With Grey’s Anatomy being a massive hit for over 18 seasons, it has spawned two successful spin-offs: Station 19 and Private Practice. Each show has its own fanbase and timeline, but the storylines often cross over, and characters from one show make appearances on others. If you’re planning to binge-watch these three series, it can be a bit tricky to figure out how to watch them in the right order—especially with overlapping episodes and timelines.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best way to watch Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, and Private Practice both in release order (how they aired) and chronological order (the in-universe timeline). Whether you’re new to the shows or just need a refresher on how to watch them in a seamless order, we’ve got you covered!
Watching in Release Order: The Way These Shows Were Released
Watching the shows in release order is ideal if you want to experience the original pacing and storytelling as viewers did when the shows first aired. Here’s a breakdown of the release order:
1. Grey’s Anatomy (2005-Present)
- Premiered: March 27, 2005
- Total Seasons (as of 2024): 20 seasons (and counting)
As the flagship show, Grey’s Anatomy follows the lives of the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital (formerly Seattle Grace). This show kicks off the entire franchise, and many of its characters appear in both Station 19 and Private Practice.
- Key Crossover Episodes: Station 19 premiered as a spin-off in 2018, and many characters from Grey’s Anatomy cross over to Station 19.
- Notable Crossovers: You’ll see Private Practice characters in Grey’s Anatomy seasons, especially Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh).
2. Private Practice (2007-2013)
- Premiered: September 26, 2007
- Total Seasons: 6 seasons
- Final Episode: January 22, 2013
Private Practice is a spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy that focuses on Dr. Addison Montgomery’s life after leaving Seattle. Set in Los Angeles, this show explores her work at a private practice. Many Grey’s Anatomy characters appear in Private Practice, particularly in the earlier seasons.
- Key Crossover Episodes: Addison’s departure from Seattle Grace in Grey’s Anatomy leads directly into Private Practice.
- Notable Crossovers: Characters like Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), Naomi Bennett (Audra McDonald), and others from Grey’s Anatomy make appearances.
3. Station 19 (2018-Present)
- Premiered: March 22, 2018
- Total Seasons (as of 2024): 7 seasons (and counting)
The latest addition to the Grey’s Anatomy franchise, Station 19 follows the lives of the firefighters at Station 19 in Seattle. Many characters from Grey’s Anatomy make guest appearances here, and vice versa, creating a shared universe.
- Key Crossover Episodes: Station 19 has regular crossovers with Grey’s Anatomy, with episodes that feature both medical and firefighting emergencies.
- Notable Crossovers: Some Station 19 episodes directly follow Grey’s Anatomy events, especially with characters like Ben Warren (Jason George) and Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) appearing frequently.
Watching in Chronological Order: The Timeline of the Shows
If you’re more of a stickler for timeline continuity and want to see the characters’ journeys in chronological order, here’s how to align the events across all three shows.
1. Grey’s Anatomy (2005-Present)
Start with Grey’s Anatomy to introduce the characters and set the stage for the storylines that will overlap into Private Practice and Station 19. While the events from Grey’s Anatomy continue across its many seasons, the timeline here is straightforward, and the show serves as the foundation for both of the spin-offs.
- Important to Note: While the events of Grey’s Anatomy will unfold, Private Practice and Station 19 may weave in and out of the timeline, so keep an eye out for specific crossover episodes.
2. Private Practice (2007-2013)
To continue in chronological order, you’ll move on to Private Practice as it starts shortly after Addison Montgomery leaves Seattle. In this timeline, many of the events in Private Practice occur simultaneously with the earlier seasons of Grey’s Anatomy.
- Key Points: The events of Private Practice are loosely tied to the events happening in Grey’s Anatomy during its first few seasons. This will give you a deeper understanding of Addison’s journey.
3. Station 19 (2018-Present)
Since Station 19 is the most recent show in the franchise, it fits into the timeline of Grey’s Anatomy after the events of Season 14, following the characters from Grey’s Anatomy who become involved with Station 19.
- Important to Note: While Station 19 is primarily set in real-time, it occasionally references past events from Grey’s Anatomy, such as Ben Warren’s transition from a surgeon to a firefighter.
Chronological Order Breakdown:
Here’s a clear breakdown of the chronological order if you want to follow the timeline of events:
- Grey’s Anatomy Seasons 1-3
- Set the stage for Private Practice and introduces Addison Montgomery.
- Private Practice Seasons 1-6
- Follows Addison Montgomery’s story after she leaves Seattle.
- Grey’s Anatomy Seasons 4-14
- Continues the storylines of the core characters at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, setting the stage for Station 19.
- Station 19 Seasons 1-Present
- Occurs concurrently with the later seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, following Ben Warren’s journey and the firefighter team.
How Crossovers Affect Your Viewing Experience
- Crossovers Between Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19: Some episodes from Grey’s Anatomy directly set up the storylines for Station 19 (and vice versa). For instance, if you watch an episode of Station 19 that ends with a cliffhanger, you might need to jump into Grey’s Anatomy to see how the storyline plays out. These crossovers often involve characters like Ben, Andy, and Miranda.
- Addison’s Transition Between Shows: Addison’s character arc is the most significant crossover between Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Watching her journey from Grey’s Anatomy into Private Practice gives more context to her character’s motivations.
Where to Watch These Shows
You can catch all three of these shows on popular streaming platforms like Hulu, ABC, and Paramount+. Some seasons may be available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes. Keep in mind that availability may vary by region, so be sure to check your local streaming options.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Grey’s Anatomy Viewing Guide
Whether you prefer to watch these iconic shows in release order or chronological order, there’s no wrong way to dive into the Grey’s Anatomy universe. If you’re a new viewer, starting with Grey’s Anatomy and following the spin-offs in order is a great way to get a feel for the series. If you’re a fan of continuity and the characters’ journeys, chronological order will give you the full picture. Either way, you’ll be treated to heart-wrenching moments, dramatic storylines, and unforgettable characters.
FAQs
1. Can I watch Station 19 without watching Grey’s Anatomy?
Yes, but Station 19 often references events and characters from Grey’s Anatomy, so you’ll get more context by watching Grey’s Anatomy first.
2. Do I need to watch Private Practice if I already watch Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19?
While not required, watching Private Practice adds depth to Addison Montgomery’s character and her journey after leaving Grey’s Anatomy.
3. What’s the best order for watching the shows for maximum enjoyment?
If you want the full experience, start with Grey’s Anatomy, then move to Private Practice, and finally, watch Station 19 in release order.
4. Are there any major crossovers between the shows?
Yes! Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy have frequent crossovers, with characters from both shows appearing in each other’s episodes.
5. Where can I stream all three shows?
You can stream Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, and Private Practice on platforms like Hulu, ABC, and Paramount+, with some episodes available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes.
