Ellen Pompeo to Lead Hulu Dramedy Pilot 'Chicks'

Ellen Pompeo is set to headline and executive produce a new Hulu dramedy pilot titled "Chicks." The project reunites the actress with writer Katie Robbins, with whom she previously collaborated on the development of "Good American Family." The production will be spearheaded by 20th Television, with Pompeo and Laura Holstein serving as executive producers under the Calamity Jane banner.

The series is set against the backdrop of a rapidly gentrifying Boston and follows the lives of two estranged half-sisters, Chickie—played by Pompeo—and Doreen. Following the sudden death of their father, a local "wise guy," the sisters are left with little more than a history of petty criminal activity. The narrative centers on their decision to leverage this inheritance by engaging in a series of increasingly daring frauds, a journey that forces them to reconcile their fractured relationship while attempting to fill the void left by their father.

This project marks a significant move for Pompeo as she continues to expand her creative footprint beyond her long-standing tenure on "Grey’s Anatomy." By leaning into the dramedy genre, Pompeo is positioning herself in a narrative that balances dark, character-driven humor with complex emotional stakes. For Hulu, the pilot represents a strategic investment in established star power paired with gritty, localized storytelling, aiming to capture audiences interested in character-focused crime narratives. The success of "Chicks" will likely hinge on the chemistry between the two leads and the show's ability to navigate the tension between its criminal premise and the underlying familial drama.