The great Debbie Allen recently posted an image of herself with her famous sister, Phylicia Rashad, both perched in director’s chairs inscribed with their names to celebrate a whopping 450 episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy.” 

“Lish,” as Allen affectionately calls her sis, was directing. And in the caption, she urged viewers to stay tuned. Seeing these two legendary sisters working side by side is a treat. Two Black women with decades of impact in Hollywood attached to one of the longest-running dramas in TV history is a celebration within itself.

As Rashad directed, the cast and crew of the epic show celebrated with cake. According to TV Insider, the celebration was packed with executive producers Shonda Rhimes, Meg Marinis, and Betsy Beers, along with series regulars James Pickens Jr., Chandra Wilson, Kim Raver, Camilla Luddington, Kevin McKidd, Chris Carmack, Niko Terho, Jason George, Anthony Hill, Harry Shum Jr., Alexis Floyd, Kathy C. An, and many, many more.

Allen, who has been part of “Grey’s” since Season 12 as both an executive producer and as Dr. Catherine Fox, continues to be a creative force for the show. She’s also directed more than 40 episodes.

“Grey’s Anatomy” is still making TV history. When celebrating a show like “Grey’s,” it’s second nature to celebrate the Black women who have held space behind the scenes (like Rhimes, Allen, and Rashad), steering the stories and production with the power and presence only they can bring.

At the cake-cutting ceremony on set, executive producers Shonda Rhimes, Meg Marinis, Betsy Beers, and Allen were all honored. These women have helped build “Grey’s” into a show that endures, evolving with storylines rooted in diversity, complexity, and emotional truth. Women have been and are a major part of the shaping of the identity and undeniable influence of the show. These women are part of what keeps “Grey’s” breathing, relevant, and powerful. The legacy of Black women storytellers is in the anatomy of “Grey’s” and it’s a beautiful thing to watch. It’s why fans have 450 episodes to tune into!

The 450th-episode celebration of “Grey’s Anatomy” is a reminder: this show is a collaborative living thing, but certain voices have carried extra weight and expertly reflect rich narratives and community. “Grey’s Anatomy” is in its 22nd season with episode 2 airing October 9th. So yes, Debbie Allen, we will stay tuned!