Full Breakdown
Ellen Pompeo Leads Hulu’s New Pilot “Chicks”
6/5/2026, 1:25:39 PM
Core Premise and Pilot Order
Hulu has ordered a pilot for “Chicks,” a family dramedy set in the gentrifying neighborhoods of old Boston. The story follows Chickie (Ellen Pompeo) and her estranged half-sister Doreen after their “wise-guy” father dies, leaving them a modest criminal legacy that sparks a series of escalating scams. The pilot was announced in June 2026 with production slated for September 2026.
Creative Team and Production Details
Pompeo will star and serve as an executive producer with series creator-writer Katie Robbins and fellow EP Laura Holstein, who represents Pompeo’s Calamity Jane banner. The project is produced by 20th Television. Filming is expected to begin in New York City in September 2026. The order joins Hulu’s recent pilot slate that includes “Lex,” “Durango,” a “Southern Bastards” adaptation, and Ryan Coogler’s “X-Files” reboot.
Background: Good American Family and Hulu’s Pilot Strategy
“Chicks” grew out of conversations between Pompeo and Robbins on the set of the Hulu limited series “Good American Family,” which premiered in March 2025 and logged 6.3 million views in its first six days. The series’ success reinforced the partnership and coincided with Hulu’s return to a traditional pilot model after a period dominated by straight-to-series orders.
Official Statements & Responses
Pompeo has reiterated that she will remain an executive producer and narrator on “Grey’s Anatomy” while exploring new projects. Hulu’s announcement framed the pilot as part of its broader effort to expand character-driven dramedies with established talent.
Criticism & Opposition
Industry observers note that a September shoot in New York could clash with the production schedule of “Grey’s Anatomy” season 23, which films in Los Angeles. The overlap may limit Pompeo’s on-screen availability for the medical drama if Hulu commissions a full series.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on a September 2026 New York shoot, but none confirm whether “Chicks” will be an hour-long drama or a half-hour comedy. No additional cast members have been announced, and the timeline for a possible series order remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m going to always be a part of that show,” — Ellen Pompeo, Deadline interview
- “ Production on Chicks would likely begin in September in New York.” — Hidden Remote report
- “3 million views in its first six days on Hulu.” — TWASL News summary
- “I feel like I’m the super naive one who keeps saying, ‘But what’s the story going to be, what story are we going to tell?’ Everyone’s like, ‘Who cares, Ellen? It makes a gazillion dollars.’” — Ellen Pompeo, Insider interview
What’s Next
The September shoot will determine whether Hulu greenlights “Chicks” for a full series. A series order could affect Pompeo’s schedule for “Grey’s Anatomy” season 23, set to premiere in the fall. Hulu will review its pilot slate in the coming months while the medical drama prepares for its 23rd season and a West-Texas spinoff slated for 2027.
