Truth is stranger than fiction.

The new three-episode Peacock docuseries “Anatomy of Lies” (now streaming) covers the unbelievable story of former “Grey’s Anatomy” writer Elisabeth Finch, who wove a web of lies more dramatic than anything Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh or Ellen Pompeo played on-screen.

As the documentary covers, Finch — who worked on the show from 2014 to 2022 as both a writer and a producer — fabricated a cancer diagnosis, lied about her brother dying by suicide, claimed that Oscar-winning actress Anna Paquin secretly gave her a kidney, and more.

Vanity Fair first broke the story in 2022. Following that initial report, Finch was put on leave from the show, as Disney Television Studios launched an investigation. She resigned from the job that same year.

At the time, Finch’s attorney, Andrew B. Brettler, issued a statement on her behalf to People. “Ms. Finch is not going to discuss her private health matters. Likewise, she will not speak about her pending divorce from her estranged wife, Jennifer Beyer, or comment on any statements that Ms. Beyer may have made to third parties about Ms. Finch,” he said.


Writer Elisabeth Finch (right) in an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Peacock


Sandra Oh and Ellen Pompeo in “Grey’s Anatomy.” ABC


Elisabeth Finch, as shown in “Anatomy of Lies.” Peacock

“Grey’s Anatomy” is the longest running scripted primetime series on ABC, currently still on the air after 21 seasons.

The network TV staple features a mix of medical puzzle-solving and romance involving series regulars like Meredith (Pompeo), Derek (Dempsey), Callie (Sara Ramirez), Arizona (Jessica Capshaw), Mark (Eric Dane) and Lexie (Chyler Leigh).

Here are some of the bombshells revealed in “Anatomy of Lies”:


Elisabeth Finch, as shown in “Anatomy of Lies.” Peacock


Elisabeth Finch (left) with Jenn Beyer. Jennifer Beyer/PEACOCK

She faked having cancer

Elisabeth Finch was previously a writer for “The Vampire Diaries” and “True Blood.” In 2014, she wrote an Elle magazine article about having chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Shonda Rhimes hired her shortly thereafter.