How to Save a Life

Inside the TV Drama That Defied Expectations and Became a National Phenomenon

'I'm a Black woman casting my own show. I wanted their world to look like the world that I live in. I don't think about it in those terms [diversity], and I militantly think I don't have to.' Shonda Rhimes

'Multiple generations have discovered Derek through Netflix. They are passionate around the world. It's humbling.' Patrick Dempsey

'I remember I was on a plane with Isaiah Washington, T.R. Knight, Jim Pickens and Patrick Dempsey headed to Seattle. It was during the third season of Grey's Anatomy, when we were definitely at the height of our popularity. We were walking through the airport. Of course, nobody knows me because I'm the writer. But it was like being with the Beatles. People would stop them every thirty seconds to get a picture. It was really cool.

We mostly shot in the woods, which was an hour drive outside the city, but we also shot on the streets of Seattle. That was crazy because women were on their way to work and would just stop because they were all of a sudden face-to-face with the Grey's Anatomy actors. Anywhere from three hundred to four hundred people would gather, just to watch. The actors were very gracious and posed for pictures. But seriously, I even said to somebody, "Where are you supposed to be?" And she said, "Oh, I was supposed to be at work 45 minutes ago, but I'm not gonna miss this." It was definitely a fun time to be in television.' Mark Wilding, executive producer for Grey's Anatomy, 2005-2012


'It's incredible how this show just keeps resonating with the young generation. It's really touching.' Ellen Pompeo

'As much of my life as I feel like I [gave that] character, she has saved me and helped me grow into the artist that I am.' Sandra Oh