Ellen Pompeo, who plays Dr. Meredith Grey on the ABC hit show "Grey's Anatomy," has revealed that though she appreciates the show's efforts in addressing social issues, she wants them to be "less preachy."

The topic was brought up on Wednesday's episode of the "Tell Me with Ellen Pompeo" podcast when a fan asked about the issue she would like the medical drama series to tackle next.

"This is a tricky question to answer," she said. "The truth is we've covered a lot of very important topics."

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

"Grey's Anatomy" has covered a wide array of social issues, including immigration, police brutality, abortion and racism over the years.

But according to the 52-year-old actress, who has been a regular on the series since 2005, she wants to see the show tackling social issues more consistently and in a more subtle manner instead of dedicating certain episodes to specific concerns.

"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," Pompeo explained. "I think I'd like to see things happen a little more subtly and over time. You know, consistently, and less sort of hit-you-over-the head with it for just one hour and then we never talk about it again."

"I wish we could sort of touch on these social issues that are important and relevant and sort of have them be threads throughout," she added.

The actress disclosed in a Los Angeles Times interview on the same day that she will appear in just eight episodes in the upcoming season of the show. However, she will continue to serve as an executive producer on the program and work as its narrator.

"Grey's Anatomy" Season 19 is set to premiere on ABC on Oct. 6. The show is also streaming on Netflix.

Pompeo will reportedly appear in an untitled miniseries, which is currently under pre-production. Before starring in "Grey's Anatomy," she worked on several movies, including "Daredevil," "Catch Me If You Can" and "Art Heist."

"Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo said she felt her show had a "responsibility" to look at what health care workers are going through during the coronavirus pandemic
"Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo said she felt her show had a "responsibility" to look at what health care workers are going through during the coronavirus pandemic AFP / VALERIE MACON
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