‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and its dark secret: the cast did something very unpleasant in the first episodes

In the early seasons of “Grey’s Anatomy,” production faced a strange challenge when filming the operating room scenes: the need to realistically represent human organs. Clearly, organs from real people weren’t an option, so the creative team managed to create another alternative that, while delivering the expected results, was no less unpleasant: so they did.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ cast did something ‘terrible’ to record surgeries in early seasons

In an “Actors on Actors” conversation in 2023, Ellen Pompeo and Katherine Heigl, who played Meredith Gray and Izzie Stevens respectively, revealed that when filming surgery scenes, they used organs from dead animals, specifically intestines from real cows.

“In the past we’ve used a lot of real animal parts in surgeries,” Pompeo said at Hagel’s request.

The star of “Grey’s Anatomy” described the situation as “terrible”, since “after hours and hours under the lights, it starts to smell awful”. He recalled that while wearing a mask “helped” reduce the smell, “it’s not the most pleasant experience.”

Katherine Heigl, for her part, recalled that over time they had become so accustomed to the presence of these instruments that, for the filming of season 2, they even ate them while waiting to shoot: “It’s when you think: ‘Things have gone very far”.

Ellen Pompeo pointed out that her partner was openly opposed to the practice and even “raised her voice” against it, but it was the norm at the beginning of the series.

“Grey’s Anatomy” will have a 21st season

The acclaimed medical series has officially been renewed for one more season, bringing the total to 21 installments. This renewal cements its place as the longest-running medical drama in primetime.

According to reports from ‘Deadline’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 21 is expected to consist of 18 episodes.

It must be remembered that, as of season 20, Ellen Pompeo maintains only a recurring and non-starring role in the story. The latest installments of “Grey’s Anatomy” focus on a new group of residents.

Where to stream ‘Grey’s Anatomy’?

The series can be watched through Star+, although the service only has 19 of the 20 seasons in its catalogue.

Have you ever imagined how the surgery scenes on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ were filmed? Let us know in the comments what you think of the production decision.