Grey's Anatomy's Ellen Pompeo on show's handling of social issues

Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo has opened up about the show's portrayal of sensitive, real-world issues, admitting that it could be done with more "subtlety".

Following this week's news that Ellen would be taking on a more limited role in the medical drama's 19th season, the Meredith Grey actress has offered her thoughts on how the series can better incorporate important storylines.

In a recent episode of her own podcast, Tell Me with Ellen Pompeo, the Grey's favourite said that she would rather see the series touch on social issues across multiple episodes, rather than in one-off specials.

ellen pompeo as meredith grey in grey's anatomy season 17 finale

Richard Cartwright / Getty Images//ABC

"I think if I had any desire, honestly it would be to be less sort of preachy in one episode about certain things," she explained (via Variety).

"It's like, we do one episode about, let's see – Asian hate crimes is one that we did this past season that was really moving. [But] I think I'd like to see things happen a little more subtly and over time."

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Ellen added that she believed such plot points should be introduced "consistently" across each season, rather than "hit you over the head for just one hour and then we never talk about it again".

ellen pompeo as dr meredith grey walking, grey's anatomy

ABC

"I wish we could touch on these social issues that are important and have them be threads throughout."

Meanwhile, Ellen Pompeo revealed back in May that it was possible to continue the series without her, hinting that she and Shonda Rhimes had discussed her future.

"Trying to reinvent the show and continually trying to reinvent the show is the challenge at this point," she said. "And listen, the show speaks to a lot of people, and the young people love the show."

Grey's Anatomy returns for season 19 on October 6, airing on ABC in the US. In the UK, seasons 1-17 are streaming on Disney+, while season 18 is available via Sky Witness and NOW.