Ellen Pompeo Wants Grey’s Anatomy To Be Less Preachy, More Nuanced

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Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo explains why she wants the show to be more nuanced about social issues. Ever since its premiere in 2005, the popular medical drama has often weaved social commentary into its stories. Over the course of its run, the serieshas addressed alcoholism, PTSD, mental health, and gun violence. It is a reflection of the way that television, which has always addressed relevant societal issues as a medium, feels more of a responsibility to do so thanks to social media and its facilitating of more immediate audience feedback.

A recent example of this is how Grey’s Anatomy season 18 examined Asian American hate during AAPI month. Poignantly titled “Stronger Than Hate”, the episode features a victim of an anti-Asian hate crime that is brought to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in need of surgery. Throughout the episode, the staff discusses what it means to be an Asian American. These efforts were particularly noteworthy, given the surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Related: Grey’s Anatomy: Why Meredith Was Fired… Twice

On her podcast Tell Me, Pompeo discussed why she believes Grey’s Anatomy should adjust its approach to social issues. Pompeo, who plays the title character Meredith Grey, said that she feels these issues are important and should be included throughout the show rather than being isolated in a single episode and then forgotten about. The actress noted that she wished these topics were handled more subtly and consistently rather than the current approach of giving each topic just one hour here and there. Her quote has been included below.

“I think if I had any desire honestly it would be to be less sort of preachy in one episode about certain things. It’s like, we do one episode