Calling all Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital fans… Grey’s Anatomy Season 18 is here, and UK fans are probably wondering how and where they can watch Grey’s Anatomy online or streaming on their telly, legally, WITHOUT an expensive Sky/Cable subscription.
If you need a refresher, Grey’s Anatomy is an American medical drama created by Shonda Rhimes, and starring Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Grey, who works with her friends, colleagues and romantic interests at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital. To this day, the show is ABC’s highest-rated drama, and has seen success in the UK as well.
Season 17 was shorter than usual due to the pandemic, which was also a major part of the season’s plot.
Season 18 premiered in the US on September 30, 2021. It then returned from its winter break on February 24, 2022, with Episode 9.
Unlike last year, when UK fans had to wait months – this time, the show came to the UK in November, and will return with Episode 9 in April.
(And if you want more, don’t forget you can also watch Station 19 – which is Grey’s spinoff firefighting series).
Where Can I Watch Grey’s Anatomy In The UK – Past And Newer Episodes?
In the UK, Grey’s Anatomy used to air on Sky – but as Cord Cutters, we’re here to talk about your other viewing options – those not involving a full-on Sky (or Virgin, or BT) subscription.
In the US, Grey’s Anatomy newest Season 18 streams on Hulu, which is a US-Only service. But there are ways to watch American streaming services (including Hulu) in the UK, if you’re willing to get a bit technical.
So, in the UK, these are currently your major options:
1. Disney+ Star – Seasons 1-17
Disney’s streaming service launched “Star” last year, their adult-oriented category which is part of Disney+, and brought Grey’s Anatomy into it.
For now, only the older seasons (1-17) are available on Disney+. Season 18 will probably arrive at some point next year.
For Disney+, you can get a monthly subscription, or an annual one which is a bit cheaper.
Pros
- Get Grey's Anatomy and a ton of other shows and films
- Full HD quality (1080p)
- Stream all the seasons - up to season 17
Cons
- Season 18 Not available yet
2. Amazon Prime Video – Seasons 1-17
Amazon’s video on demand library (see our review) used to offer Grey’s Anatomy as part of their Amazon Prime subscription, but unfortunately, that changed in April 2022.
Now, the show (and each season) is only available as a separate one-time purchase.
All the seasons (up to 17, for now) are available as a video-on-demand purchase (so at an extra cost, and not part of Prime Video).
Pros
- If you buy, you own forever – without seasons expiring on you mid-watch
- Full HD quality (1080p)
Cons
- Gets expensive if you buy multiple seasons
- Season 18 not available yet
3. Netflix US – Seasons 1-17
Unfortunately, Grey’s Anatomy is not available on the UK version of Netflix. However, it IS available on the American version of Netflix – all past seasons, as well as Season 17.
And while it’s a bit more complicated, there are ways to watch it in the UK, if you’re willing to invest some time and money.
We have a full guide on how to watch American Netflix in the UK, but it basically means subscribing to a VPN service, and having a streaming device with that VPN’s app, if you want to watch it on your telly. (Your Netflix subscription stays the same – that is, it’s your regular UK-based Netflix subscription).
Pros
- Part of a regular Netflix subscription (but with the US content library).
- Stream all the seasons, up to Season 17
- Full HD quality (1080p)
Cons
- Must use a VPN for the US Netflix library
Watch On: Netflix’ US website, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Smartphones – But only while your VPN app is working.
4. Google Play Store – Seasons 1-16
Google’s play store offers all past seasons of Grey’s Anatomy (1-16), as a separate one-time purchase.
Pros
- Buy and own forever – without seasons expiring on you mid-watch.
- Full HD quality (1080p)
- Subtitles!
Cons
- Gets expensive if you buy multiple seasons
- Season 17 not yet available.
Watch On: Chromecast, certain models of Smart TVs, Roku, smartphones and certain other devices via the YouTube app
5. NOW (Season 18)
Sky’s on-demand service (formerly known as NOW TV), meant to compete with Netflix, offers a cheaper price over Sky’s regular TV offerings – and without a lengthy contract (see my guide on getting cheap NOW passes).
Past seasons (1-17) of Grey’s Anatomy are NOT available on NOW.
Season 18, however, is available for streaming – until August 26, 2022. The first 8 episodes are all currently available – and Part 2 will return with weekly episodes on April 27.
Pros
- Cheap, monthly subscription – includes Grey's Anatomy and many other programmes.
- Includes the newest Season 18 episodes
- Available on several platforms
Cons
- Past seasons not available at all
- Full HD (1080) costs more with a "Boost" pass
- Includes adverts, unless you pay more for "Boost"