Content Warning: This article contains discussions of baby loss and grief
When fans first metGrey's Anatomy'sApril Kepner, there was a feeling she would be easily forgettable. However, she has one of the most intense storylines in the show, and fans saw her evolving from an insecure resident to an intense character, full of layers. She also had one of the most complicated romances inGrey's AnatomywithJackson Avery.
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April Kepneris responsible for many unforgettable moments on the show, such as her children's birth and innovative surgeries.Grey's Anatomyknew how to use all the character's potential and also gave her the chance to have a happy ending. For fans who are still missing the read-haired doctor,there's no time like the present to revisit her best episodes.
Updated on December 27th, 2021, by Kayleigh Banks:Although it's been a while since fans saw April Kepner, there's a strong possibility that her departure with Jackson wasn't going to be the final time fans see her. With speculation that there could be another spin-off in the works, Ellen Pompeo has fueled these rumors even further by stating she would also love it if there could be a Jackson and April spinoff that followed their endeavors in Boston (viaInsider).
Since many felt like April's story was cut short, a spinoff would not only give her some new plots but also many memorable episodes that would allow Sarah Drew to show her talents.
Invasion - S6 Ep5
Making her entrance in "Invasion," fans first met April when she came in with the Mercy West residents during the hospital merger. Although she initially made a bad impression on the other Seattle Grace surgeons, particularly as she laughed at Reed disrespecting Izzie, she was one of the first people they warmed up to as April did seem to be a kind and friendly person.
It may not have involved a great storyline, but April's first episode did give fans a glimpse as to what type of character and person she was. The fact that she also seemed to get into a minor fight with Lexie implied that this rivalry could play an important part in future storylines too. It was certainly something fans were looking forward to.
All Of Me - S14 Ep24
While April did make one more guest appearance after this episode to close out Jackson's arc, "All Of Me" marked the end of April's journey onGrey's Anatomy.Here, it was revealed that she was leaving Grey Sloan Memorial with Matthew to help provide medical treatment for individuals without homes.
Although fans later learned that Matthew and April's relationship didn't work out, at the time this episode aired, they had been delighted that April was getting a happy ending. Her journey onGrey's Anatomyhad been a tumultuous and arduous one so to see her find some form of happiness provided much comfort for fans. It was certainlyabettersendoff than some of the otherGrey's Anatomycharacters receive.
Puttin' On The Ritz - S10 Ep4
When it came to her first four seasons onGrey's Anatomy, April didn't have many friends. Other than Jackson, the rest of the characters seemed to fairly mistreat her because she was too cheerful and happy. However, this all changed by "Puttin' On The Ritz" when Arizona and April bonded after they got drunk in one of the supply rooms.
Not only was this scene one of thefunniest moments on the show but it also marked the beginning ofone ofGrey's Anatomy'sbest and most underrated friendshipstoo. Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew had such good chemistry and always managed to make fans smile with their optimistic conversations. Since she and Jackson weren't on speaking terms, it was nice to see that April finally had another person she could rely on and talk to.
Cold As Ice - S14 Ep23
Over the course of the 18 seasons, fans have gotten used to seeing the main characters risk their lives or come close to dying. In "Cold As Ice," it was April who found herself on the operating table after the surgeons of Grey Sloan Memorial discovered that she had been in a horrific car crash with Matthew.
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With the news that Sarah Drew was departing the series after season 14, many fans were worried that they would be forced to say goodbye to another fan-favorite character as the show hadn't been afraid to kill main characters off before. Despite this, it was also quite endearing to see all the surgeons come together and refuse to give up on April, allowing viewers to see how much she had become a very important person in their lives.
Man On The Moon - S10 Ep10
It's no secret that April doesn't like confrontation as there had been several occasions where she had compromised on a decision or allowed others to get their own way. That is why it took fans by complete surprise when April called out her sisters for mistreating her when they were growing up and banned them from being bridesmaids ("Man On The Moon").
What made the episode even more iconic was April's bridal shower, where fans could see many improvised moments from the actors too. It was certainly a pivotal moment in April's character arc as it informed the viewers that she would no longer allow others to push her around.
The Me Nobody Knows - S12 Ep6
In the episode, "The Me Nobody Knows,"April brings a boy from the Middle East to have surgery on his hands.Although Jackson agreedwith the surgery before, he finds out April lied about how serious it was, and it was a reason for some stressful moments between them.
This episode is special because it provides insight into April's time in the army and the cases that she might have taken. The interactions between April and Kamal are heartwarming too as the viewers could tell that she was extremely passionate about the case and cared deeply about the patient's well-beings.
Moment of Truth - S8 Ep21
Religion is a big part of April's life, and she had the intention to wait until getting married to lose her virginity. When her co-workers found out she was still a virgin, they tried to make fun of her, but she stood up for herself.
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However, in the episode "Moment of Truth,"she loses her virginity to Jackson and starts having a severe moral conflict, which would become a constant in her storyline. It is also the episode that marked the start of a complicated but endearing romance that changed April's life forever.
It Only Gets Much Worse - S13 Ep13
In the episode,"It Only Gets Much Worse,"April has her first day as the Chief of General Surgery, and it is not easy at all. Of course, she has big shoes to fill since she is replacing Meredith Grey.
During the whole episode, fans see her struggling with her leadership skills, and her colleagues often question her decisions. It was one of the many moments in the show that the public saw Kepner face all her fear, especially because she never seemed much interested in leading a team.
Unbreak My Heart - S12 Ep11
Season 12's "Unbreak My Heart" is all about April and Jackson. They are one of thebest couples inGrey's Anatomyso fans were touched to see how the episode was full of their best moments.However, it was soon replaced with a bittersweet feeling since it was obvious the producers were paving the way to their divorce.
While many fans were heartbroken that the writers seemed to be ending their romance after they fought so hard to be together, they soon got over this when April revealed a shocking secret. She was pregnant again with Jackson's child. The cliffhanger ending certainly had fans tuning in the following week as fans were curious as to how the new plotline would unfold.
Time Stops - S11 Ep24
April is an entirely different person after joining the army. The doctor no longer resembles that shy girl who was never strong enough to face challenges. In the episode "Time Stops," April tries to save a man stuck in his car after an accident. When Kepner notices he will die, she finds a way to bring the car to the hospital's door so she has all supports she needs.
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The doctors leaving the hospital and seeing April standing on a flatbed tow truck is one of her most remarkable scenes. Despite all the others believing the man would likely die, fans thought it was quite admirable that she refused to give up until they did everything they could. It was also quite an innovative and creative surgery that hadn't been learned in the hospital, which implied that April had improved her surgical skills in the field. It was something fans looked forward to seeing more of in the future.
Get Up, Stand Up - S10 Ep12
Fans are aware that there isn't such a thing as a "normal wedding" inGrey's Anatomy. The episode "Get Up, Stand Up" focuses on April and Matthew's wedding, and the bride is completely overwhelmed with stress. Kepner is also distraught because her bridesmaids are more worried about their problems than helping her to have a special day.
Of course, what fans remember of this episode is the final minutes when Jackson stopped the wedding and ran away together. As said before,their romance was never something simple but it was one that had everyone talking for weeks after.
Family Affair - S10 Ep12
In the episode "Family Affairs," April Kepner has her second baby. Just like weddings, there isn't such a thing as drama-free deliveries onGrey's Anatomy. In the season 12 finale, she was supposed to beOwen's best man, but she goes into labor when she goes to pick up the rings in Meredith's house.
Kepner proves once again that she is not afraid of anything. She asks Ben to perform a C-section on the kitchen table and says her priority is the baby in case he has to choose between them. There is no anesthesia or proper equipment in the house, and it was one of the most intense episodes with April and Ben.
One Day Like This - S14 Ep17
April Kepner started as a religious character, but her faith crumbled when he lost a patient, and she also starts to lose track of her life. In the episode "One Day Like This" she treats a rabbi and, at some point, they have a touching conversation about faith.
This was one of the most inspiring and heartbreaking momentsin season 14. While it did look like April was going to get her life back on track, it deeply upset fans that Eli was going to die since he seemed like a kind and considerate man. Unsurprisingly, April remained at his side, comforting and consoling him in his final moments as he sadly passed. It was certainly one ofthe most tragic patient deaths onGrey's Anatomy.
All I Could Do Was Cry - S11 Ep11
One of the most tearful moments of the show was the death of Samuel, Jack, and April's first son. During the pregnancy, the couple found out the baby had Type 2 Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and he died shortly after the birth.
In the episode, "All I Could do Was Cry,"fans watch the devastated parents saying goodbye to their son. It was also a moment everything changed for them, and both had different ways to cope with their grief.
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FAQs
Was there a GREY's Anatomy episode on April 14? ›
There will not be a new episode of Grey's Anatomy on April 14, 2022.
What happens to April in season 14 of GREY's anatomy? ›After April's hospital stay, she decides to quit her job to focus on doing God's work. For her, this meant that she would be focusing on providing medical care for Seattle's homeless. Plus, she and Matthew get married.
What is the best episode of GREY's Anatomy Season 14? ›Ain't That A Kick In The Head (8.3)
What is the saddest episode of GREY's Anatomy Season 14? ›Saddest: "Cold As Ice" (Ep 23)
Although this episode ends on a happy note, most of it is tear-jerking as April and Matthew end up in a roadside accident and both are brought to Grey-Sloan, almost on the brink of death.
Owen heads out to the scene of the accident and spots April lying unconscious in the ravine below the road. (“You always come and bring me back,” she tells him later, in a nice nod to their friendship.) She's hypothermic and unresponsive. It's real bad.
Why does April leave in season 14? ›In the season finale, April and Matthew get married. She resigns from the hospital to provide much-needed medical care for the homeless communities in Seattle, something she and Matthew had been doing together on a voluntary basis.
Does April leave in season 14? ›April Kepner in the popular medical drama for years. Though Jesse never left the show, Sarah ended up saying goodbye to her character in the season 14 finale.
Who does April end up with in Season 14? ›Who does April marry after Jackson? April then left the show in the Season 14 finale to marry her ex-fiancé, Matthew.
Does April survive season 14? ›April suffers an accident with Matthew. She survives, but quits the hospital to work at a free clinic.
What is the most intense Greys episode? ›- 'It's the End of the World' (Season 2, Episode 16) ...
- 'Drowning on Dry Land' (Season 3, Episode 16) ...
- 'Now or Never' (Season 5, Episode 24) ...
- 'Sanctuary' (Season 6, Episode 23) ...
- 'Flight' (Season 8, Episode 24) ...
- 'The Perfect Storm' (Season 9, Episode 24)
What is the most memorable episode of GREY's anatomy? ›
"Losing My Religion" (Season 2, Episode 27)
Quite possibly the most tragic hour of the show involved the deaths of both Denny Duquette (Izzy's beloved, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Doc the dog. It's also home to the show's most iconic music moment featuring Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars."
Good Mourning (S6 Ep1) - 8.5
At the end of season five, fans are shocked to learn that patient John Doe had been George all along. In the premiere episode of season six, he dies on the operating table. Heartbreak is evident all over the hospital as doctors start to cry.
After a night spent together, April confesses to Tom that her deviant behavior is a result of her failing faith and hatred of God. Maggie and Jackson learn to move past their quirks and baggage. Alex fears that Jo's fellowship applications indicate that she's willing to leave him behind in Seattle.
What happens in GREY's Anatomy Season 14 episode 21? ›Episode Info
The hospital brings in crisis management to help sort out allegations against Harper Avery; nurse Olivia shows up at Grey Sloan with her son, throwing Alex and Jo for a loop; Sofia is having a hard time at school.
A young boy's case has a profound impact on the doctors of Grey Sloan Memorial; April faces a surprising patient; Jo deals with her estranged husband.
Who gets hurt in season 14 of GREY's anatomy? ›It's actually April's ex-fiancée, Matthew Taylor (Justin Bruening), who is brought to the hospital first. Matthew's fellow paramedics tell the Grey Sloan docs he flipped his car. Recognizing him as April's ex, Bailey (Chandra Wilson) gets an intern to page April, not realizing April never made it to work.
What happens in season 14 episode 23 of GREY's? ›One of Grey Sloan Memorial's own is seriously injured, making the team reflect on what is truly important to them. Meanwhile, Nicole Herman pays a visit to GSM and talks to Arizona about an exciting opportunity.
Does April Kepner leave in season 15? ›Two weeks after a terrible accident almost left her dead, April Kepner (Sarah Drew) bid farewell to the team at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. She was given a far sweeter exit than some of the former Grey's players, as she married her on-and-off love Matthew (Justin Bruening) in a surprise wedding.
Who does April get married to in season 14? ›Season 14, episode 23: April nearly died
His prayers were answered. After her near-death experience, April made a hasty decision to marry Matthew and leave Grey Sloan.
She received the ax in season six along with Izzie during the merger after making a fatal mistake, but Derek rehired her because he was impressed with her as a surgeon. In season eight, Owen fires her after she fails her boards, but eventually rehires her as an attending, even though she's not board certified.
Why was April fired from GREY's anatomy? ›
April Kepner made her series debut in the Season 6 episode "Invasion" as a Mercy West resident who joined Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital after the merger between the two hospitals. April was quickly fired after failing to check in a patient's airway after a fire and that mistake led to the patient's death.
What episode does April get fired? ›"I Saw What I Saw" | |
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Grey's Anatomy episode | |
Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 6 |
Directed by | Allison Liddi-Brown |
Written by | William Harper |
April Kepner is a former attending trauma surgeon at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. After surviving a near-fatal accident, she resigned from Grey Sloan to help the unhoused who need medical care.
Does April ever return? ›Sarah Drew will not be reprising her role of Jackson's fellow doctor and on-again/off-again/back-on-again love interest, April Kepner.
Who does April get pregnant by? ›Jackson professed his love for April as she stood at the altar with Matthew. So, April and Jackson ran off together and eloped. April and Jackson get pregnant unexpectedly.
Does April become a doctor? ›Why did April Sexton leave Chicago Med? Viewers bid farewell to April in the Chicago Med Season 6 finale after she was accepted into a Nurse Practitioners program. The acceptance led April to leave Chicago Medical Center to pursue her degree elsewhere.
What episode does April have her baby? ›Grey's Anatomy Season 12 Finale Recap: April Gives Birth and Amelia Marries Owen. The Grey's Anatomy Season 12 finale episode "Family Affair," was emotional, and mostly about families and relationships growing stronger.
Who dies in season 14 episode 23 GREY's anatomy? ›By the time the ambulance arrived at Grey Sloan, Owen reported that April was hypothermic, with no pulse and no vitals, and an EMT added that they had no way of knowing how long she'd been down. “I think we lost her,” said another EMT.
What episode does April drown? ›All of Me (Grey's Anatomy)
What episode does April get into an accident? ›"Grey's Anatomy" Time Stops (TV Episode 2015) - Plot - IMDb.
What episode does April Come on GREY's anatomy? ›
Season 6, episode 5: Jackson and April began their first day at a new hospital together. Drew and Williams first appeared on "Grey's Anatomy" in 2009 in the season six episode called "Invasion."
What episode does April leave GREY's anatomy? ›Jackson Avery and Dr. April Kepner in the popular medical drama for years. Though Jesse never left the show, Sarah ended up saying goodbye to her character in the season 14 finale.
When did April come to GREY's? ›April Kepner (Sarah Drew) were one of the most beloved couples on Grey's Anatomy, and it's time for a walk down memory lane as Jackson exits the show. Jackson and April joined the ABC drama in 2009 when Seattle Grace Hospital merged with Mercy West.
How did April leave GREY's anatomy? ›Two weeks after a terrible accident almost left her dead, April Kepner (Sarah Drew) bid farewell to the team at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. She was given a far sweeter exit than some of the former Grey's players, as she married her on-and-off love Matthew (Justin Bruening) in a surprise wedding.
What episode was April in a car accident? ›I Ain't No Miracle Worker.
What season does April have a baby? ›Grey's Anatomy Season 12 Finale Recap: April Gives Birth and Amelia Marries Owen. The Grey's Anatomy Season 12 finale episode "Family Affair," was emotional, and mostly about families and relationships growing stronger.
Who does April end up with? ›April starts seeing Matthew again and their relationship is made public when the two are involved in a car accident, where April almost dies of hypothermia, after April finally wakes up from her coma after Jackson prays for her, her friends are relieved. In the season finale, April and Matthew get married.
What episode does April come back after being fired? ›In three new clips from Thursday's episode, titled “Love the One You're With,” April (Sarah Drew) makes her triumphant return to Seattle Grace after Owen (Kevin McKidd) asked her to return to her former position. Turns out, the lovely Dr.
What season does April lose the baby? ›Sarah Drew's character Dr. April Kepner gave birth to a stillborn baby, Samuel, in season 11 of Grey's Anatomy.
Why did April get fired? ›April Kepner made her series debut in the Season 6 episode "Invasion" as a Mercy West resident who joined Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital after the merger between the two hospitals. April was quickly fired after failing to check in a patient's airway after a fire and that mistake led to the patient's death.
Who does April sleep with in GREY's anatomy? ›
April loses her virginity to Jackson the night before they take their boards. How does she react in the moments after? Watch this classic Grey's Anatomy scene from Season 8, Episode 21: Moment of Truth.
Does Avery cheat on April? ›After the wedding, Avery has sex in his car with his date, intern Stephanie Edwards (Jerrika Hinton). Shortly afterwards he tells Kepner about the incident, and she thanks him for his honesty.
How many times did April Kepner get fired? ›April's been fired not once, but twice. She received the ax in season six along with Izzie during the merger after making a fatal mistake, but Derek rehired her because he was impressed with her as a surgeon.
Why did Arizona leave GREY's anatomy? ›At the conclusion of season 14, Arizona departs the show to move to New York to be with Sofia and Callie and the two reconcile.
Who was fired from GREY's anatomy? ›Isaiah Washington (Preston Burke) was fired after an on-set altercation, Katherine Heigl (Izzie Stevens) had a very public falling out with Grey's creator Shonda Rhimes, and Patrick “McDreamy” Dempsey (Derek Shepherd) famously caused “HR issues,” in the words of one former producer.