Can there really be any No. 1 on this list other than Derek Shepherd? From the beginning, he was basically the show's leading man, as Meredith's true love. They eventually get together for good, get married, and have children, despite their struggles with conflicting career goals. Then, in season 11, Derek gets into a shocking car accident. Due to the poor quality of care he receives at the hospital where he's taken, the extent of his injuries isn't found until it's too late, and he is put on life support until Meredith arrives, tells him he can go, and turns off his machines.
Even years later, it's impossible to forget the effect this tragedy has had on the show, especially considering Derek's still in Meredith's heart all these years later. When she contracts COVID-19 in season 17, she has visions of Derek on a beach as she slips in and out of consciousness. While on the beach, They discuss their life together, have a wedding on the beach, and embrace before Meredith returns to the real world and her children who need her, leaving Derek alone on the beach walking into the sunset. While the reunion offered some level of closure, it was nonetheless devastating to watch Derek slip away once more.
