This Week in TV History: ‘The Office’ & ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Premiere, ‘Doctor Who’ Returns

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Greys Anatomy The Office Doctor Who
Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images; Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank; Sci-Fi Channel/BBC / Courtesy: Everett Collection
The Office Cast
Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank

The Office Debuts on NBC (2005)

On March 24, 2005, NBC’s beloved comedy The Office premiered and introduced viewers to a quirky set of workmates including Michael Scott (Steve Carell), Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson), Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer). The TV world was never the same.

The Office - Steve Carell as Michael Scott
Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank

The Office Debuts on NBC (2005)

Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute in The Office
Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank

The Office Debuts on NBC (2005)

The Office - Jenna Fischer
Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank

The Office Debuts on NBC (2005)

John Krasinski as Jim Halpert on The Office
Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank

The Office Debuts on NBC (2005)

Billie Piper and Christopher Eccleston in Doctor Who - Season 1
Sci-Fi Channel / BBC / Everett Collection

Doctor Who Returns to BBC (2005)

On March 26, 2005, Doctor Who made a return to television when the series welcomed its ninth doctor with Christopher Eccleston stepping into the titular role. This marked the doctor’s first TV appearance since 1996. Billie Piper also joined the show as Rose, sticking with the series until 2013 — long after Eccleston’s departure.

Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston Season 1
BBC / courtesy Everett Collection

Doctor Who Returns to BBC (2005)

Billie Piper as Rose - Doctor Who - Season 1
BBC / courtesy Everett Collection

Doctor Who Returns to BBC (2005)

Grey's Anatomy Ellen Pompeo
Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Grey’s Anatomy Premieres on ABC (2005)

On March 27, 2005, viewers were introduced to the residents of Seattle Grace in the pilot episode of ABC’s enduring medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy. Among those featured in the debut were Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Christina Yang (Sandra Oh), Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and George O’Malley (T.R. Knight).

Grey's Anatomy Cast
Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Grey’s Anatomy Premieres on ABC (2005)

Grey's Anatomy - Ellen Pompeo and TR Knight in 2005
Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Grey’s Anatomy Premieres on ABC (2005)

Grey's Anatomy Cast
Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Grey’s Anatomy Premieres on ABC (2005)

Grey's Anatomy Sandra Oh
Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Grey’s Anatomy Premieres on ABC (2005)

Grey's Anatomy Cast
Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Grey’s Anatomy Premieres on ABC (2005)

Grey's Anatomy Cast
Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Grey’s Anatomy Premieres on ABC (2005)

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There was a lot going on in the TV world 15 years ago when two of the biggest shows made their debuts and another made a long-awaited return across the pond.

The Office and Grey’s Anatomy both premiered this week back in 2005, while fan favorite Doctor Who returned to TV on BBC One with Christopher Eccleston stepping into the lead role as Who‘s ninth doc. In the gallery above, click through the photos for a trip down memory lane 15 years in the making as we reflect on this memorable week in TV history.