentalist' Tops Total Viewer Gains in Week 32". TV by the Numbers. May 14, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
72. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Leads Ratings and Viewership Gains, 'The Secret Circle' Tops Percentage Increases". TV by the Numbers. May 21, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
73. "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Again Leads Ratings and Viewerrship Gains,'Grimm' Ranks Number One In Percentage Increases". TV by the Numbers. May 29, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
74. Kondolojy, Amanda (June 4, 2012). "Live+7 DVR Ratings: 'Modern Family' Again Leads Ratings and Viewership Gains,'Grimm' Ranks Number One In Percentage Increases". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
75. "Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Eighth Season". Amazon.com. Retrieved June 30, 2012.
76. Lambert, David (May 4, 2012). "Grey's Anatomy - DVD Set is Scheduled for 'The Complete 8th Season'". TV Shows on DVD. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
77. "Grey's Anatomy – Season 8 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
78. "Grey's Anatomy - Complete 8th Season". Ezy DVD. Retrieved August 1, 2012.