The Way Grey's Anatomy Deals With Cheating Is One Of The Show's Biggest Problems
Nobody wants to be cheated on. For most people it is considered the ultimate betrayal, others are more forgiving, but everyone can agree that cheating on a partner is not okay.
Over its many years on television, Grey's Anatomy has covered a variety of different topics and social issues. Most viewers are initially drawn to Grey's Anatomy as the show follows the doctors and the patients they take on, often with terrifying, tragic, or fascinating stories.
Apart from the drama in the operating room, viewers also get to be a part of the lives of the doctors as they navigate their friendships, love lives, and family issues outside of the hospital. The characters have dealt with death, heartbreak, injury, and illness, as well as mental illnesses like depression.
For the most part, fans of the show appreciate it for being raw and real in the issues addressed, but the show's depiction of cheating is a whole different story.
Being cheated on is a big deal, and it can have huge negative effects on a person, and fans feel that Grey's Anatomy doesn't seem to feel the same.
The show has been criticized by fans online who feel that the show almost condones cheating, which is hugely problematic in the eyes of viewers, some of whom have personally experienced being cheated on.
In an early episode of season 5, Lexi is dealing with a patient who has been cheating on his wife with her best friend. She goes on to assure him:
"It happens, people make mistakes. They sleep with the wrong person, and they try to hide."
She is very forgiving towards the patient and makes it seem like cheating is a normal thing that just happens when in reality it is a choice. This is one of many examples that fans have pointed out where the show mishandles cheating. Fans feel that there should be more consequences in the show and that cheating should be taken more seriously and highlighted for the damage it can cause to others instead of being brushed off as a simple or small mistake.
Cheating has been a part of the Grey's Anatomy storyline from the start, with Derek cheating on his wife with Meredith and everyone supporting the pair getting together in the end, but what about Derek's wife? Another doctor, Owen Hunt, was cheated on his wedding day. Later on, Arizona cheats on Callie despite everything the pair had overcome together.
As a show centered around drama, infidelity will always feature in Grey's Anatomy, but fans all agree that the show needs to address it more seriously instead of making it feel like a common and forgivable mistake.