| "Sledgehammer" | |
|---|---|
| Grey's Anatomy episode | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Grey%27s_Anatomy_12x01_promotional_photo.jpg) Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) discovering Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone) breaking down the wall with a sledgehammer. | |
| Episode no. | Season 12 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Kevin McKidd |
| Written by | Stacy McKee |
| Original air date | September 24, 2015 |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Sledgehammer" is the first episode and the season premiere of the twelfth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 246th episode overall. Written by Stacy McKee and directed by Kevin McKidd, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 24, 2015.
The episode focuses on Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) adjusting to her new life after the death of her husband Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), now living with her half-sister, Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary), and sister-in-law, Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone). Other storylines include Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) vying for the position of Chief of Surgery with the support of Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), and Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) searching for a new roommate after her split from Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez). Additionally, relationship tensions rise for couples Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) and Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington), as well as Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) and April Kepner (Sarah Drew).
Upon its initial broadcast, "Sledgehammer" was watched by 9.55 million viewers in the United States, receiving a 2.8/10 Nielsen rating in the 18–49 demographic, ranking #22 in overall viewership and #14 in the key demographic. It was the 4th most-watched drama of the night. The episode received positive reviews, with critics praising its return to familiar themes from earlier seasons.