Grey 's Anatomy ( season 6 ) - wikipedia Grey 's Anatomy ( season 6 ) Grey 's Anatomy ( season 6 ) DVD cover art for the sixth season of Grey 's Anatomy Starring Ellen Pompeo Sandra Oh Katherine Heigl Justin Chambers Chandra Wilson James Pickens, Jr. Sara Ramirez Eric Dane Chyler Leigh Kevin McKidd Jessica Capshaw Kim Raver Patrick Dempsey Country of origin United States No. of episodes 24 Release Original network ABC Original release September 24, 2009 ( 2009 - 09 - 24 ) -- May 20, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 20 ) Season chronology ← Previous Season 5 Next → Season 7 List of Grey 's Anatomy episodes The sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey 's Anatomy, commenced airing on the American Broadcasting Company ( ABC ) in the United States on September 24, 2009, and concluded on May 20, 2010. The season was produced by ABC Studios, in association with ShondaLand Production Company and The Mark Gordon Company ; the showrunner being Shonda Rhimes. Actors Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, and Justin Chambers reprised their roles as surgical residents Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, and Alex Karev, respectively. Heigl was released from her contract in the middle of the season, while T.R. Knight did not appear as George O'Malley, because Knight was released from his contract at the conclusion of season five. Main cast members Patrick Dempsey, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens, Jr., Sara Ramirez, Eric Dane, Chyler Leigh, and Kevin McKidd also returned, while previous recurring star Jessica Capshaw was promoted to a series regular, and Kim Raver was given star billing after the commencement of the season. The season follows the story of surgical interns, residents and their competent mentors, as they experience the difficulties of the competitive careers they have chosen. It is set in the surgical wing of the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, located in Seattle, Washington. A major storyline of the season is the characters adapting to change, as their beloved co-worker Stevens departed following the breakdown of her marriage, O'Malley died in the season premiere -- following his being dragged by a bus, and new cardiothoracic surgeon Teddy Altman is given employment at the hospital. Further storylines include Shepherd being promoted to chief of surgery, Seattle Grace Hospital merging with the neighboring Mercy West -- introducing several new doctors, and several physicians lives being placed into danger -- when a grieving deceased patient 's husband embarks on a shooting spree at the hospital, seeking revenge for his wife 's death. The series ended its sixth season with 13.26 million viewers, ranking # 17 in terms of ratings, the lowest the series had ever ranked up to then. The season received mixed critical feedback, with the season 's premiere and finale given heavier critical acclaim, in contrast to the middle. The season was one of the least acclaimed in terms of awards and nominations, being the show 's only season not to warrant a Primetime Emmy nomination. Despite the negative aspects of ratings and awards, the season managed to receive a spot on Movieline 's top ten list. Buena Vista released the season onto a DVD box - set, being made available to regions 1 and 2. Contents 1 Cast 1.1 Main Cast 2 Production 3 Reception 4 Episodes 5 Ratings 5.1 Live + SD ratings 6 DVD Release 7 References Cast Main articles : List of Grey 's Anatomy characters and List of Grey 's Anatomy cast members The sixth season had thirteen roles receiving star billing, with twelve of them returning from the previous season, one of whom previously in a recurring guest capacity. The regulars portray the surgeons from the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital as new rivalries and romantic relationships begin to develop after the hospital 's merger with Mercy West. Meredith Grey, a surgical resident and the protagonist of the series, is portrayed by Ellen Pompeo. Fellow residents Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens and Alex Karev are portrayed by Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl and Justin Chambers, respectively. Attending general surgeon Miranda Bailey was portrayed by Chandra Wilson whose main storylines throughout the season focus on her divorce and the development of new romantic relationships. Seattle Grace Hospital 's Chief of Surgery and general surgeon Richard Webber was portrayed by James Pickens, Jr., who returns to alcoholism after being sober for twenty years. Sara Ramirez acted as bisexual orthopedic surgeon Callie Torres, Eric Dane played womanizer plastic surgeon Mark Sloan, Kevin McKidd continued his portrayal of trauma surgeon Owen Hunt, while Patrick Dempsey acted as chief of neurosurgery Derek Shepherd. Meredith 's half - sister and second - year surgical resident Lexie Grey was portrayed by Chyler Leigh. After having previously appeared in a multi-episode arc in a guest star capacity in the show 's fifth season, Jessica Capshaw began receiving star billing in the season 's premiere episode in the role of attending pediatric surgeon Arizona Robbins, love interest to Callie Torres. The ninth episode of the season marked the introduction of the new chief of cardiothoracic surgery Teddy Altman, portrayed by Kim Raver, whose mysterious romantic past with Owen Hunt develops into one of the season 's main stories. Starting with the nineteenth episode of the season, Raver began receiving star billing. The sixth season introduces several new recurring characters who start to develop progressive and expansive storylines throughout the season. Mercy West surgical residents Reed Adamson, Charles Percy, April Kepner and Jackson Avery were portrayed by Nora Zehetner, Robert Baker, Sarah Drew and Jesse Williams, respectively. Jason George portrayed Miranda Bailey 's love interest, anesthesiologist Ben Warren. Thatcher Grey ( Jeff Perry ) and Sloan Riley ( Leven Rambin ) have been part of the season 's main story arcs, while numerous episodic characters have made guest appearances : Demi Lovato as Hayley, Sara Gilbert as Kim Allen, Marion Ross as Betty, Mandy Moore as Mary Portman, Ryan Devlin as Bill Portman, Nick Purcell as Doug, Michael O'Neill as Gary Clark, Danielle Panabaker as Kelsey, Adrienne Barbeau as Jodie Crawley, Héctor Elizondo as Mr. Torres, Amy Madigan as Dr. Wyatt, and Missi Pyle as Jasmine. Former series regular Kate Walsh returned to the series as a special guest star, portraying neonatal surgeon and obstetrician - gynecologist Addison Montgomery. Main Cast Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Grey Sandra Oh as Dr. Cristina Yang Katherine Heigl as Dr. Izzie Stevens Justin Chambers as Dr. Alex Karev Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey James Pickens Jr. as Dr. Richard Webber Sara Ramirez as Dr. Callie Torres Eric Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan Chyler Leigh as Dr. Lexie Grey Kevin McKidd as Dr. Owen Hunt Jessica Capshaw as Dr. Arizona Robbins Kim Raver as Dr. Teddy Altman Patrick Dempsey as Dr. Derek Shepard Production Katherine Heigl departed in the middle of the season, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. The season was produced by Touchstone Television ABC Studios, The Mark Gordon Company, Shondaland and was distributed by Buena Vista International, Inc... The executive producers were creator Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Krista Vernoff, Rob Corn, Mark Wilding, Joan Rater and James D. Parriott. The regular directors were Shonda Rhimes, Krista Vernoff, Stacy McKee, William Harper, Debora Cahn, Allan Heinberg and Peter Nowalk. At the conclusion of season five, T.R. Knight was released from his contract, following a disagreement with Rhimes. When asked to make a ' flashback ' appearance in season six, Knight declined. Heigl 's appearances in the season were sporadic, seeing Stevens depart and return twice. Although she was scheduled to appear in the final five episodes of the season, Heigl requested that she be released from her contract 18 months early, and made her final appearance on January 21, 2010. Heigl explained that she wanted to spend more time with her family, and did not think it would be respectful to Grey 's Anatomy viewers to have Izzie return and depart yet again. The season 's two - hour opener showed the doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital, grieving the loss of their deceased friend, O'Malley. The special 's writer, Vernoff, commented : `` It 's heartbreaking. I fell in love with George, like many of you did, in season one. '' The ninth episode of the season, `` New History '', saw the arrival of Altman, which ended up forming a love triangle between her, Hunt, and Yang. Raver commented on this : `` She was in Iraq with Owen. She 's a cardiac surgeon. She 's really good at what she does. There 'll be some interesting stuff between Teddy, Cristina, and Owen. '' The episode 's writer, Heinberg, offered his insight : `` Teddy 's arrival at Seattle Grace unleashes all manner of complications for Owen, Cristina, and herself. Cristina 's immediately suspicious that Owen and Teddy were more than friends during their time together in Iraq. Teddy confesses to Owen that she apparently misread their mutual history, and walks away from him, mortified. And Owen 's left haunted by Teddy 's confession, now forced to re-examine his own history -- and his feelings for both Teddy and Cristina. -- Allan Heinberg, Grey Matter `` I Like You So Much Better When You 're Naked '' saw the departure of Stevens, following the breakdown of her marriage with Karev. Series ' writer Joan Rater commented on this : `` Izzie getting the clean scan back gives Alex the freedom to leave. Because he never would have left her when she was sick, he 's a good guy. And I 'm not saying that Alex ever consciously thought, I ca n't leave her while she 's sick, but now that she 's not, now that she seems like she 's going to get better, it just comes to him. He deserves more. He 's a good guy and he deserves more. But loving Izzie showed him that he can be good, is good. So it was a little gift. And when he tells Izzie he 's done, he 's not bitter or angry, he 's just done. '' The writing of the two - part season six finale, caused struggle to Rhimes. She elaborated on this : `` It hurt to write this finale. It literally hurt me. Because in order to write these episodes, I had to walk in the shoes of ( the shooter ). I had to think like a shooter. A person who would shoot Reed and Alex and Charles. A person who would shoot Derek. By the time I finished writing part one, I was sick. And depressed. Because my McDreamy was lying on my beloved catwalk dying. Mer is screaming and he is dying. And, before you have me shot up with Thorazine and placed in a strait jacket, yes, I DO I know it 's only a TV show, I 'm not insane, but dude... it felt too real. It felt WAY too real. '' Reception Justin Chambers ' performance was well received. Grey 's Anatomy 's sixth season opened up to 17.04 million viewers with a 6.7 / 17 Nielsen rating / share in the 18 -- 49 demographic. Although the rating was a 1 % decrease from season five 's opener, it managed to rank first for its time - slot and the entire night, in terms of both ratings and viewership, and served as the season 's most viewed episode. `` Sympathy for the Parents '' was the season 's least viewed episode, and up to that point, the series ' as well, garnering only 9.87 million viewers. The season 's finale garnered 16.13 million viewers, and received a 6.2 / 18 rating, ranking first for its time - slot and the entire night, in terms of both ratings and viewership. Although the finale was a success for the night, it was a 1 % decrease from season five 's finale, but served as the season 's second most viewed episode. Overall, the season ranked at # 17 for the year, and had an average of 13.26 million viewers, a 5 % decrease from the previous season 's ranking. The season received mixed reviews among television critics. Speaking of the premiere, Glenn Diaz of BuddyTV noted that the special foreshadowed a `` very dark '' season, adding : `` The talk between George 's mom and one of the surgeons ( Torres ) proved to be one of the more heart - breaking scenes in an episode that in itself is heartbreaking enough. '' In contrast, Kelly West of TV Blend was critical of the premiere, writing : `` I do n't think based on the first episode that we can say that Grey 's is headed in a new direction, nor do I think the writers are making much of an effort to bring the series back to the greatness that was its earlier seasons. That said, this is Grey 's Anatomy and with that comes the usual drama, sex, love and whacky medical mysteries thrown in the mix to keep things moving. If that 's what you 're looking for, I think you 'll enjoy the season premiere just fine. '' Capshaw 's performance this season was praised, with The TV Addict calling her `` immensely likeable ''. Although `` Sympathy for the Parents '' was the least viewed episode, TV Fanatic called the episode `` touching '', praising Chambers ' performance. TV Fanatic 's reaction to the season was fairly mixed, with Steve Marsi saying that Grey 's Anatomy was facing an identity crisis after viewing `` Give Peace a Chance ''. He said that : `` Still popular but lacking its past magic, it 's trying to decide what to become. All we can say is that if it becomes what we saw 12 hours ago, we are all for it. Last week saw the doctors plunging into ER - style chaos with 12 different doctors giving 12 different accounts of one case. Last night, we saw something else equally unusual. '' He praised Patrick Dempsey 's performance, saying : `` Again, it was a single case that took up the entire hour, but instead of 12 doctors ' version of events, the focus was largely on just one, and the best one : Dr. Derek Shepherd. Patrick Dempsey 's McDreamy character may be eye candy, but he 's got substance. Last night 's episode proved that in spades, and was one of the series ' best in some time. '' The season 's finale Death And All His Friends was highly praised. Marsi gave the episode five stars, and expressed that it may have been the best episode of the series, adding : `` The writing and acting were absolutely stellar, and may lead to many Emmy nominations, but even more impressively, despite a killing spree, it remained distinctly Grey 's. Some of the back - and - forths between the characters were truly memorable, and some of the developments so heartbreaking that we do n't even know where to begin now. Seriously, the Season 6 finale left us laying awake afterward thinking about everything, a feeling we have n't had from Grey 's in years and rarely achieved by any program. '' John Kubicek of BuddyTV also noted that the finale was the best episode, adding : `` ( It was ) two of the best hours of television all year. It was certainly the best Grey 's Anatomy has ever been, which is saying a lot since I 'd written the show off for the past few years. No show does a big traumatic event like Grey 's Anatomy, and the shooter gave the show license for heightened drama with five major characters being shot over the two hours. It was emotional, expertly paced and had me in tears for most of the finale. '' Entertainment Weekly wrote, `` At any rate, now you can at least see where it all began. And while you 're still pondering how Grey 's can still be so damn good sometimes, '' The season was one of the least acclaimed of the series, in terms of awards and nominations. Despite not being nominated for a Primetime Emmy, the show received two Creative Arts Emmy Awards : Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Miniseries, Movie Or A Special for `` How Insensitive '' and Outstanding Makeup For A Single - Camera Series ( Non-Prosthetic ) for `` Suicide is Painless ''. The season also received a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series at the GLAAD Media Awards. Wilson was awarded the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series for her directing in `` Give Peace a Chance ''. The season also ranked at # 10 on Movieline 's top ten list. Episodes Main article : List of Grey 's Anatomy episodes The number in the `` No. in series '' column refers to the episode 's number within the overall series, whereas the number in the `` No. in season '' column refers to the episode 's number within this particular season. `` U.S. viewers in millions '' refers to the number of Americans in millions who watched the episodes live. The sixth season 's episodes are altogether 1032 minutes in length. No. overall No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date U.S. viewers ( millions ) 103 `` Good Mourning '' Edward Ornelas Krista Vernoff September 24, 2009 ( 2009 - 09 - 24 ) 17.03 Following the cliffhanger of season 5, Izzie is shown to have survived, but gets a bad wake up call : George 's death. While the staff mourns the death of George, Meredith and the other residents are unsure how to continue with their lives as George 's death poses a major impact to them all, leaving them each to deal with it in their own way. 104 `` Goodbye '' Bill D'Elia Krista Vernoff September 24, 2009 ( 2009 - 09 - 24 ) 17.03 Cristina and Owen are finding it difficult to abstain from sex as instructed by Dr. Wyatt. Meredith and Derek consummate their wedding everywhere they go. Izzie mourns her best friend, George, after his death. Richard announces Seattle Grace will be merging with Mercy West. 105 `` I Always Feel Like Somebody 's Watchin ' Me '' Michael Pressman Tony Phelan & Joan Rater October 1, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 01 ) 15.69 Bailey and Alex 's abilities are challenged when their case is complicated with the addition of the patient 's schizophrenic son. All the residents and interns of Seattle Grace fear for their jobs with the coming budget cuts and begin to compete in order to survive, with unfortunate consequences. 106 `` Tainted Obligation '' Tom Verica Jenna Bans October 8, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 08 ) 14.13 Meredith and Lexie are crossed with one another when Thatcher arrives, in dire need of a liver transplant, and Meredith is the only one who is viable to do so. Mark is tired of Cristina 's competitive zeal so he puts her on a case involving a man desiring a penis enlargement, and Izzie sympathizes with a man dying from cancer. 107 5 `` Invasion '' Tony Phelan Mark Wilding October 15, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 15 ) 13.79 Arizona stands by an enraged Callie when her father visits with a priest to attempt to convince her to renounce her homosexuality ; and an accident derails a patient 's upcoming kidney donation, with Dr. Bailey promising to set things right, segueing into a crossover with Private Practice. Following a kidney patient mishap, Izzie is fired from the hospital staff. After finding out it was because of the kidney patient, Izzie blames Alex, and leaves him a Dear John letter and evidently disappears. 108 6 `` I Saw What I Saw '' Allison Liddi - Brown William Harper October 22, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 22 ) 14.67 Following the death of a patient, all the doctors concerned with the case are interviewed in a who - dunnit style. Owen, Cristina, Bailey, Alex, Callie, Lexie, Charles, Jackson and Reed all give their opinions and as the story unfolds to show that April Kepner was the one whose mistake it was. She is fired, even though Derek is against it 109 7 `` Give Peace a Chance '' Chandra Wilson Peter Nowalk October 29, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 29 ) 13.74 Derek is asked by a hospital lab - tech, Isaac ( Faran Tahir ), to cure him when it turns out that he has an inoperable tumor surrounding his spine. Struggling with the impossible surgery, Derek attempts to do the impossible while he questions Richard 's authority by doing the surgery even though he was told not to by Richard. 110 8 `` Invest in Love '' Jessica Yu Stacy McKee November 5, 2009 ( 2009 - 11 - 05 ) 13.95 Arizona is stunned when her longtime patient 's parents offer the hospital a donation of twenty - five million dollars, but when her patient 's condition worsens, all eyes are on her to save him. Cristina tests her relationship when she blatantly disregards Owen 's orders and performs an unauthorised cardiac procedure, then later kisses Mercy Wester Jackson Avery at a surprise party for Arizona. Alex cares for a struggling newborn while Izzie remains missing. In the wake of great grief, Arizona and Callie take their relationship to the next level. 111 9 `` New History '' Rob Corn Allan Heinberg November 12, 2009 ( 2009 - 11 - 12 ) 14.87 Izzie 's back with an old teacher of hers that 's ill. Derek operates on him. Alex confronts Izzie and she blames him for being fired. Alex is equally angry because he says that `` he was her husband and she did n't give him the benefit of the doubt. '' Richard accidentally clips his emergency patient 's bile duct, causing the patient to turn yellow. Learning of this, Richard plans on leaving surgery for a while, and you see a recap on how he starts drinking again. Cristina gets a surprise gift from Owen, a cardio - goddess, Teddy Altman. 112 10 `` Holidaze '' Robert Berlinger Krista Vernoff November 19, 2009 ( 2009 - 11 - 19 ) 14.07 The holidays are n't so merry for the doctors at Seattle Grace - Mercy West hospital when Cristina suspects that something is or has been going on between her boyfriend, Owen, and his old friend, Teddy. Bailey is stunned when her father makes rash judgements about her life and the choices she has made, finally culminating in a showdown at Meredith 's Christmas dinner. Meanwhile, Alex is lonely since Izzie is still gone, while the Chief develops a steady addiction to alcohol. 113 11 `` Blink '' Randy Zisk Debora Cahn January 14, 2010 ( 2010 - 01 - 14 ) 12.73 Mark flies Addison to Seattle to help with a difficult procedure on his pregnant daughter, Sloan. Owen questions Teddy 's motives when she assigns Cristina the lead on a complicated surgery, and Derek 's suspicions are raised when the Chief recruits Meredith to assist with a high profile operation on. And Lexi Sleeps with Alex This episode begins a crossover with Private Practice that concludes on `` Another Second Chance ''. 114 12 `` I Like You So Much Better When You 're Naked '' Donna Deitch Tony Phelan & Joan Rater January 21, 2010 ( 2010 - 01 - 21 ) 12.65 Izzie returns, after getting a message from Meredith suggesting Alex is moving on. She spends the day at the hospital attempting to win Alex back and looking for a job in the neighborhood. Torres gets the chicken pox and becomes incensed when Arizona locks her in isolation. Alex breaks up with Izzie because he thinks he deserves someone who wo n't leave him. Izzie leaves, never to return. Derek tells the board that Richard is drinking and they fire him. 115 13 `` State of Love and Trust '' Jeannot Szwarc Stacy McKee February 4, 2010 ( 2010 - 02 - 04 ) 12.55 As Derek begins his role as interim chief, he faces a potential lawsuit when Bailey and Meredith 's patient awakens from anesthesia mid-surgery. Meanwhile, Teddy refuses to place Cristina on her service, while Alex begins to invest himself in Pediatrics, leaving plastics behind. As Mark refuses to speak to a heartbroken Lexie, Derek tries to convince Richard to seek treatment for his drinking. Derek later hires April Kepner and Megan Mostow back. 116 14 `` Valentine 's Day Massacre '' Stephen Cragg William Harper February 11, 2010 ( 2010 - 02 - 11 ) 12.74 It 's Valentine 's Day and the doctors must treat dozens of injured people after the roof collapses at a popular romantic restaurant ; Derek tries to manage his busy schedule as Chief of Surgery ; Meredith wrestles with her new duties as the Chief 's wife ; and Mark and Callie team up to convince Sloane to do the right thing for her baby, who is determined to give the baby up for adoption. 117 15 `` The Time Warp '' Rob Corn Zoanne Clack February 18, 2010 ( 2010 - 02 - 18 ) 10.21 Previous medical cases involving Webber, Bailey and Callie are told as part of a decision from Derek as the new chief. The cases shed light on the beginnings of the affair between the Chief ( played by J. August Richards ) and Ellis ( Sarah Paulson ) in 1982, the makings of Bailey in the 2004 sequences, where viewers see Bailey in her pre - `` Nazi '' days and Callie shortly before she was introduced on the show. 118 16 `` Perfect Little Accident '' Bill D'Elia Peter Nowalk March 4, 2010 ( 2010 - 03 - 04 ) 11.83 Jackson Avery 's relationship to the legendary Harper Avery is revealed after he is admitted to the hospital, and it creates a stir around the hospital. Cristina, along with other residents, attempt to gain his attention, while Webber and Derek are nervous about operating on Harper Avery. Arizona tries to help Teddy move on to greener pastures when she sees how obsessed she is with Owen, and Mark attempts to get on after giving up Sloan 's baby through sex. 119 17 `` Push '' Chandra Wilson Debora Cahn March 11, 2010 ( 2010 - 03 - 11 ) 10.96 Dr. Hunt and Dr. Webber fight and compete over a patient with a large tumor, aided by Meredith and Cristina respectively. Dr. Bailey struggles to let her guard down and open up to her blooming relationship. Mark tries to get back into a relationship and asks Teddy to go out on a date. Callie realizes that Arizona does not want a baby as she does, leading her to question the relationship. Lexie realizes that Mark is moving on and breaks down. 120 18 `` Suicide is Painless '' Jeannot Szwarc Tony Phelan & Joan Rater March 25, 2010 ( 2010 - 03 - 25 ) 11.57 Dr. Hunt has trouble sleeping and is still showing signs of PTSD. Teddy and Hunt have been asked to help a patient die with physician assisted suicide, which leads to a flashback of Teddy and Hunt in the Army where Hunt was asked by a friend to help him die. Mark is enjoying dating Teddy and they are not having sex and he is happy. Callie confides in Mark about Arizona not wanting children. Meredith shows signs of hating Derek as Chief, as she becomes angry at Derek when she feels he stole one of her surgeries. April Kepner begins to act like Derek 's assistant instead of being a surgeon because she thinks she ca n't do it. 121 19 `` Sympathy for the Parents '' Debbie Allen Allan Heinberg April 1, 2010 ( 2010 - 04 - 01 ) 9.87 Meredith and Derek begin to discuss having a child, while Teddy and Mark have sex for the first time. Alex 's brother, Aaron, comes to visit, which reveals many of Alex 's secrets, much to the delight of Bailey and to the annoyance of Alex. Lexie begins to notice that April is developing a crush on Derek. Dr Webber, Lexie and Derek are faced with a patient that will come to change their lives forever. 122 20 `` Hook, Line and Sinner '' Tony Phelan Meg Marinis April 29, 2010 ( 2010 - 04 - 29 ) 10.47 Teddy is getting more involved with Mark, to get over Owen, but Mark 's daughter arrives at his house unexpectedly and in labor. Mark wants to keep the baby, and asks Torres for guidance while getting some unwanted advice from Arizona. Meredith begins to notice Dr. Kepner 's crush on Derek. 123 21 `` How Insensitive '' Tom Verica William Harper May 6, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 06 ) 11.03 Bailey preps the team with mandatory sensitivity training prior to admitting a 700 - pound patient with compounded medical issues, and the case proves to be challenging in every sense of the word. Meanwhile Derek has to come face to face with a former patient 's husband in a wrongful death deposition, and spending time with a heart patient 's daughter opens up some old wounds for Cristina. 124 22 `` Shiny Happy People '' Edward Ornelas Zoanne Clack & Peter Nowalk May 13, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 13 ) 11.05 An elderly patient admitted into the E.R. for a heart condition sees a familiar face, a long lost love who happens to be in the E.R. as well for a fractured arm, and the staff find themselves caught up in their love story. Meanwhile, Karev treats a troubled teenage patient called Hayley May ( Demi Lovato ) whose parents brought her in for schizophrenia, and Meredith ca n't help but tell Cristina about her suspicions of Owen, making Cristina confront Owen about his feelings for Teddy, and Mark makes a confession to Lexie. 125 23 `` Sanctuary '' Stephen Cragg Shonda Rhimes May 20, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 20 ) 13.93 The hospital is hit with an unprecedented crisis : a shooter is in the hospital, and making the hospital go into a lockdown. Meredith discovers that she is pregnant, while Cristina breaks up with Owen after he ca n't decide between her and Teddy. The shooter, Gary Clark, shoots Reed Adamson and Alex, which leads to Lexie and Mark trying to save him. Bailey must try to save Charles with the help of her patient Mary ( Mandy Moore ) after he is shot, while Derek is confronted by Gary Clark, who shoots him after being interrupted by April. 126 24 `` Death and All His Friends '' Rob Corn Shonda Rhimes May 20, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 20 ) 16.13 With the crisis unfolding, each character is put through extreme trials and tribulations. Cristina is put under pressure to save Derek, who has been shot. Arizona and Callie reinstate their relationship when Callie says she does n't want to have a baby if it means she ca n't be with Arizona. Arizona agrees to have a baby because she said that she did n't want to stop Callie from being an excellent mother. Bailey tries to save Charles Percy, who has been shot by the shooter, with limited resources. The shooter walks into the OR where Cristina and Jackson are trying to save Derek and Jackson pretends to stop saving Derek so that the shooter goes away. Meredith thinks that Derek is going to die, and has a miscarriage. Owen realizes that he loves Cristina, and chooses her over Teddy. Ratings Live + SD ratings No. in series No. in season Episode Air date Time slot ( EST ) Rating / Share ( 18 -- 49 ) Viewers ( m ) 103 `` Good Mourning '' September 24, 2009 ( 2009 - 09 - 24 ) Thursdays 9 : 00 p.m. 6.7 / 17 17.03 104 `` Goodbye '' September 24, 2009 ( 2009 - 09 - 24 ) 6.7 / 17 17.03 105 `` I Always Feel Like Somebody 's Watchin ' Me '' October 1, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 01 ) 6.1 / 16 15.69 106 `` Tainted Obligation '' October 8, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 08 ) 5.4 / 14 14.17 107 5 `` Invasion '' October 15, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 15 ) 5.0 / 13 13.79 108 6 `` I Saw What I Saw '' October 22, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 22 ) 5.3 / 14 14.67 109 7 `` Give Peace a Chance '' October 29, 2009 ( 2009 - 10 - 29 ) 5.2 / 13 13.74 110 8 `` Invest in Love '' November 5, 2009 ( 2009 - 11 - 05 ) 5.1 / 13 13.95 111 9 `` New History '' November 12, 2009 ( 2009 - 11 - 12 ) 5.6 / 14 14.87 112 10 `` Holidaze '' November 19, 2009 ( 2009 - 11 - 19 ) 5.1 / 13 14.07 113 11 `` Blink '' January 14, 2010 ( 2010 - 01 - 14 ) 4.8 / 12 12.73 114 12 `` I Like You So Much Better When You 're Naked '' January 21, 2010 ( 2010 - 01 - 21 ) 4.7 / 12 12.65 115 13 `` State of Love and Trust '' February 4, 2010 ( 2010 - 02 - 04 ) 4.5 / 12 12.55 116 14 `` Valentine 's Day Massacre '' February 11, 2010 ( 2010 - 02 - 11 ) 4.4 / 11 12.74 117 15 `` The Time Warp '' February 18, 2010 ( 2010 - 02 - 18 ) 3.7 / 9 10.21 118 16 `` Perfect Little Accident '' March 4, 2010 ( 2010 - 03 - 04 ) 4.0 / 11 11.83 119 17 `` Push '' March 11, 2010 ( 2010 - 03 - 11 ) 3.9 / 11 10.96 120 18 `` Suicide is Painless '' March 25, 2010 ( 2010 - 03 - 25 ) 3.7 / 10 11.57 121 19 `` Sympathy for the Parents '' April 1, 2010 ( 2010 - 04 - 01 ) 3.5 / 11 9.69 122 20 `` Hook, Line and Sinner '' April 29, 2010 ( 2010 - 04 - 29 ) 3.8 / 11 10.47 123 21 `` How Insensitive '' May 6, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 06 ) 3.8 / 11 11.03 124 22 `` Shiny Happy People '' May 13, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 13 ) 3.9 / 11 11.05 125 23 `` Sanctuary '' May 20, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 20 ) 4.9 / 14 13.93 126 24 `` Death and All His Friends '' May 20, 2010 ( 2010 - 05 - 20 ) 5.9 / 17 16.13 DVD Release Grey 's Anatomy : The Complete Sixth Season - More is Better Set Details Special Features 24 Episodes ( 1 extended ) 6 - Disc Set English ( Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround ) Audio Commentaries Dissecting Grey 's Anatomy - Unaired Scenes In Stitches : Season Six Outtakes Chandra wilson : Anatomy of A Talent Seattle Grace : On Call - 6 Webisodes Release Dates Region 1 Region 2 Region 4 September 14, 2010 December 5, 2011 November 3, 2010 References Specific Jump up ^ All crew for season six can be seen on the opening and closing credits of each episode. Jump up ^ `` T.R. Knight : Leaving Grey 's Anatomy Was the `` Best Decision '' ``. Us Weekly. Wenner Media. July 23, 2009. Retrieved June 30, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Ausiello, Michael ( March 25, 2010 ). `` Exclusive : Katherine Heigl on being ' disappointed ' in herself and the truth behind Emmygate ''. Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved April 5, 2010. Jump up ^ Ausiello, Michael ( March 24, 2010 ). `` This week 's cover ( exclusive ! ) : Katherine Heigl confirms ' Grey 's Anatomy ' departure ''. Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved April 5, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Krista Vernoff on `` Good Mourning '' and `` Goodbye ''... ``. Grey Matter. American Broadcasting Company. September 25, 2009. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Kim Raver Bringing A Love Triangle To ' Grey 's Anatomy ' ''. Access Hollywood. NBCUniversal. October 26, 2009. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ Rater, Joan ( January 21, 2010 ). `` Joan Rater on `` I Like You So Much Better When You 're Naked ''... ``. Grey Matter. American Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on May 13, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ Rhimes, Shonda ( May 20, 2010 ). `` Shonda Rhimes on `` Sanctuary '' and `` Death and All His Friends ''... ``. Grey Matter. American Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( September 25, 2009 ). `` Thursday broadcast finals, plus quarter hour detail for FlashForward ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ Seidman, Robert ( April 3, 2010 ). `` Thursday Finals : `` FlashForward, '' `` Marriage Ref '' Inch Up ; `` The Mentalist '' Inches Down ``. TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 9, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, Bill ( May 21, 2010 ). `` ' Grey 's Anatomy ' Rules Finale Thursday ; ' Bones ', ' FlashForward ', ' CSI ', ' Parks ', ' 30 Rock ', ' Ref ' Rise ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on January 4, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2010. Jump up ^ Gorman, Bill ( May 15, 2009 ). `` Ratings : ABC, Grey 's Anatomy Win `` Finale Thursday '' ; But Decline Continues ``. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on November 15, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Final 2009 -- 10 Broadcast Primetime Show Average Viewership ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. June 16, 2010. Archived from the original on June 19, 2010. Retrieved August 6, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Season Program Rankings : 9 / 22 / 08 - 5 / 17 / 09 ''. Medianet. American Broadcasting Company. May 19, 2009. Archived from the original on June 23, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ Diaz, Glenn ( September 8, 2009 ). `` ' Grey 's Anatomy ' Season 6 Premiere : Whoa ''. BuddyTV. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ West, Kelly ( September 23, 2009 ). `` Grey 's Anatomy Review : Season Six Premiere ''. TV Blend. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Review : GREY 's ANATOMY Sixth Season Premiere ''. theTVaddict. September 4, 2009. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Grey 's Anatomy Review : `` Sympathy for the Parents '' ``. TV Fanatic. April 2, 2010. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Grey 's Anatomy Season 6 Reviews ( Page 7 ) ''. Tvfanatic.com. TV Fanatic. Retrieved 29 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` Grey 's Anatomy Season 6 Reviews ( Page 6 ) ''. Tvfanatic.com. TV Fanatic. Retrieved 29 August 2012. ^ Jump up to : Marsi, Steve ( 30 October 2009 ). `` Grey 's Anatomy Review : `` Give Peace a Chance '' ``. Tvfanatic.com. TV Fanatic. Retrieved 29 August 2012. Jump up ^ Marsi, Steve ( May 21, 2010 ). `` Grey 's Anatomy Season Finale Review : The Best Episode Yet ? ''. TV Fanatic. SheKnows Entertainment. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ Kubicek, John ( May 21, 2010 ). `` Why the Season 6 Finale Was the Best ' Grey 's Anatomy ' Ever ''. BuddyTV. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ http://www.ew.com/article/2010/05/21/greys-anatomy-finale-video Jump up ^ `` Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Miniseries, Movie Or A Special 2010 ''. Emmy Awards. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Outstanding Makeup For A Single - Camera Series ( Non-Prosthetic ) ''. Emmy Awards. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ `` GLAAD Media Awards ''. Media Awards. GLAAD. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ `` 41st NAACP Image Award ''. NAACP. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Best of 2010 ''. Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 26, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( September 25, 2009 ). `` Thursday broadcast finals, plus quarter hour detail for ' FlashForward ' ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on September 28, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( October 2, 2009 ). `` ' Greys ', ' Practice ', ' CSI ', ' Mentalist ' all a tick up in broadcast finals, ' Leno Show ' down a tick ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on October 5, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( October 9, 2009 ). `` Thursday broadcast finals : ' The Office ', ' Bones ', ' Grey 's ', ' Supernatural ' up ; ' Community ', ' Private Practice ' down a tick ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on March 23, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( October 16, 2009 ). `` Broadcast Finals : ' Bones ', ' The Office ', ' Grey 's Anatomy ', ' The Mentalist ' up, ' Private Practice ' down a tick ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 29, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, Bill ( October 23, 2010 ). `` TV Ratings Thursday : ' Community ', ' FlashForward ', ' Leno ' Down ; ' Survivor ', ' Grey 's ' Up ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on January 4, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( October 30, 2009 ). `` Thursday finals : ' Grey 's Anatomy ', ' The Mentalist ', ' 30 Rock ' tick up, ' Parks & Recreation ', ' The Jay Leno Show ' down ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved September 12, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( November 6, 2009 ). `` Broadcast Finals : ' Grey 's ', ' CSI ', ' The Office ', ' 30 Rock ', ' The Mentalist ', ' Bones ' up in finals ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved September 12, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( November 13, 2009 ). `` Broadcast Finals : ' Grey 's Anatomy ', ' 30 Rock ', ' The Office ', ' CSI ', ' The Mentalist ' up ; ' The Vampire Diaries ' down ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on April 15, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( November 20, 2009 ). `` Thursday broadcast finals : ' Grey 's Anatomy ' up ; ' The Vampire Diaries ', ' 30 Rock ' down ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on November 23, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, Bill ( January 15, 2010 ). `` TV Ratings : ' Private Practice ' Crossover Boost ; ' Bones High ' ; ' Grey 's ', ' CSI ', ' 30 Rock ', ' Leno ' Hit Lows ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on January 4, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, Bill ( January 22, 2010 ). `` TV Ratings Thursday : ' Deep End ' Underwater ; ' Bones ' High ; ' CSI ', ' Mentalist ', ' Grey 's ' Series Lows ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on February 9, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, Bill ( February 5, 2010 ). `` Thursday Broadcast Final Ratings ; ' Vampire Diaries ', ' Community ' Tick Up ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on February 10, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, bill ( February 12, 2010 ). `` Thursday Broadcast Finals : ' Grey 's Anatomy ', ' The Mentalist ' Tick Up, ' Private Practice ', ' 30 Rock ' Tick Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on January 4, 2011. Retrieved February 12, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( February 19, 2010 ). `` TV Ratings : Against Olympics ' Grey 's Anatomy ' Hits Lows ; ' Survivor ' Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on February 22, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, Bill ( March 5, 2010 ). `` Thursday Broadcast Finals Plus ' Marriage Ref ' 15 Minute Ratings Breakdown ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on March 15, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, Bill ( March 12, 2010 ). `` TV Ratings : ' American Idol ' Leads Fox Win ; ' Marriage Ref ' Loses Yardage ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on January 4, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Gorman, Bill ( March 26, 2010 ). `` Broadcast Finals : Grey 's Anatomy, Community, Parks & Rec, Vampire Diaries Adjusted Up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 29, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( April 3, 2010 ). `` Thursday Finals : ' FlashForward ', ' Marriage Ref ' Inch Up ; ' The Mentalist ' Inches Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on April 9, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( April 30, 2010 ). `` Thursday Finals ' FlashForward ', ' Survivor ', ' Bones ' Adjusted Up ; ' Community ', ' Parks & Rec ', ' Private Practice ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 3, 2010. Retrieved April 30, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( May 7, 2010 ). `` Thursday Finals : ' Survivor ', ' Bones ', Adjusted Up ; ' 30 Rock ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 9, 2010. Retrieved May 7, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Seidman, Robert ( May 14, 2010 ). `` Thursday Finals : Survivor, Grey 's Anatomy, CSI, Mentalist, Community Adjusted Up ''. TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 18, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Grey 's Anatomy : The Complete Sixth Season ''. Amazon.com. Retrieved June 30, 2012. General `` Grey 's Anatomy Cast ''. TV Guide. `` Grey 's Anatomy Episodes - Season 6 ''. TV Guide. Grey 's Anatomy Episode Guide. `` Grey 's Anatomy on ABC ''. The Futon Critic. `` Grey 's Anatomy - Episode Guide ''. ABC. Grey 's Anatomy episodes Season 1 `` A Hard Day 's Night '' `` If Tomorrow Never Comes '' Season 2 `` Into You Like a Train '' `` It 's the End of the World '' `` As We Know It '' `` Losing My Religion '' Season 3 `` Time Has Come Today '' `` I Am a Tree '' `` Great Expectations '' `` Wishin ' and Hopin ' '' `` Did n't We Almost Have It All ? '' Season 4 `` A Change Is Gonna Come '' Season 5 `` What a Difference a Day Makes '' `` Stand By Me '' `` Elevator Love Letter '' `` Now or Never '' Season 6 `` Good Mourning '' `` Goodbye '' `` I Always Feel Like Somebody 's Watchin ' Me '' `` Tainted Obligation '' `` Invasion '' `` I Saw What I Saw '' `` Give Peace a Chance '' `` Invest in Love '' `` I Like You So Much Better When You 're Naked '' `` Death and All His Friends '' Season 7 `` Song Beneath the Song '' Season 8 `` Flight '' Season 9 `` Going, Going, Gone '' `` Beautiful Doom '' `` Perfect Storm '' Season 10 `` Fear ( of the Unknown ) '' Season 11 `` I Must Have Lost it on the Wind '' `` Puzzle With a Piece Missing '' `` Got to Be Real '' `` Only Mama Knows '' `` Bend & Break '' `` Do n't Let 's Start '' `` One Flight Down '' `` How to Save a Life '' `` She 's Leaving Home '' `` Time Stops '' `` You 're My Home '' Season 12 `` Sledgehammer '' `` Guess Who 's Coming to Dinner '' `` Something Against You '' `` Things We Lost in the Fire '' `` The Sound of Silence '' `` Family Affair '' Season 13 `` True Colors '' Grey 's Anatomy Episodes Season 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Characters ( cast members ) Meredith Grey Cristina Yang Izzie Stevens Alex Karev George O'Malley Miranda Bailey Richard Webber Derek Shepherd Preston Burke Addison Montgomery Mark Sloan Callie Torres Lexie Grey Erica Hahn Owen Hunt Sadie Harris Arizona Robbins Teddy Altman Jackson Avery April Kepner Amelia Shepherd Stephanie Edwards Maggie Pierce Other Awards and nominations Soundtrack Video game Private Practice A Corazón Abierto ( Mexican telenovela ) A Corazón Abierto ( Colombian telenovela ) Portal Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grey%27s_Anatomy_(season_6)&oldid=798181995 '' Categories : 2009 American television seasons 2010 American television seasons Grey 's Anatomy episodes Hidden categories : Pages using deprecated image syntax Good articles Talk Contents About Wikipedia Wikiquote Deutsch Español Français Italiano Polski Edit links This page was last edited on 31 August 2017, at 12 : 49. 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Question: when did season 6 of greys anatomy air
Answer: commenced airing on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 24, 2009, and concluded on May 20, 2010