Ellen Pompeo Lands Next TV Role: Hulu Dramedy 'Chicks' Pilot Ordered

Ellen Pompeo Lands Next TV Role: Hulu Dramedy 'Chicks' Pilot Ordered

Ellen Pompeo has found her next television project. The 56-year-old star, best known for her iconic two-decade run as Meredith Grey on ABC's Grey's Anatomy, is set to headline and executive produce Chicks, a family dramedy pilot ordered at Hulu. The news broke on June 4, 2026, and was confirmed by multiple outlets, including Deadline and TheWrap.

The project reunites Pompeo with Katie Robbins, the creator of Hulu's limited series Good American Family, on which Pompeo also starred and produced. According to Deadline, Chicks was developed "specifically" for Pompeo, inspired by conversations the two had on set. The pilot is being produced by 20th Television, with Robbins, Pompeo, and Laura Holstein executive producing.

What Is 'Chicks' About?

Set in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods of old Boston, Chicks follows two estranged half-sisters: Chickie (Pompeo) and Doreen. Both are struggling to get by when their "wise guy" father unexpectedly dies. Their only inheritance is a legacy of two-bit crime, which inspires them to run increasingly audacious frauds. As their con grows, so does their odd-couple bond, as they each start to fill the father-shaped hole in the other's heart.

The series is described as a family dramedy, blending emotional depth with comedic moments. Production on the pilot is expected to begin in September 2026 in New York.

Context: Pompeo's Evolving Role on 'Grey's Anatomy'

Pompeo's new role comes at a turbulent time for Grey's Anatomy. The medical drama, now heading into its 23rd season on ABC, has seen a series of high-profile cast exits. In recent weeks, Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd left the show, leaving fans anxious about further departures. Pompeo herself stepped back from her role as a series regular in 2023, appearing in a reduced capacity. She now serves as an executive producer and continues to provide the show's iconic voice-over narration.

In season 22, Pompeo appeared in a handful of episodes alongside her on-screen love interest Nick Marsh, played by Scott Speedman. The show remains a cornerstone of ABC's lineup, but Pompeo's focus has clearly shifted toward new ventures. She is also an executive producer on a Texas-set Grey's Anatomy spinoff from Shonda Rhimes and Meg Marinis, which is expected to premiere in 2027.

Reuniting with Katie Robbins

The collaboration between Pompeo and Robbins began on Good American Family, a Hulu limited series inspired by the real-life story of Natalia Grace. The show explored themes of identity, family, and deception — elements that also appear in Chicks. Robbins developed the concept specifically for Pompeo, tailoring the role of Chickie to her strengths as both a dramatic and comedic actress.

Perspective: What This Means for Pompeo and TV Trends

Pompeo's move to Hulu reflects a broader industry trend: top TV talent is increasingly moving to streaming platforms for passion projects, while maintaining ties to legacy hits. Chicks is not Pompeo's first foray into streaming — she starred in Good American Family and has produced multiple projects — but it marks her first lead role in a potential ongoing series outside the Grey's Anatomy universe.

The project also highlights the growing appetite for female-driven dramedies with gritty, character-focused storytelling. Shows like The Bear and Shrill have proven that audiences crave stories about flawed, relatable characters navigating messy lives. Chicks fits that mold, pairing Pompeo with a premise rooted in crime, family dysfunction, and unlikely redemption.

A Busy Year for Pompeo

Despite her reduced presence on Grey's Anatomy, Pompeo remains one of the most in-demand producers in television. In addition to Chicks and the Grey's Anatomy spinoff, she is attached to several other projects in development. Her production company, Calamity Jane, is behind Chicks, with Laura Holstein executive producing.

Fans will be watching closely to see how Chicks develops. The pilot order is a strong vote of confidence from Hulu, which has recently renewed and canceled a number of shows. If picked up to series, Chicks could become a signature role for Pompeo in the post-Meredith Grey era. Meanwhile, the Grey's Anatomy franchise continues to expand, ensuring that Pompeo's legacy in medical drama remains intact.

Broader Implications for the Industry

Pompeo's pivot to Hulu also underscores the shifting dynamics of television production. Streaming platforms are increasingly the home for prestige projects with established stars, while network television relies on enduring hits like Grey's Anatomy. For Pompeo, Chicks offers the opportunity to build a new character from the ground up, free from the weight of a 20-year legacy.

As the TV landscape evolves, more actors like Pompeo are balancing multiple roles: starring, executive producing, and developing content for different platforms. This trend is likely to continue as streaming services compete for top talent.

What's Next for 'Grey's Anatomy' Fans?

While Pompeo's new project is exciting, Grey's Anatomy fans need not worry about the show's future. The series has been renewed for season 23, and Pompeo remains an executive producer. Meredith Grey's story is not over, but her presence will be felt from a distance. For those wondering about the fate of other cast members, recent reports suggest that more exits may be on the horizon, though no official announcements have been made.

In related news, Hannah Waddingham Addresses 'Ted Lasso' Tensions, Denies 'Wicked' Role as Show Returns shows how other stars are navigating their own career transitions.

Conclusion

Ellen Pompeo's next TV role in Chicks is a strategic and creative move that positions her for a new chapter in her career. The Hulu dramedy, with its Boston setting and crime-family premise, plays to her strengths as a versatile actress and producer. As she reduces her on-screen time on Grey's Anatomy, Pompeo is building a diverse portfolio of projects that showcase her range. Fans can expect to see more of her in the coming years, both in front of and behind the camera.

Meanwhile, the broader TV landscape benefits from her involvement in creator-driven storytelling. Chicks is a reminder that even the most iconic television stars are constantly evolving, and that the best roles are often those that challenge them in new ways.