Ellen Pompeo reveals why her daughter was left heartbroken by Grey's Anatomy

Ellen Pompeo recently revealed a heartwarming and unexpected story about how Grey's Anatomy—the series that launched her to fame—left her daughter in tears. The 55-year-old actress, who was the star of the hit medical drama as Dr. Meredith Grey , shared what her family thought of the show when she appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show on April 2.

While Pompeo's 18-year-old husband, Chris Ivery, has never watched Grey's Anatomy , their 15-year-old daughter Stella once did. That is now over, however, after a particularly teary moment made it impossible to endure.

Pompeo revealed that Stella became interested in the show when she was older, particularly because her friends were watching it. "It reaches a point where they reach age 10 or 11 and all the students start watching it, and she says, 'Mommy, can I watch it?'" Pompeo explained. At first, she agreed, and they even watched a couple of seasons together.

However, in the process of her binge-watching, Stella saw a scene that affected her somehow. Although Pompeo did not say which part it was, Grey's Anatomy has been notorious for its sad storylines, shocking character deaths, and tear-jerking twists of fate. Whatever the scene, it was enough to break Stella's heart and stop her from watching further.

Pompeo's story is a testament to how Grey's Anatomy can be so impactful and emotionally charged—even for those who are closest to the stars of the show. Over its 20-year run, the show has built a reputation for shocking and tear-jerking moments that keep audiences glued to their screens.

Even though Stella would not have gone on to watch, the fan base for Grey's Anatomy is still devotionally following the life of Meredith Grey, even after Pompeo had cut back her role. Her confession on The Jennifer Hudson Show only goes further to solidify the show as one that connects with its viewer on a deeper level—sometimes, even too much.