Jodie Whittaker to co-star with Ellen Pompeo in Hulu pilot “Chicks,” Katie Robbins project

Hulu is developing “Chicks,” a new pilot headlined by Ellen Pompeo and Jodie Whittaker, Deadline reported on July 15. The project brings the pair together in a two-hander dramedy format under the direction of Katie Robbins, who is credited as writer and executive producer. The announcement positions the pilot as another high-profile scripted collaboration for Hulu as it expands its slate of character-driven comedies and dramas.

Deadline said Whittaker will star opposite Pompeo in the pilot. Whittaker’s most recent screen work referenced in the report is her BAFTA-nominated performance in Jack Thorne’s Netflix limited series “Toxic Town,” which Deadline noted as a backdrop for her casting. The report did not outline Whittaker’s character details, beyond placing her in a starring role alongside Pompeo’s lead.

According to Deadline, “Chicks” is produced by 20th Television, with Robbins attached through Good American Family. The report frames the series as a dramedy built around two primary characters, suggesting a relationship-forward structure designed to sustain ongoing storylines through dialogue, character shifts, and recurring personal and professional stakes.

The Hulu pilot follows earlier reporting that Deadline had scooped the project in June. In that earlier context, Deadline described “Chicks” as a pilot at Hulu from Robbins, and the July 15 update confirms Whittaker’s joining the cast opposite Pompeo, tightening the project’s core ensemble for development.

Deadline’s report centers on the creative package and lead cast, but it did not provide further production timeline details beyond the fact that it is a Hulu pilot in development. As with most network and streamer pilots, the next steps will typically depend on how the pilot is produced, reviewed, and assessed for series pickup, though no pickup decision was reported.

For Pompeo, the project continues a pattern of starring work in streaming-driven series development. For Whittaker, the casting marks another major scripted opportunity following her recognition tied to “Toxic Town.” Production and casting updates, including additional series regulars and guest roles, would be expected if Hulu moves forward beyond the pilot stage.