Revisit McSteamy: The Eric Dane Episodes Every Grey’s Anatomy Fan Needs to Watch

Following the tragic passing of Eric Dane, many fans are returning to Grey’s Anatomy — and others are discovering his run as Mark Sloan for the very first time (if this is you, brace yourself).

Introduced as the cocky plastic surgeon who complicated Derek Shepherd’s life, Mark quickly became something much more. Over seven seasons, Dane transformed “McSteamy” from comic relief into one of the show’s emotional anchors.

If you want to revisit the performances that defined his legacy, these episodes are a powerful place to start.

Mark Sloan’s First Appearance – 'Yesterday' (Season 2, Episode 18)

Mark didn't exactly ease his way into Seattle Grace. He stormed right in, steam surrounding him (figuratively, that is).

His surprise arrival — towel around his waist, history with Addison, and instant tension with Derek — immediately shifts the show’s energy. From that moment, McSteamy became part of the show’s DNA.

'Dream a Little Dream of Me' (Season 5 Finale)

By Season 5, Mark had evolved beyond the charming antagonist. His relationship with Lexie Grey gave the character real vulnerability.

In this finale, their dynamic becomes complicated and painfully human. The swagger softens. Dane plays Mark not as the smooth-talking surgeon, but as a man who finally realizes what he stands to lose.

'Sanctuary' & 'Death and All His Friends' (Season 6 Finale)

The hospital shooting arc remains one of the most intense storylines in Grey’s Anatomy history.

During the chaos, Mark’s bravado disappears entirely. He becomes protective, grounded, and deeply emotional — particularly in scenes involving Lexie and Callie. Dane’s performance here is restrained but heavy, proving Mark was far more than the show’s resident flirt.

'Song Beneath the Song' (Season 7, Episode 18)

The musical episode could have been a gimmick. Instead, it delivered one of Mark’s most heartfelt arcs.

As Callie fights for her life after a car accident, Mark’s panic and devotion come into focus. Watching him grapple with the possibility of losing his best friend — and the mother of his child — reveals the depth of his character in ways early seasons never hinted at.

'Flight' (Season 8 Finale)

Few episodes changed Grey’s Anatomy more than the plane crash.

Mark’s devastation after Lexie’s death remains one of the show’s most gut-wrenching moments. Dane plays the scene quietly, with shock and disbelief overtaking the character’s usual confidence. It’s a performance that still circulates on social media years later.

'Remember the Time' (Season 9, Episode 2)

Mark Sloan’s final episode hits differently now.

After succumbing to his injuries from the crash, his death marks the end of an era for the original cast. The episode serves as a goodbye not just to a character, but to a phase of the series when Mark, Derek, Meredith, and the core group defined Thursday nights for millions of viewers.

Where to Watch:
All of these Mark Sloan classics are currently streaming on Netflix, where you can binge the entire Grey’s Anatomy catalogue from Derek, Meredith, and McSteamy’s early drama to the more gut-wrenching finales. If you’re new to the series or revisiting for nostalgia, now’s the perfect time to dive in.