Jason Schmidt, Julia Lester & Piper Runge Join Hulu Pilot 'Chicks'; Max Winkler To Direct & EP
Deadline
β’Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000
π° What Happened
Jason Schmidt (Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies), Julia Lester (The Four Seasons) and Piper Runge have joined the main cast of the Hulu pilot Chicks, starring Ellen Pompeo and Jodie Whittaker. Max Winkler also joins as director and executive producer. Chicks is a family dramedy set in the rapidly gentrifying neighbourhoods of old Boston, following estranged half-sisters Chickie (Pompeo) and Doreen (Whittaker) who inherit a legacy of two-bit crime when their 'wise guy' father dies.
π The Backstory
The pilot is written by executive producer Katie Robbins. Max Winkler has directed and executive produced across a range of high-profile projects, including several Ryan Murphy series such as Monster and Grotesquerie, as well as Feud, American Horror Story, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and New Girl.
π― Why It Matters
The casting pairs established leads with rising talent and an experienced, in-demand director, signalling Hulu's investment in an original dramatic comedy. The combination of Pompeo and Whittaker with Winkler behind the camera gives the pilot strong commercial and awards potential.
Jason Schmidt (Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies), Julia Lester (The Four Seasons) and Piper Runge have joined the main cast of the Hulu pilot Chicks, starring Ellen Pompeo and Jodie Whittaker. Max Winkler also joins as director and executive producer. Chicks is a family dramedy set in the rapidly gentrifying neighbourhoods of old Boston, following estranged half-sisters Chickie (Pompeo) and Doreen (Whittaker) who inherit a legacy of two-bit crime when their 'wise guy' father dies.
The pilot is written by executive producer Katie Robbins. Max Winkler has directed and executive produced across a range of high-profile projects, including several Ryan Murphy series such as Monster and Grotesquerie, as well as Feud, American Horror Story, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and New Girl.
The casting pairs established leads with rising talent and an experienced, in-demand director, signalling Hulu's investment in an original dramatic comedy. The combination of Pompeo and Whittaker with Winkler behind the camera gives the pilot strong commercial and awards potential.