Hulu is doubling down on its partnership with one of Disney’s biggest stars. Ellen Pompeo, best known for her iconic, long-running role as Meredith Grey on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, is set to headline and executive produce a brand-new pilot for the streaming service called Chicks. This project marks an exciting new creative direction for the actress, offering a fresh mix of comedy, crime, and family dysfunction set against the gritty, rapidly changing backdrop of old Boston.
What Is ‘Chicks’ About?
According to the official logline, the show revolves around two estranged half-sisters, Chickie (played by Pompeo) and Doreen, who are both struggling to make ends meet. When their “wise guy” father unexpectedly kicks the bucket, they discover he didn’t leave behind a traditional fortune. Instead, their only inheritance is a legacy of small-time, two-bit crime. Faced with limited options and mounting bills, the sisters decide to lean into the family business, running increasingly audacious and ambitious scams to survive. As their criminal enterprise expands, so does their odd-couple connection. The series plans to explore deep emotional themes like second chances, community identity, and the impacts of gentrification, all while maintaining a sharp, dark comedic tone.
Reuniting the Creative Dream Team
This project is not Pompeo’s first venture with Hulu. Chicks reunites the actress with writer and creator Katie Robbins. The duo previously collaborated on Hulu’s 2025 limited series, Good American Family, which dramatized the infamous Natalia Grace adoption case. It was actually during their time working together on that dark, dramatic set that the concept for Chicks was born. Robbins developed the original idea specifically with Pompeo in mind, allowing the actress to stretch her acting muscles in a role that balances comedic timing with family drama. In addition to starring, Pompeo will executive produce alongside Robbins and Laura Holstein through her production company, Calamity Jane. The pilot is being produced by 20th Television, one of Disney’s core television production studios.
The Bigger Picture for Ellen Pompeo and Disney
For years, fans wondered what Pompeo’s career would look like after scaling back her full-time on-screen presence on Grey’s Anatomy. While she still provides the iconic voiceover narration for every episode and remains an executive producer as the series prepares for its 23rd season this fall, she has clearly used her freed-up schedule to build a diverse portfolio under the broader Disney umbrella. With Chicks, Disney is keeping one of its most valuable stars close to home. The project highlights a savvy programming strategy: transition household names from traditional broadcast television over to streaming platforms like Hulu, where they can tackle edgier, genre-bending material.
What Fans Can Expect Next
Since Chicks has officially received a pilot order, the next step is filming the pilot episode. If Hulu executives like what they see, they will greenlight the project for a full season order. We will be keeping a close eye on casting announcements to see who will be playing Doreen, the estranged half-sister who will be matching wits with Pompeo’s character.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.
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