It's easy for a big show like Grey's Anatomy to receive criticism. One might even think its enduring popularity makes it a target for critique.
The most recent season saw a shift in presentation and format, as the realities of a worldwide pandemic worked their way into the show. Storylines revolved around the disease and other current events, and filming had to be adjusted to account for social distancing.
Some fans appreciated how the reflection of reality could elevate the emotional core of the series.
Hi, @EllenPompeo, sorry for all the @GreysABC tags but 17 is the most groundbreaking, life changing season. Seriously though, I think this season has really helped a lot of people. && If these beach scenes don't hit you, you're not a fan nor human. Thank you so much!pic.twitter.com/wCSnBwotul— Cathryn (@Cathryn) 1624069173
But not everyone is so positive.
One commenter disagreed and couldn't stand the new season.
I guess I'm an alien because this season was dumpster trash! I love the show but not this season.— I_speak_YOU_listen (@I_speak_YOU_listen) 1624073206
It's common for fans of a show to not like some aspects, and vent them online. However, it's rarer for the star of the show to actually respond.
Ellen Pompeo, who plays the titular Dr. Meredith Grey, responded to the tweet, reassuring the critic that she was more than welcome to be unimpressed with the recent season.
She even thanked the commenter for the thought.
All good! Seventeen seasons we can\u2019t please everyone all the time \u2026 it\u2019s definitely not easy keeping it going and keeping it great\u2026 I get it\u2026thanks for checking it out anyway\u2026 and thanks for your feedback it matters \u2026sending you love https://twitter.com/callmeskyblue/status/1406091057411067904\u00a0\u2026— Ellen Pompeo (@Ellen Pompeo) 1624074586
People were amazed at Pompeo's tact and appreciation.
You are a class act! Thank you!— Christian (@Christian) 1624323296
Smartest negative feedback reply ever. I've never seen Grey's Anatomy, but this actor in it is impressive.https://twitter.com/EllenPompeo/status/1406096845353361413\u00a0\u2026— Hey, It\u2019s Eric! \ud83d\udd96 (@Hey, It\u2019s Eric! \ud83d\udd96) 1624320005
Ok, THIS is a good example for other stars. We all want great TV. And sometimes it ain\u2019t that. And as a fan who feels others shows haven\u2019t always been receptive to honest feedback, I appreciate this reply when it comes to Grey\u2019s. #howitsdonehttps://twitter.com/ellenpompeo/status/1406096845353361413\u00a0\u2026— call me v \ud83d\udc09\ud83d\udd25 (@call me v \ud83d\udc09\ud83d\udd25) 1624309842
Don\u2019t care about this show but I think this is honestly one of the more sane, reasonable celebrity/disgruntled fan interactions I\u2019ve seen on this site.https://twitter.com/EllenPompeo/status/1406096845353361413\u00a0\u2026— Still Not Ron Howard (@Still Not Ron Howard) 1624260919
Fans were just super happy with the show overall.
As someone who has a slightly unhealthy obsession with Grey\u2019s, I loved the season. Seeing everyone come back for their cameos gave me life. I get why some people didn\u2019t like it but I don\u2019t feel that way. I\u2019m excited to see what happens with the new season. Love you Ellen— michelle hernandez (@michelle hernandez) 1624082438
i hate that they said this, i hate when people say stuff like this in general, season 17 was so good.— madi \u2661 (@madi \u2661) 1624074617
How was this season not the best legit the brought most of the dead ones back when we thought we would never see them again?!?!— Kim (@Kim) 1624074632
I freaking loved this season!!! It was amazing seeing all the vulnerability in everyone. It was about 2020 and 2021 who can\u2019t love a show that is about the world that they live in to day. I\u2019m really glad that this season the writers decided to bring thing to the light+— \ud83e\udd70ROLLISI IS ENDGAME\ud83e\udd70 (@\ud83e\udd70ROLLISI IS ENDGAME\ud83e\udd70) 1624074847
But that's not to say there wasn't some debate.
For me it's beautiful. They tried to pleased the fans in this hard time (pandemic) by reuniting the casts... And I am pleased also (especially avery-kepner scene!!).. and It opens up a lot of possibilities in the future that the ex-cast can appear in future season!!— pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis (@pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis) 1624242569
Yeah same, it was different to the others but it captured 2020, and although for some that\u2019s a tough watch because we\u2019re in it - having a season like that for prosperity will be great. I\u2019d just say at times the writing came across a bit too forced, usually much slicker— Squeegie Beckenheim (@Squeegie Beckenheim) 1624116422
They will live another day and my opinion will too.— I_speak_YOU_listen (@I_speak_YOU_listen) 1624207948
Grey's Anatomy just wrapped up their 17th season, and has been renewed for an 18th. The show follows the lives of fictional doctors in their careers as they deal with medical emergencies and personal drama.
The long running series is coming up on its 400th episode. If the next season has at least 20 episodes, it'll definitely hit that milestone.
Happy Season 5 GIF by The Office 
Shocked Boss GIF 
co-worker tries GIF 
Co Worker Thank You GIF by Kiri® 
