Grey’s Anatomy: Callie & Arizona’s Relationship Timeline, Explained

Grey’s Anatomy has had many epic romances throughout its long run, including the up-and-down relationship between Callie Torres and Arizona Robbins, played by Sara Ramirez and Jessica Capshaw. The two doctors met in season 5, when Arizona’s character was first introduced on the ABC medical drama television series, and the rest is history. Well, it was ten seasons of dating, breaking up, getting married, having a child together, breaking up again, and so on before they finally got their happy ending.

Following the Grey’s Anatomy season 14 finale, Ramirez and Capshaw were no longer on the show and have yet to return. However, their characters had ten seasons worth of stories to tell, and those episodes were full of drama that could last hundreds of lifetimes. The good news for fans of Callie and Arizona was that their story ended with them together, but it took a while for them to get to a (conclusive) happy place.

Callie showed up in Grey’s Anatomy season 2, episode 19. She was married to George, but the two ended up divorced when she learned that he was having an affair. It wasn’t until the fourth season that Callie began to explore her sexual orientation and date women. This led to Arizona’s first appearance, which was in Grey’s Anatomy season 5, episode 11. However, their meeting didn’t come until a few episodes later — “Beat Your Heart Out.”

Arizona comforted Callie in the bathroom at Emerald City Bar and surprisingly kissed her. However, Arizona ignored her at work since she believed Callie was inexperienced regarding relationships with women and was still figuring out her sexuality. They could not deny their attraction to one another for very long, though, and the two doctors began dating in episode 17 when Arizona asked Callie out on a date. While Callie isn’t sure if she wants to, Arizona convinces her to give it a try.

Season 5, Episode 20 – Season 6, Episode 3

Arizona Meets Callie’s Father & They Make Their Relationship Official

Callie’s father, Carlos Torres, visited her at the hospital in Grey’s Anatomy season 5, episode 20, and Callie told him that she was dating Arizona, essentially coming out to him. He reacted harshly to the news and refused to accept his daughter as she was. Carlos cut Callie off financially (by taking away her trust fund) and personally, which strained her relationship with Arizona. Thankfully, they came out on the other side stronger than ever.

Arizona was there for Callie when her ex-husband George died in the season 6 premiere. This was a tough moment because Callie was still holding onto her past when George died, and she took it hard. Arizona wasn’t pushy, and she let Callie grieve while being there for her. A few episodes later, Callie called Arizona her girlfriend, and this was the first moment they declared that they were a couple. Arizona told Callie she had to stay in Seattle to remain with her.

Season 6, Episode 4 – Episode 21
Callie & Arizona’s Relationship Grows But Faces Their First Obstacle When They Disagree About Having Children
Callie and Arizona kiss in Grey’s Anatomy season 6.
Most Important Episodes

Season 6, Episode 4

“Tainted Obligation”

Season 6, Episode 5

“Invasion”

Season 6, Episode 21

“How Insensitive”

Once Callie and Arizona became official at the beginning of Grey’s Anatomy season 6, their relationship continued to get stronger. For a time, the two had to deal with a lot of work and family drama. In “Invasion,” Callie’s dad even tries to force her to see a priest to convince her to become straight again. Arizona stuck by her side through it all. Unfortunately, they hit a rough patch when the topic of having children arose. Callie wanted to have kids, while Arizona was not interested in kids.

Callie had wanted to have children since she was married to George. The two had tried to get pregnant, but couldn’t before their divorce. When she mentioned this dream to Arizona, she was shocked to learn that she didn’t share those dreams and wanted no babies. The couple fought over their differing desires and ultimately broke up in episode 21 since they wanted different things. It was a sad moment, and it seemed this beautiful relationship had ended.

Season 6, Episode 22 – Season 7, Episode 6

Callie & Arizona’s Breakup Is Short-Lived

Although Callie and Arizona were broken up toward the end of Grey’s Anatomy season 6, it was clear that they still had feelings for one another, which was understandable, given how close they had become. The season 6 finale, which revolved around the notorious shooting at the hospital, featured Callie and Arizona getting back together.

Season 7, Episode 7 – Episode 12

Callie Breaks Up With Arizona & Gets Pregnant With Mark’s Child