Season 19 is in production and apparently there is less screen time for Ellen Pompeo in Grey’s Anatomy. Numerous media outlets are reporting that she will only be in eight episodes, however, she is continuing on as the show’s executive producer.

The medical drama on ABC was THE show to watch when it debuted. It coined terms such as McDreamy in reference to hot doc Derek Sheperd,  portrayed by actor Patrick Dempsey.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 09: Actors Jesse Williams (R) and Ellen Pompeo attend the 39th Annual People’s Choice Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on January 9, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for PCA)

Even though there is less screen time for Ellen Pompeo in Grey’s Anatomy, she still has some distinct ideas as to the direction she wants the show to take. Appearing on a podcast called Tell Me, she said she wanted the show to  be ‘less preachy.’

Her wishes are to have consistent themes throughout the season instead a new focus for each episode. She explained that she would like to see the drama ‘touch on these social issues that are important and have them be threads throughout,’ instead of a kind of hit and run approach. Meaning, it appears in one episode and then it’s done.

One of the reason’s Pompeo is stepping back a bit from Grey’s is to take on a project for Hulu called The Affair. It’s a limited series based on a true story.  The actress is not only staring in the show but producing it as well.

If you are more into the big screen than the television, check out Lady Gaga’s next project.