Ellen Pompeo’s Highly Anticipated Return to TV Falls Short with Disappointing Rotten Tomatoes Score

Ellen Pompeo‘s first leading role in a television series since Grey’s Anatomy debuts with an underwhelming Rotten Tomatoes score. Pompeo made her first on-screen appearance in an episode of NBC’s legal drama Law & Order before guest-starring in various television series, including the comedy Strangers with Candy, the medical drama Strong Medicine, and the iconic sitcom Friends. Though her film career has struggled to take off, her overall career took a significant turn in 2002 when she garnered attention for her performance in the romantic drama Moonlight Mile.

In 2005, Pompeo was cast as the titular Dr. Meredith Grey in ABC’s medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy, following her journey from a surgical intern to a fully certified doctor and eventually the hospital’s chief of general surgery. The character became immensely popular, establishing Pompeo as one of television’s most acclaimed and highest-paid actresses. By Grey’s Anatomy season 19, Pompeo stepped back as a series regular, and the show shifted to more of an ensemble approach. In turn, Pompeo has had more time to explore other roles on television.

Good American Family Debuts With An Underwhelming Rotten Tomatoes Score

The Series Premiered On March 19

Good American Family has debuted with an underwhelming Rotten Tomatoes score. Created by Katie Robbins, Hulu’s new limited series follows the true story of a Midwestern couple (played by Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass) who adopt what they believe to be a little girl with dwarfism, but slowly begin to question their assumption. Good American Family‘s cast also includes Imogen Faith Reid, Dulé Hill, Sarayu Blue, Christina Hendricks, and Kim Shaw.

Now, on the day of its premiere, Good American Family has debuted with an underwhelming 43% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show only has 7 reviews at the time of writing, so the score should fluctuate as more are published. With fewer than 50 ratings at the time of writing, the show doesn’t yet have an audience score.

What Good American Family’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Means For The Show

What Are The Reviews Saying?

Good American Family‘s Rotten Tomatoes score means that the show’s critical response is mixed, but leaning negatively. Reviews are criticizing the show’s messy structure, lack of narrative cohesion, and tabloid-like approach to its sensitive true story, though there is some praise for its shifting perspectives and lurid drama. However, despite the lukewarm critical response, Pompeo’s return to television will likely be enough to entice audiences to tune in. With Good American Family having premiered on Hulu, audiences can go watch the first two episodes and form their own opinions.