Grey's Anatomy made its official debut on the small screen back in 2005, and since then, it has developed into one of the longest-running and most beloved television shows of all time. What started out as Meredith and the gang learning the ropes at Seattle Grace evolved into one of the best shows of its era. Even now, people continue to tune in. Fans still want to watch their favorite surgeons in action.

Among the original members of the show, Alex Karev is one of the most famous, and he is adored by fans everywhere. Sure, he was a little rough around the edges at first, but his character development was second to none, and he left a lasting impression on the fans. His departure was heartbreaking, and it made us reflect on his best moments throughout the show.

Today, we are going to rank Alex Karev’s best moments!

13 Having Rebecca Stay With Her Husband

Karev Rebecca
via reddit.com

Finding love is hard, but doing the right thing can be even harder. It was clear that Alex and Rebecca would have been great together, but he knew deep down that she belonged with her partner. Seeing Alex make the right choice was a huge moment for him that enriched his overall character development.

12 Becoming The Interim Chief Of Surgery

Karev Interim Chief
via moviefone.com

Alex was able to come a long way from the person that he was at the beginning of the show, but even from the start, he was always a talented surgeon. While he was not made the head honcho for long, seeing Alex ascend to the interim role of Chief of Surgery was such a satisfying moment for fans.

11 Supporting Izzie After Denny’s Passing

Karev Izzie Denny
via tvline.com

This was one of those moments that let people know that Alex actually had a heart. Izzie was reeling after the passing of Denny, and seeing Karev pick her up and carry her out of the room was both heartbreaking and endearing. His love for Izzie would waver down the line, but this moment is a classic.

10 Comforting Meredith After She Was Attacked

Alex and Meredith
Via looper.com

Alex and Meredith certainly had some bumps in the road while becoming close friends, but there was a friendly love between them that few could match. After Meredith’s attack, Alex was more than willing to be there to comfort her, which went a long way in strengthening their friendship as the show progressed.

9 Being Willing To Take Care Of Rebecca

Alex Karev and Rebecca
via closerweekly.com

Yes, things would spiral out of control with Rebecca when she was going through the pregnancy situation, but Alex was down to take care of her. The emotional scene of him telling Izzie that he can take care of her had people tearing up, as it showed that Alex was willing to do anything for a friend.

8 Taking Care Of His Sick Father

James Evans Greys
Via fandom.com

It is known on the show that Alex Karev had a rough upbringing, and when the ghosts of his past came back into his life, it was interesting to watch. Fans wanted to see how he would respond to it all. Despite his initial hesitancy, Alex would eventually spend his time making sure that his father was getting proper treatment.

7 Meeting Up With His Mother In Iowa

Karev mother
via etonline.com

Many of the doctors on the show seem to have some serious issues with their parents, which makes moments like this one hit home with fans. Seeing Alex venture to Iowa to have a conversation with his mother at the library broke hearts, as she had absolutely no idea who he was.

Related: Every Grey’s Anatomy Character Who Could Make A Comeback Before It Ends

6 Using The Kangaroo Hold To Save A Baby

Greys Kangaroo Hold
via pinterest.com

Once Alex realized that he was meant to work with children, we really got to see him grow as a character. More specifically, the scene of him using this special hold when working with a newborn showed how far he had come as a doctor...and as a person. It let people know what he was really made of.

5 Singing To A Scared Patient

Alex Karev Smiling
Via ew.com

Alex has always had somewhat of a gruff exterior, but the moments where he lets his guard down are his absolute best. They show his inner character. No one would have ever pictured Alex singing to a young patient, which is what made this scene so memorable. Bonus points to Karev for telling her to keep it a secret.

Related: 15 Grey’s Anatomy Actors, Ranked From Jerk To Sweetheart

4 Asking Meredith For Waffle Sundays

Alex Karev waffle
Via msn.com

While much of the show takes place in a hospital, there are plenty of moments that the characters share at home, which helps to show the characters being more casual and natural. To this day, Alex asking Meredith to have waffle Sundays is one of the funniest lines on the show, and it helped strengthen their friendship.

3 Screaming At A Bear

Karev Bear screaming
via wehearit.com

Alex and Izzie spent a decent amount of time living in the middle of nowhere while they were together, and this gave way to one of the funniest moments in the show’s history. After heading out the door, Karev comes face-to-face with a bear, which sends him into a complete and total panic.

Related: What Went On Behind The Scenes Of Grey’s Anatomy?

2 Realizing That He Was Too Good For Izzie

Karev and Izzie Grey's
via tvline.com

As great as it was that Alex would find love with Izzie, it was even better to see him stand up for himself and realize that he deserved better. Yes, Izzie was dealing with a lot and had some huge issues, but her treatment of Alex was unfair, and he made the right move by doing his own thing. It’s a shame that he wound up going back to her.

1 Getting Married To Jo

karev Marrying Jo
via theknotnews.com

People may get mad when they see this, considering how things played out in the long run, but there is no denying how sweet this moment is. Karev deserved love and he found it with Jo. They were such a good match together, and it is a shame that they could not have gotten a happy ending. Fans, however, have a theory that he could return someday.

Next: Grey’s Anatomy: Everything We Know About Katherine Heigl’s Time On The Show