‘That Was Horrifying’ Shonda Rhimes Admits One Iconic Grey’s Anatomy Death Went Too Far (And She’s Spot On)

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As someone who’s been watching TV for years, I can tell you medical dramas are a reliable hit, but nothing quite compares to *Grey’s Anatomy*. It’s still going strong on ABC, with new episodes dropping the next day on Hulu. Creator Shonda Rhimes recently confessed that one particular character death really haunted her, and honestly, as a fan, I completely understand why. It was a truly shocking moment.

With fans wondering how to watch Season 22 of *Grey’s Anatomy*, creator Shonda Rhimes has been reflecting on the show’s history. During an appearance on the *Call Her Daddy* podcast, Rhimes shared that she recently re-watched episodes, including the well-known Season 8 plane crash that featured the death of Chyler Leigh’s character, Lexie Grey. Rhimes explained:

I rewatched some episodes recently, and I was really disturbed by one in particular. It was shockingly violent – it honestly felt like watching something from a snuff film. I was completely taken aback.

Lexie’s death is considered one of the most heartbreaking moments in *Grey’s Anatomy*, which is notable given how many characters have died on the show. Although Shonda Rhimes felt the deaths of Lexie and Mark served the story, the way Lexie died was particularly shocking. At least Rhimes acknowledges the emotional impact it had on viewers.

Lexie tragically dies early in the “Flight” episode, quickly succumbing to injuries from the plane crash before the opening credits finish. Things get even more upsetting when, in a later Season 9 episode called “Remember the Time,” Cristina reveals that animals scavenged what remained of Lexie’s body while everyone was stranded. It’s a shockingly grim detail!

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Later in the podcast, the successful TV creator and showrunner discussed how difficult it was to film Lexie’s death scene, explaining that it was a very emotional experience.

Looking back at it now, I’m amazed anyone made it through watching that – it was truly terrifying.

I definitely remember watching the *Grey’s Anatomy* plane crash episode when it first aired and being completely heartbroken over Chyler Leigh’s character. Beyond how sad her death was, Lexie deserves an apology from all of us, because the other doctors weren’t very nice to her for most of the series. Shonda Rhimes revisiting the way she wrote Lexie’s death is a good start.

Lexie came back in a dream sequence during the COVID season of *Grey’s Anatomy*, and it was revealed she and Mark Sloan were together in the afterlife. For many fans, including me, it was always disappointing that Lexie and Mark didn’t get to be together before they died, so seeing them reunited was a welcome moment. She truly deserved a happier ending!

New episodes of *Grey’s Anatomy* will air on ABC every Thursday as part of the 2025 television season. I’m also hoping Shonda Rhimes shares her reflections on the show’s memorable stories and characters – including some of its most impactful deaths – that made it so popular.

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2025-10-16 03:38