15 Most Hated ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Characters, Ranked
Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama series that centers on the lives of the doctors and patients at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. One of the longest-running shows on ABC, it started in 2005 and is still on-air today. Grey’s Anatomy has cultivated a loyal following due to its thrilling and controversial storylines, as well as its complex characters.
Within the 18 years of air time, the show has introduced numerous characters, both loved and hated by fans. The most likable characters in the show come with flaws and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and human. They overcome personal and professional challenges, proving that growth is possible for anyone. That said, the show doesn’t have a shortage of annoying and vile characters. From arrogant, condescending surgeons to unprofessional doctors to abusive exes, the most hated characters of Grey’s Anatomy have deservedly incurred the wrath of the show’s loyal viewers.
15
Penny Blake
Played by Samantha Sloyan
“Perfect Penny” (Samantha Sloyan) being on this list should not be a surprise to anyone who has watched Grey’s Anatomy. After all, according to Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), she’s responsible for the death of Derek’s (Patrick Dempsey) death. How can anyone like her after taking McDreamy from us? Of course, she isn’t actually responsible for his death, given that she was a resident and could merely make suggestions to Derek’s care and not directly do anything herself. But that truth didn’t make her addition to the series any easier to adapt to.
The dinner scene at Meredith’s house will forever go down as one of the most tense and awkward scenes in the show’s run, but what makes it worse is that she came there as Callie’s (Sara Ramirez) date. And because she had started dating Callie, she became a recurring part of the series going forward, and it was just not needed. The show was so fresh off of Derek’s death, so bringing in one of the doctors who was a part of the case was not the best move, even if it worked for drama’s sake. She was never going to be a well-received character. Maybe in another season under another context, but in Season 12? “Perfect Penny” was anything but.
14
Ava/Rebecca Pope
Played by Elizabeth Reaser
Ava (Elizabeth Reaser) is a patient who was introduced in Season 3 during the ferry crash disaster. She connects with Alex (Justin Chambers) during her recovery, and he similarly grows fond of her. Ava’s story is tragic and heartbreaking. She was pregnant at the time of the crash and ended up with memory loss and facial injuries so bad she had to have reconstruction surgery. Thankfully, her baby ended up okay, but the emotional toll of the situation never quite dwindled for Ava, and even after she recovered and could leave the hospital, she remained glued to Alex’s side.
Ava’s initial story arc isn’t so bad, it’s the fact that Grey’s Anatomy drew it out for far too long. It was fascinating to see Alex let his guard down and really care for someone the way he cared for Ava. But then the show kept bringing her back, and it felt as though the storyline would never end. She even appeared again in Season 4 after it seemed her storyline was over. She’s not the worst character on this list, but she was annoying, and her storyline got old really fast.
13
Catherine Avery
Played by Debbie Allen
Catherine Avery (Debbie Allen) is Jackson Avery’s (Jesse Williams) mother, and an overbearing one at that. She wasn’t all that bad when she first appeared, but her appearances were minimal and when she did show up she was there for surgeries and pretty interesting ones at that. As a urologist, she offered a side of medicine that we hadn’t seen much of at that point. However, her character started to get much worse once she became a more prominent figure on the show, and now that she’s a regular, it’s so much worse.
Her list of transgressions includes, but is not limited to, buying the hospital and putting Jackson in charge, which led to him being ripped to shreds by his peers, going behind his back to get custody of his and April’s (Sarah Drew) child, nominating Sandra Oh’s Cristina Yang for the Harper Avery award knowing full well she’s not able to win due to working at Grey Sloan, covering up her ex-husband’s sexual misconduct case by paying off the victims, and just generally being a cruel person to everyone she encounters. She’s the worst, and even though she isn’t technically a villain, she may as well be.
12
Izzie Stevens
Played by Katherine Heigl
Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) was part of the original MAGIC cast of Grey’s Anatomy who started her surgical internship alongside Meredith Grey, the titular character of the show. Despite starting off with a lot of promise as both a character and doctor, her behavior often emerged as self-serving, condescending, and overall toxic.
She often disregards the doctor-patient etiquette, getting emotionally involved and crossing the line. She got romantically involved with a patient at the hospital, Denny Duquette, going to extreme lengths to save his life. In the famed Grey’s Anatomy storyline, she even cut his LVAD wire, putting his life at dire risk, ignoring the basic premise of a doctor, “First do no harm.” Similarly, in her personal life, she was judgmental and overbearing. She was horrible to Callie, bullying her into believing she isn’t a priority in George’s life, disrespecting their marriage saying, “Stop saying it like it means something.” Throughout her character arc, Izzie was set in her ways, showing little growth.
11
Lauren Boswell
Played by Hilarie Burton
Lauren Boswell (Hilarie Burton) was a surgeon consulting on an individual case at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Although her time on the show was limited to 3 episodes alone, her character’s presence was catastrophic. Even though the flirting between Laura and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) started off as innocuous, it soon matured into infidelity.
Arizona informed Lauren that she was already happily married to Callie to which Lauren replied that she knew that, and she continued her flirtation. Similarly, despite sharing a moment, Arizona pulls back reiterating she’s married. Lauren simply replied, “You are allowed to lose a little bit of control.” In doing so, she entirely disrespected Arizona’s marriage. While Arizona was the one in the relationship, Lauren was selfish and horrible, damaging Arizona and Callie’s marriage.
10
Owen Hunt
Played by Kevin McKidd
Owen Hunt, played by Kevin McKidd, is a character in Grey’s Anatomy whom fans are divided on. He was introduced in Season 5 as a trauma surgeon with a military background and has quickly gotten the support of fans due to his PTSD struggles. However, he has alienated viewers due to his questionable and vile actions.
A contentious aspect of Owen’s character is his tumultuous relationship with Cristina Yang. Despite their chemistry, Owen’s manipulative tendencies often come to the forefront, such as when he urges Cristina to consider having children despite her clear stance against them. Owen’s decision-making skills also come under scrutiny as he adopts a baby without consulting his then-wife Amelia (Caterina Scorsone). Without a doubt, his impulsive behavior has strained his marriage and made him look inconsiderate and reckless, further drawing the displeasure of fans.
9
Sloan Riley
Played by Leven Rambin
Sloan Riley (Leven Rambin) suddenly showed up at Seattle Grace Hospital, announcing that she’s Mark Sloan (Eric Dane)’s daughter. Sloan was both desperate and selfish with her decision to reach out to Mark as she didn’t do it because she wanted to connect with her father, but because she wanted a place to stay. Similarly, when Mark was willing to turn his life upside down for her, including ending his relationship with Lexie, she left without saying a word.
While Sloan’s storyline is easily forgettable, she did help Mark realize his desire for a family. Mark’s ability to step up to try and be a father to Sloan set the stage for Mark’s transition into the role of a father and family man. Following the birth and adoption of her newborn son, Sloan is unheard of, nor did she make an appearance on the show following Mark’s grave injuries from the plane crash followed by his death.
8
Leah Murphy
Played by Tessa Ferrer
Leah Murphy (Tessa Ferrer) was introduced as a surgical intern in Season 9. Leah never emerged as “the one to watch” or a capable doctor, especially after it was revealed she used her connections with Mark Sloan to get into the surgical program. In one instance, she made a fatal mistake, almost killing her patient.
In her personal life, Leah came across as insecure, as she immediately became infatuated with anyone who showed interest in her. Part of why Leah is so disliked has to do with her role in the downfall of Callie and Arizona’s relationship. After sleeping with Arizona, she became clingy, announcing their relationship in the workplace without discussing it with Arizona first.
7
Eliza Minnick
Played by Marika Dominczyk
A character who quickly drew the ire of Grey’s Anatomy fans is Eliza Minnick (Marika Dominczyk). Introduced in Season 13 as a consultant brought in to revamp the residency program, Minnick’s authoritative and abrasive approach immediately put her at odds with the hospital’s staff and viewers alike.
Minnick’s initial introduction sets the tone for her unlikable persona thanks to her condescending attitude towards Richard Webber. She was further established as an antagonist in the show with her disregard for the existing training program and her insistence on implementing her methods without considering the team’s dynamics, distancing her from both the characters and the audience. Much to the relief of fans, Eliza Minnick’s tenure at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital is short-lived as she was booted off in the same season.
6
Robert Stark
Played by Peter MacNicol
Robert Stark (Peter MacNicol) replaced Arizona as the new Head of Pediatric Surgery attending in Grey’s Anatomy Season 7. Within the first episode of his on-screen presence, Stark was established as despicable. He often put his patients in harm’s way by dismissing their needs. When a young boy was in serious pain and was forced to come in, he lamented about missing dessert at the restaurant.
He often rushed, both in and out of surgery as he didn’t take the time to discuss any concerns with the patient’s parents, and in one instance was willing to cut off a 15-year-old girl’s leg, when it was clearly preventable. A single moment that partly redeemed his character arc was speaking in affirmation for April as chief resident, although she rejected his advances. However, there were many more instances in which Stark was terrible to those around him, ensuring his spot among the worst characters in Grey’s Anatomy.
5
Erica Hahn
Played by Brooke Smith
Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith) was first introduced in Season 2 where her professional rivalry with Preston Burke was evident. She made a few guest appearances before becoming a series regular in Season 4 as she became the new Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Seattle Grace Hospital.
Despite having the skill set of a great doctor, she was conceited, egoistic, and rude to others. Not only did she steer clear of Cristina when it came to assigning a resident, but she outspokenly refused to teach Cristina. When it came to treating a young girl with a tumor, she refused to discuss treatment, believing it was a lost cause. Similarly, when a complication arises whilst operating on Walter Tapley, she immediately expresses her frustration, not at losing her patient but at the damage it would do to her name.
4
Shane Ross
Played by Gaius Charles
Shane Ross (Gauis Charles) was a surgical resident introduced in Season 9 and despite being hard-working, his competitive nature in the workplace paints him as aggressive. The lines between Shane’s passionate and hostile overbearing character were blurred.
In the workplace, he was often disrespectful, overstepping personal boundaries. He fraternized and offered to service Cristina demonstrating how insubordinate he is. Similarly, despite making fatal mistakes, Shane didn’t face any repercussions. Not only did he break the rules on a daily basis, but he took a patient into surgery, getting in over his head. In the end, he ended up killing Alex Karev’s father and yet, was permitted to return to work without any restrictions in place.
3
Paul Castello
Played by Mike McColl
Paul Castello (Mike McColl) was the doctor who attended to Derek’s injuries after his car accident. Even with life-threatening injuries, Derek recognized Castello’s arrogance and incompetence as a doctor. Paul argued that there was no time for a CT scan despite serious head injuries.
After Derek’s death, Paul remains oblivious to the pain caused to Derek’s family nor does he take responsibility for his mistakes. As Meredith pointed out, “that one night should have cost [him] his entire career” and yet his arrogant and insensitive nature persisted in the events of Meredith’s license hearing. Simply put, Paul’s decision-making process the night of Derek Shepard’s death cost Meredith the love of her life and has made him widely unpopular among McDreamy fans who recognize indirectly he killed him.
2
Sadie Harris
Played by Melissa George
Sadie Harris (Melissa George) first appeared in Season 5 of the hit medical drama as Meredith’s old friend who joined Settle Grace Hospital as a surgical intern. While Sadie didn’t add much to the plot, she encouraged the other interns to make increasingly dangerous decisions by performing procedures on each other. She even cut her own stomach open so that the others could remove her appendix.
While she didn’t face dire repercussions for her actions, Sadie continued to act as if she deserved to be there. Not only was it evident that she was without skill, but she also refused to acknowledge her shortcomings when George confronted her. It was later revealed that she cheated her way into the surgical program, and chose an internship where Meredith was a resident in hopes that she would get her through.
1
Paul Stadler
Played by Matthew Morrison
Paul Stadler (Matthew Morrison) was Jo Wilson’s (Camilla Luddington) husband until Jo left him, starting a new life with a new name. Despite being a renowned surgeon in the field who has likely saved many lives, was also abusive in his personal life. In their abusive marriage, Jo recounted many instances of physical abuse. One incident left Jo with broken ribs and a ruptured kidney.
Paul’s actions have left deep scars on Jo’s mental and emotional well-being, forcing her to make a drastic change to escape him. Despite a brief on-screen appearance, it was evident that Paul Stadler is both a charming professional and a narcissistic abuser, easily making him the worst Grey’s Anatomy character. Furthermore, he often gaslighted both Jo and his new fiancée’s fears and recounts of abuse, sowing self-doubt, diffidence, and distrust in Jo.
