After portraying Dr. Miranda Bailey for nearly two decades on Grey’s Anatomy, Chandra Wilson has finally decided to start watching the show that made her a household name. The longtime actress, who joined the series when it premiered in 2005, revealed in a recent interview that she has only seen the first three seasons — and now, she’s ready to catch up.
In an exclusive conversation with People during Disney’s Upfront event in New York City on May 14, 2024, Wilson shared the surprising confession with her signature sense of humor:
“I started watching the show during COVID. I got through season three, and then we went back to work. So I guess now it’s time.”
The revelation caught fans off guard, especially considering that Chandra Wilson is one of the few original cast members still on the show, alongside James Pickens Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber).
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Why Chandra Wilson Never Watched the Show Until Now
Despite her integral role in Grey’s Anatomy, Wilson explained that watching herself on screen never felt necessary. She cited the intense production schedule, the emotional weight of the episodes, and a desire to separate her on-screen character from real life.
“It’s hard to watch your own work when you’re in it every single day. When we’re filming, we’re living it—so it never felt like I needed to watch it again,” she explained.
Wilson also joked that not watching the show made it difficult to follow conversations around her.
“I need to know what people are talking about,” she said, referring to the show’s massive fan base and cultural impact.
A 20-Year Legacy as Dr. Miranda Bailey
Chandra Wilson’s character, Dr. Miranda Bailey, debuted in the series premiere of Grey’s Anatomy in 2005. Initially a tough and intimidating surgical resident, Bailey has evolved into one of the most beloved and powerful figures in the series. Over the years, she has served as Chief of Surgery and become a central emotional anchor of the show.
Wilson’s portrayal has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple NAACP Image Award nominations. Her work has been praised not only for its consistency but also for helping to shape one of the most diverse and inclusive casts in network television history.
With Grey’s Anatomy heading into its 22nd season in Fall 2024, Wilson remains one of the longest-serving actors in primetime television.
The Future of Grey’s Anatomy – and Chandra Wilson
ABC has confirmed the renewal of Grey’s Anatomy for Season 22, making it the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history. With over 450 episodes aired, the series continues to attract both long-time fans and new viewers via streaming platforms.
While the departure of Ellen Pompeo (Dr. Meredith Grey) as a series regular marked the end of an era, Chandra Wilson’s continued presence provides a sense of continuity and legacy. Her decision to finally watch the series is both humorous and touching — a full-circle moment for someone who helped build the show from the ground up.
Whether Wilson will become a superfan of the show like many of her viewers remains to be seen. But for now, she’s just getting started on the journey millions began 20 years ago.
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