Medical dramas have done rather well for networks over the last three decades. With new ones constantly showing up on the primetime slot, none has still been able to touch the genius that is Grey’s Anatomy. Currently in its 16th season on ABC, Grey’s has continued to amaze old and new fans with high stake storylines. Even with life and death situations hitting the ER weekly, the true greatness of Grey’s lies within its cast.

With such a large cast, picking favorites is never easy. It could be as simple as choosing Meredith or as complex as choosing a guest appearance as one of your favorite characters. Here are the top 10 fan-favorite characters from Grey’s Anatomy.

Christina Yang

Is it strange that one character has been off the show for more than six years and yet, she’s still a vital part of the cast? Grey’s Anatomy fans have not seen Christina Yang in any hospital for quite a while and yet, everyone is awaiting her return. Although fans haven’t seen her face, her name is mentioned as if she’s in the next OR doing some groundbreaking surgery.

Yang was all business as a main character. She loved nothing more than the smell and feel of the operating room and that’s maybe why her tenure on Grey’s Anatomy ended. There wasn’t much room for her to grow as the writers forgot to give Yang a personality. It was the same thing that was set to happen to Meredith after Derek’s death.

Jackson Avery

Born with a silver spoon, Jackson wanted to make it on his own without his family’s name opening the doors. He’s a complex guy as he tries to fight both sides that make him who he is. Is he the rich snobby guy or the down to earth surgeon? Considered a ladies man, Jackson has had his share of relationships on Grey’s, both good and bad.

He’s well respected and yet, still questions if it’s his skills or name. There are moments where fans want to feel for Jackson and then he pokes his chest out and it completely turns them off. He’s smart and well-spoken, but at times, there’s just something off with his character. He reminds viewers of a male Yang.

April Kepner

The saying in hospitals is that science and God cannot coexist. This is what made April Kepner so intriguing. Despite her first failed attempt at the boards, Kepner knew being a doctor was what she wanted. The relationship between her and Jackson Avery set off alarms among Grey’s Anatomy fans and rightfully so. Nevermind discussions of race, it was their different beliefs that made for good TV.

April was quirky and a tad on the strange side but when dialed in, she could provide the funny moments of any episode. Now gone, Kepner could fit into the Yang category as someone viewers didn’t know they would miss until it was too late.

Owen Hunt

The hard-nosed and love-stricken medic who fought wars has been a steady catalyst on Grey’s Anatomy since walking through the doors. Owen Hunt is one of those characters that’s hard to define. He has that male macho bravado but can be sensitive just at the right time. He was head over heels in love with Christina Yang only for them to realize they wanted different things. He then found Amelia and his world changed.

Now a father, two times over, Owen is juggling a new relationship with Teddy, being a dad, and embarking on a new medical mission. It’s great that he and Teddy were able to work out what they needed to in order to become a couple.

Arizona Robbins

Arizona Robbins is missed. Was she great with Callie? Yes. However, her character took off once Callie went to NY. Her sense of humor, even in the darkest of times was well needed. How can a person suffer so much and still find the joy in life to push on? This was Arizona. Did she have her tough days? Yes, but she fought. She fought for respect, love, her child, and her position.

Everyone loved her and when Arizona had your back, it was covered. For example, she saw something in Alex Karev and it turned him into a better doctor and possibly a better person.

Richard Webber

Each doctor on Grey’s Anatomy brings their own special trait to the show. But if Miranda Bailey is the heart, then Richard Webber is the brain. His fingerprints are all over Grey-Sloan as he’s the one who taught the person (Bailey) who then later taught everyone else. Dr. Webber was not without his demons as a recovering alcoholic and although he seemed to be a man of high morals, his flaws of infidelity are well documented.

Nevertheless, Richard is still a man who commands respect whenever he walks into any room in the hospital. As important as Meredith and Bailey are, it was Richard who laid the foundation for greatness that they all have tried to follow.

Derek Shepherd

Why? Close to five seasons later and there’s one question fans still have regarding Derek Shepherd’s death. Was it necessary? No. It took so long for him to get to the place that he did on the show, and it ended so tragically. There was no one better than Derek in the OR. He was dedicated, charismatic, and cocky. Now a father, it would’ve been nice to see him interact with his kids as they matured.

Derek was not without his faults but one thing was for certain, he loved his wife and family. We were robbed of a great surgical pairing with his sister Amelia. It’s safe to say, his death was one we all wish Grey’s Anatomy would take back.

Miranda Bailey

While Bailey didn’t do it brick by brick she built Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital. From Meredith on down to Jackson, it was Bailey who guided these great minds and made them become the doctors we’ve watched over the last 16 seasons. While she hasn’t always been her best, Bailey is still the driving force behind the show.

Her marriage with Ben has been steady and while they have shared their ups and downs, it’s the venerability of her strong character that makes her so appealing to the audience.

Meredith Grey

At times, fans wish that Meredith would just be quiet and get done what has to be done. In the ER, she’s a magician. There’s nothing the great Meredith Grey can’t do. However, it’s her personal life that’s been a complete mess. From the start, Meredith has remained the same. She was head-strong as an intern but grew to be exceptional as a surgeon than as an owner.

She has done a remarkable job raising her three kids but still keeps men at a distance for fear of well, just out of fear. As the older sister, she’s the one they all go to when they need advice. Meredith may not be everyone’s favorite, but she has earned the right to be on this list.

Alex Karev

Alex Karev has come a long way. There were times when everyone figured he would either be fired or just walk off the job. And in fact, he has done both. But look at him now. Alex has matured. He’s married and has an actual adult relationship with Jo. Following Derek’s death, he became the go-to person for Meredith. But even that relationship has changed some.

Alex, without a doubt, has grown the most over the last 16 seasons of any Grey’s Anatomy character. He’s still stubborn, hard to get along with, and will disobey orders, but when has that not been him?

Next: Grey’s Anatomy: 10 Things You Learn From Watching The Show