The 12 Biggest Travel Trends Taking Off This Summer

May 31, 2024

The post-pandemic travel rebound is still going strong as travelers are looking to make up for lost time and take those bucket list trips once and for all. The result are 2024 travel trends that are defining what summer travel looks like going into peak season through the second half of 2024. From astronomy tourism to train travel, here are 12 of the biggest trends taking off this summer and beyond. Bon voyage!

Fan Travel

Image via Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Whether you're traveling to your first (or second, or third) Eras Tour or jet-setting to Paris for the Summer Olympic Games, you are not alone. Travelers are choosing destinations based on their fandom this year. According to American Express Global Travel Trends Report, 67 percent of Millennial and Gen Z respondents (compared to 58 percent of all respondents) are interested in traveling to their favorite sporting events, like Formula 1 and the Tour de France, in 2024.

Group Travel

Photo by RDNE Stock project

More the merrier applies to travel for some adventure seekers this year. Families traveling with other families; multi-generational travel or skip-gen trips where grandparents take the kids for a week; as well as gatherings of friends and family for milestone celebrations are on the rise. One benefit of group travel is being able to rent large, luxe homes in exotic places you'd never be able to afford your own vs. tiny individual hotel rooms. It also allows you to find travel with more people who align with your travel style.

Astrology Tourism

Photo by Kirk Thornton

Resorts around the world are creating celestial experiences for their guests. We recently reported about the Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, CA, which offers astrology readings with detailed analysis of your birth chart, revealing patterns, possible pitfalls and potential opportunities to achieve a happy life.

JOALI BEING in the Maldives is a whole wellbeing island, where you can drift into a healing mix of stretching, acupressure and massage while floating in water with a show of constellations above.

The Cove Eleuthera in the Bahamas offers a “Tranquility Under the Stars” experience where you can stay in a luxe oceanfront room with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ocean, plus an in-room telescope, constellation maps, and a private nighttime yoga sesh set under the stars.

Train Travel

Photo by Rachel Claire

Travelers are looking to enjoy the journey as much as the destination by choosing to travel by train vs. by air. Condé Nast Traveller magazine reported that train travel is on the rise in 2024 as train stations around the world are renovating old infrastructure and adding popular restaurants and bars to attract more customers, including the Moynihan Train Hall in New York City and Toronto’s Union Station, which launched Union Market in May 2023 with local faves like Manotas Organics, Chocolatta Brigadeiro’s, Patties Express, and Kibo.

Spontaneous Travel

Photo by Leeloo The First

Travelers are seeking thrills and surprises now more than ever, with 52 percent of respondents in Booking.com's travel trends report saying they want to book trips where the destination is a mystery until they arrive while 56 percent are inclined to explore off-the-beaten path. There's also a shift toward spontaneous travel. Most (55 percent) prefer to jet-set without set plans, while two thirds (69 percent) prefer loose itineraries so they can adapt as they go.

Eco Plant-Based Retreats

Photo by Rachel Claire

Eco hotels are also becoming a popular trend for travelers looking to offset the impact of their trips. Nestled behind layers of flora and rice fields, Buahan in Bali is a secluded adult-only, no-doors, no-walls resort that offers escapists an eco-barefoot retreat. Enjoy guided meditation and a walk into a waterfall, after an invigorating hike.

For U.S. travelers, The Stanford Inn & Resort, an eco hotel located on the scenic Mendocino Coast in Northern California, offers stunning ocean views, an organic farm and gardens, and vegan retreats this summer and fall, including plant-based breakfasts, dinners, and cooking classes.

Stanford Inn & Resort Vegan Retreats:

Thursday, July 11 – Monday, July 15, 2024
Thursday, September 5 – Monday, September 9, 2024

Flying Solo

Photo by Taryn Elliott

While group travel has its perks, solo travel is an introvert's dream and a great way to meet new friends. According to the AMEX report, 76 percent of Millennials and Gen Z (compared to 69 percent of all respondents) say they are planning on taking a solo trip in 2024.

Home Swapping

Photo by Thought Catalog

For tighter travel budgets, home swapping is a great way to reduce costs, explore a new place like a local, and get more bang for your travel buck. Read I Did A Home Exchange Like "The Holiday" And Here’s How It Went to get a sense of the full home swap experience.

Off-Season Travel

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Another budget travel trend is waiting to plan for the off season as travelers seek to avoid crowds and cut back on costs without sacrificing a luxe experience. Staycations are expected to be a popular alternative, according to Booking.com's report, with 43 percent of survey respondents looking closer to home, while almost half (47 percent) of parents are planning to take their kids abroad during off-peak seasons to keep travel costs low.

AI-Driven Travel

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

AI is set to become a mainstream feature of travel this and next year as it becomes savvier at trip planning. According to Booking.com's report, 48 percent of travelers already trust AI, like Booking.com's AI Trip Planner, to plan their trips.

Unique Culinary Excursions

Photo by Angela Roma

Food is such a rewarding part of the travel experience. This year, Booking.com's travelers are prioritizing culinary exploration, with half planning their trips around specific restaurants or dishes. More than half (61 percent) are interested in learning about the origins of local delicacies, while others (47 percent) seek a ‘phygital’ experience -- a hybrid food experience enhanced by virtual or augmented reality.

Bucket List Travel

Photo by Rachel Claire

Travelers are also going big or going home. According to the AMEX report, 65 percent of respondents are more interested in taking a major trip in 2024 than in previous years and 72 percent of respondents would rather save money for a major trip than spend it on going out with friends.

Looking for more travel inspiration? Find more travel inspiration on B+C’s Pinterest and Travel pages!

Main image courtesy of Rachel Claire/PEXELS

How The Recent National Parks Cuts Can Affect Your Next Trip – Plus 5 Ways To Visit Responsibly

In light of our current administration's desire to downsize the federal government, the National Parks Service was hit with around 1,000 layoffs in February – that means the crucial workers that maintain trails and camping grounds, man visitor centers, collect park fees, keep grounds clean, and more are no longer present.

This puts the safety (and cleanliness) of our national parksat risk. Whether it’s first-time visitors that don’t fully understand the mantra of ‘pack in, pack out’ or adventurers seeking their next summit, we’ve lost some of the proper guidance that makes the parks what they are: magical!

Your next visit to America’s national parks may look different at this time as the visitor experience has lost its charm due to these mass layoffs.

As the busy season starts to pick up, we’re sharing 5 ways to visit national parks responsibly and safely.

1. Follow 'leave no trace' principles.

Rachel Vine / PEXELS

Because many National Parks workers and rangers were laid off, each parks’ efforts to keep trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and restrooms may be minimized, irregular, or non-existent. Following ‘leave no trace’ principles implies your full responsibility for cleaning up the trash, food scraps, and more that you bring into the park.

Leaving no trace also includes staying on designated trails to prevent erosion that could impact local ecosystems and wildlife. And when it comes to wildlife, it’s best to not interact with their habitats – keep a safe distance and never feed the animals you may come across. This is also for your own safety!

For more information and guidance on how you can leave no trace, visitLNT.org.

2. Plan ahead.

Robert Forever Ago / PEXELS

If your national park itinerary includes day hiking, backpacking, or camping, planning ahead will be a key step in making sure your trip is as seamless as can be. This is especially pertinent as certain trails and areas may experience closures in light of the recent NPS layoffs.

So, what does planning ahead look like? It could be checking park websites in advance to be aware of any closures, fees, wait times, or limited services, bringing your own maps, first-aid kits, and packing plenty of food and water.

3. Get familiar with being self-sufficient.

Andy Vu / PEXELS

This next method for responsibly visiting national parks goes hand-in-hand with ‘leave no trace’ and planning ahead. Since certain park rescue and ranger positions were also affected by the cuts, you’ll want to be 100% positive that you’ve brought everything you need in case of an emergency.

You’re not entirely on your own, though. During your visit, you’re sure to run into friendly faces that know basic first aid principles, how to read a map, and how to reach out for help if it’s needed. Make a friend on the trail or campground and simply show up for each other!

4. Be patient and respectful.

Zetong Li / PEXELS

Fewer workers and rangers in the national parks may mean slower service, whether it’s waiting to enter the parks or pay for goods. Of course, a slower process puts on a strain on everyone – visitors and workers alike. Be kind to staff and fellow parks lovers, and avoid peak hours to reduce any strain on park resources.

5. Support the parks through donations and volunteer work.

Lara Jameson / PEXELS

If you can’t make it out to (or simply don’t want to visit) a national park this season, you can still show your love and support for the parks by donating directly to NPS or groups like National Parks Conservation Association.

Additionally, contacting lawmakers in your local government for better park funding can be effective in making sure your voice is heard. Finally, you could also join volunteer programs in your nearest national park for things like trail maintenance or clean-ups.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel tips + national park advice!

47 Quick, Easy Dinner Ideas Literally Anyone Can Make

Even the best easy dinner recipes like mac and cheese and *all* the healthy slow cooker concoctions can get boring when you cook them night after night. That's why we suggest you spice things up with these easy dinner recipes that totally satisfy! These quick and easy dinner ideas will give you major inspiration for those nights when you're drawing a blank on what to make and need a quick weeknight dinneron the table, stat.

Scroll on for 47 quick and easy dinner recipes that make mealtime a breeze!

What's the easiest thing to cook for dinner?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

In our experience, meals that feature a bunch of different ingredients thrown together (think poke bowls, burrito bowls, stews, and salads) end up being the easiest options to cook for dinner. Plus, they're a great way to clear out any leftovers you may have from the fridge!

What can I cook in 10 minutes?

Cats Coming / PEXELS

Easy meals like air fryer salmon, scrambled eggs and toast, and our risotto cupscan be made in 10 minutes or less. You probably won't be able to make something like a chicken breast or casserole in 10 minutes, but that doesn't mean your dinner still can't be delicious!

What can I cook in 30 minutes?

Engin Akyurt / PEXELS

In addition to the 10-minute meals mentioned above, there are plenty of recipes you can make in 30 minutes (some of them are right on this list!). You can also check out our Instant Pot Recipes and Air Fryer Recipes for some more quick and delicious meals.

What meals can I make for $5?

C1 Superstar / PEXELS

Meals like canned soup, frozen veggies, bagged salads, and other single-serve, pre-assembled meals usually fall under $5. Frozen pizza and spaghetti with marinara sauce are some other great hearty options!

Easy Dinner Recipes To Make Tonight

Brittany Griffin

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

We love a good Instant Pot meal, and this creamy and delicious pasta dish does not disappoint. It's great for any day of the week, and the leftovers save really well to last you all week! (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Heart-Shaped Pizza

The only thing we can think of that could make pizza better is making heart-shaped pizza. It's the perfect way to show just how much we love this tasty meal. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

20-Minute Vegan Nachos

Nachos that have no animal byproducts and only take 20 minutes? BRB — we're adding this to our easy dinner recipes lineup for the week. (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Instant Pot Steamed Cod With Ginger Scallion Sauce

This easy Instant Pot-made dish can be on your table in roughly 30 minutes. From a frozen state, the fish only takes 5 minutes to pressure-cook! (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Pressure Cooker Vegan Chili

Easy dinner recipes are supposed to be simple. Just dump the ingredients for this pick into your pressure cooker, and you'll have enough food to feed a family, all in less than 30 minutes. (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

10-Minute Vegan Trader Joe's Stir-Fry

Keep a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies and frozen brown rice on hand, and you have the base of a healthy, fast meal you can enjoy for dinner and beyond. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mango Shrimp Curry

A jar of mango chutney acts as the base of this flavorful shrimp stir-fry. Talk about summery goodness! (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Pancetta Pasta

This hearty, saucy, and salty pasta inspired by none other than Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis is the perfect easy dinner idea to whip up on chilly nights. You can make some easy swaps if you don't have pancetta or Pecorino on-hand, using bacon and Parmesan instead. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Dinner Recipes To Try This Week

Justina Huddleston

Vegan Veggie Sausage Foil Packs

Whether you cook them on the grill or in the oven, these foil packets require no cleanup. That's why they're one of the best easy dinner recipes to keep in your back pocket! (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Ashley Bare

Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Punchy Thai basil, chiles, and garlic add a burst of flavor to this simple ground chicken stir-fry. Serve with sticky white rice, so you can soak up every last bit of sauce. (via Ashley Bare for Brit + Co)

Justina Huddleston

4-Ingredient Vegan Baked Ziti

Bake your pasta without having to boil it beforehand by giving it a quick soak. You'll be surprised at how much time you save with this easy dinner idea. (via Brit + Co)

Meredith Holser

20-Minute Pizza

Trader Joe's ready-made pizza dough saves the day for this easily customizable pizza idea. (via Meredith Holser forBrit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

A rotisserie chicken cuts a lot of the labor involved in assembling these lettuce wraps. You can even use canned chicken if a rotisserie is out of reach. Add blue cheese crumbles and walnuts for a meal that's a little more elegant than your usual chicken salad. (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Audrey Bruno

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Get the classic flavor of cacio e pepe in even less time than usual. Skip waiting for a pot of pasta water to boil, and swap your noodles for chickpeas instead. They have more protein, too! (via Audrey Bruno for Brit + Co)

Jessi Devenyns

Foil Pack Chicken & Broccoli

Seasoned with your favorite spices or marinade, these flexible chicken and broccoli packets can be changed up every time you make them for dinner. (via Jessi Devenyns for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup

We love easy dinner recipes that are hearty and perfect for winter! Start with this veggie-loaded soup, then add sausage, bacon, and Parmesan. (via Brit + Co)

Easy + Quick Dinner Ideas

Melanie Burke

Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket

Three ingredients, 12 minutes, and vegetarian to boot — could it get any easier?! (via Melanie Burke for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, and Green Beans

We love everything about this simple and fresh sheet-pan chicken and veggies. Swap out the veg depending on what you've got in the fridge for an easy dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Justina Huddleston

Vegan Sheet-Pan German Sausage and Veggies

Hearty vegan cooking doesn't have to take forever. Whip out your handy sheet-pan, and you'll be eating this medley of veggie sausage, potatoes, and cabbage in about 45 mostly hands-off minutes. (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Make These Fast Dinner Ideas Tonight!

Patricia Conte

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs in Lettuce Wraps

A jumble of veggies and black beans put a much fresher spin on traditional hot dogs. (via Patricia Conte for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

20-Minute Tahini Salmon Salad

The rich and nutty tahini dressing is the key to transforming this salmon salad into an scrumptious easy dinner recipe you'll actually get excited about eating. (via Brit + Co)

Gentl and Hyers

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio With All-O the Parsley

You will always have something to eat when you bust out this recipe, which calls for all pantry staples: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, anchovy, red pepper, and whatever herbs you have. (via Where Cooking Begins)

Munchkin Time

Easy Chicken Piccata

Whip up your this easy dinner recipe in just over a half hour with a cast iron pan! A side of pasta or mashed potatoes completes the meal perfectly. (via Munchkin Time)

Primavera Kitchen

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Sneak in some veggies by sandwiching them in between slices of cheese and chicken. (via Primavera Kitchen)

My Modern Cookery

Baked Greek Chicken Wings With Tzatziki

Chicken wings don't have to be a labor of love — this recipe bakes them on a sheet tray for easy clean-up. Tangy tzatziki dip on the side is a fresh alternative to ranch dressing! (via My Modern Cookery)

Tasty Easy Dinner Ideas

Crazy for Crust

Bean Stuff Casserole

Cheesy bean casserole will please the whole fam any night of the week. (via Crazy for Crust)

Takes Two Eggs

15-Minute Spam Fried Rice

This quick fried rice dish is savory, salty, and protein-filled, thanks to the addition of Spam. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Bowl of Delicious

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza

You won't think twice about adding more Brussels sprouts to your meals after you taste them in this smoky, cheesy pizza. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Wholesome Yum

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

This stir-fry will please those on paleo, low-carb, or gluten-fee diets. Plus, it's thrifty in time and cost of ingredients. (via Wholesome Yum)

The Cozy Cook

Chicken Scallopini

This classic pasta dish stars a few secret convenient ingredients you probably have in your pantry already. (via The Cozy Cook)

Neil's Healthy Meals

Chorizo Scallop and Kale Stir Fry

Spicy chorizo and sweet scallops cook up quickly in this kale-flecked stir-fry. (via Neil's Healthy Meals)

Primavera Kitchen

Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil

Cooking this buttery salmon in foil means you've got an easy dinner recipe that has a very seamless cleanup. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Laughing Spatula

Greek Chicken Sheet-Pan Dinner

Sheet-pan chicken gets a big boost of flavor with lemon, feta, olives, and roasted veggies. (via Laughing Spatula)

Hearty Easy Dinner Ideas For You!

The Life Jolie

Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops

Using the grill for these pork chops adds another nice layer of unexpected flavor. (via The Life Jolie)

Easy Dinner Recipes For Every Season

Simple Seasonal

Honey Ham, Gouda, and Apple Quesadillas

This unique spin on the quesadilla is the tastiest answer for nights when you can't bear the thought of eating yet another grilled cheese. (via Simple Seasonal)

Goodie Godmother

Kale and Shrimp Tortellini

Keep frozen tortellini on-hand for when you need to whip up some filling dinners in a flash. (via Goodie Godmother)

Foodal

Lemon Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Loaded with veggies, these protein-packed lemon chicken quinoa bowls fill you up while fueling your body with good stuff. (via Foodal)

Life as a Strawberry

Margarita Chicken Quesadillas

Make your quesadillas into a more substantial meal by filling them with tequila-lime chicken. A dollop of sour cream on top, and dinner is served. (via Life as a Strawberry)

Family Food on the Table

Mexican Shrimp Skillet

This savory Mexican shrimp skillet can be on the table and ready to eat in 20 minutes tops. (via Family Food on the Table)

Mindy's Cooking Obsession

Pasta With Peas & Ricotta

Creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses transform this pasta dish into a grown-up version of macaroni and cheese. (via Mindy's Cooking Obsession)

Fannetastic Food

Quinoa Taco Salad

Skip the fried tortilla bowl, and add extra nutrition to your taco salad by including a healthy dose of quinoa. If you're still craving some crunch, sprinkle in a handful of pepitas. (via Fannetastic Food)

Salt & Lavender

Coconut Lime Shrimp

Zesty shrimp cooks up in minutes for a seriously ideal meal any night of the week. (via Salt & Lavender)

The Rustic Foodie

Spicy Vietnamese Salad With Garlic Shrimp

This is not your average salad. Garlic shrimp, avocado, rice noodles, and lots of herbs combine for a hearty bowl with quite the kick! (via The Rustic Foodie)

Primavera Kitchen

Spinach & Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Bake these rolled chicken bites in the oven for a surprisingly easy and satisfying meal. (via Primavera Kitchen)

The Freelancer's Cookbook

Tortellini, Pesto, and Asparagus Soup

A cozy soup featuring pasta and veggies is the fastest way to sate your comfort food cravings. Pesto contributes to the bright, herbaceous flavor of this easy dinner recipe. (via The Freelancer's Cookbook)

Inside the Rustic Kitchen

Tuna Panzanella

Adding a little protein to your favorite Italian bread salad makes it into a full meal. Use oil-packed Italian tuna for a luxurious touch. (via Inside the Rustic Kitchen)

Living Sweet Moments

Za'atar One Pot Chicken & Rice

Za'atar, a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame, puts a Middle Eastern twist on this easy, one-pot chicken and rice dish. (via Living Sweet Moments)

Show us your favorite quick and easy dinner recipes in the comments below or by tagging @BritandCo on IG! Join our newsletter for more ideas and inspiration and check out our new cooking and baking classes!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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6 New Google Maps Features To Make Your Next National Parks Trip Painless

Visiting ourU.S. National Parks is a must for every nature and adventure lover — a journey through breathtaking landscapes and amazing experiences with the ones you love (including yourself!). For 2025, National Park Week will be observed from Saturday, April 19 through Sunday, April 27, and Google Maps can make navigating them worlds easier. Between integrating more detailed instructions to trailheads and sounding off in response to relevant heat warnings, Google Maps features are the travel buddy you never knew you needed. Plan now and get ready to hit the road for an epic park trip. Read on for all of the features here to guide you through every step of the way!

1. View trails from beginning to end on Google Maps

Image via Google Maps

Trails are easier to discover via Maps. When you search for a trail, you’ll see the entire route displayed, so you can easily find the starting point and the end. Upon searching, you’ll get a preview of the trail with reviews and photos from the Google Maps community. You’ll also be able to see the trail’s difficulty as well as what it’s used for.

2. Detailed Google Maps directions bring you straight to the trailhead or park entrance

Photo by Chris Janda

Spare yourself the confusion of whether the trailhead you parked at is the trailhead you’re supposed to be hiking. Now, when you request walking or cycling directions to a particular trail, Google Maps will direct you right to its beginning.

3. Get informed when there's a heat wave warning

Image via cottonbro studio / PEXELS

When you Google search for information on extreme heat events, the engine will show you details on predicted heat waves, tips on staying cool, and any urgent health concerns associated with hot weather. This feature is helpful for exploring National Parks in particular, so you’re not risking your wellbeing for exploration and fun. These warnings will pop up in a conspicuous space on your screen to eliminate confusion.

4. See how the planet evolved over time with Google Earth's update

Image via Google Earth

Immerse yourself in Earth’s transformative nature using the biggest Google Earth update since 2017, Timelapse. The 4D experience takes you from the Amazon rainforest to the palm oil-rich land of Indonesia to shine a light on our changing planet and its problems and solutions, as well as a handful of beautiful natural phenomena that have unfolded over the past decades.

5. Easily view a National Park destination's can't-miss attractions

Image via Google Maps

With a National Park-related search, you’ll now be able to easily view any notable attractions, campgrounds, visitor centers, and trailheads within your desired park.

6. Go properly off the grid with offline Google Maps features

Image via Anna Alexes / PEXELS

Reliable cell coverage isn’t guaranteed in the great outdoors. To help you responsibly explore parks with clarity, Google Maps brings you offline features. Just tap the "download" button on any park’s Google Maps listing to download it for offline use.

Itching to explore more?

Image via Pixabay / PEXELS

Here are the most popular U.S. National Parks, according to Google*:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Acadia National Park
Badlands National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Redwood National and State Parks
Olympic National Park
Haleakalā National Park
White Sands National Park
Arches National Park
Sequoia National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
North Cascades National Park

*Determined by National Parks with ratings of 4.5 or higher and more than 1,000 reviews on Google Maps

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Header image via Google Maps

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Ellen Pompeo's "Disturbing" New Hulu Show Is About To Be Your New Obsession

Ellen Pompeo cemented her icon status as Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy, but she's about to up the ante with her new Hulu show, Good American Family. While Pompeo's most known for her medical drama prowess, this new role is still "dark and twisty" — just like Meredith would like it. From the true story this new show is based on to the star-studded cast, there's a lot to know about Pompeo's first new show since Grey's. Let's dig in!

Here's everything you need to know about Ellen Pompeo's new show, Good American Family, streaming on Hulu.

What is Good American Family about?

Hulu

Hulu's Good American Family is actually based on a true story! This show follows Christine (Ellen Pompeo, Grey's Anatomy) and Michael Barnett (Mark Duplass, The Morning Show) as they adopt a little girl with dwarfism, Natalia Grace, and the dramatic aftermath that quickly follows. From navigating Natalia's disability to potentially negating her age, Christine and Michael end up in a controversial struggle to raise their existing children, protect themselves, and move forward how they see fit.

The official logline reads:

"Told from multiple points of view, as a means to explore issues of perspective, bias, and trauma, this compelling drama is inspired by the disturbing stories surrounding a Midwestern couple who adopts a girl with a rare form of dwarfism. But as they begin to raise her alongside their three biological children, mystery emerges around her age and background, and they slowly start to suspect she may not be who she says she is. As they defend their family from the daughter they’ve grown to believe is a threat, she fights her own battle to confront her past and what her future holds, in a showdown that ultimately plays out in the tabloids and the courtroom."

Where can I watch Good American family?

Hulu

Good American Family premiered on Hulu March 19, 2025! The first two episodes are available to stream now.

How many episodes is Good American Family on Hulu?

Hulu

Good American Family is going to have eight episodes total. Here's the full schedule:

Season 1, Episode 1 "Almost Like a Prayer" premiered on March 19, 2025
Season 1, Episode 2 "Jump the Jitters Out" premiered on March 19, 2025
Season 1, Episode 3 "Ghosts Everywhere" premieres on March 26, 2025
Season 1, Episode 4 premieres on April 2, 2025
Season 1, Episode 5 premieres on April 9, 2025
Season 1, Episode 6 premieres on April 16, 2025
Season 1, Episode 7 premieres on April 23, 2025
Season 1, Episode 8 premieres on April 30, 2025

Who's in the Good American Family cast?

Hulu

The Good American Family cast has some pretty exciting names! The main players include:

Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett: Natalia's adoptive mother and the matriarch of the family.
Mark Duplass as Michael Barnett: Kristine's husband and Natalia's adoptive father.
Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia Grace: a little girl with dwarfism who gets adopted by Kristine and Michael.
Dulé Hill as Brandon Drysdale: a detective who's investigating the Barnetts
Christina Hendricks as Cynthia Mans: Natalia's neighbor.
Jerod Haynes as Antwon Mans: Christina's husband.

Who is a Good American Family based on?

Hulu

Good American Family is based on the true story of Natalia Grace Mans, who was adopted by a family in 2010, and while you could go digging through old headlines yourself, there's a highly detailed — and highly dramatic — recent documentary you can watch instead. Max released The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, a three season documentary series that's been updated as recently as January 7, 2025. I've watched every episode, and I can't recommend it more!

Where was Good American Family filmed?

Hulu

The show filmed in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and Long Beach, California from March to July 2024.

What are fans saying about Good American Family?

Hulu

Former Grey's Anatomyco-star Justin Chambers commented "🔥" under Vanity Fair's first look Instagram post, with fans saying everything from "I JUST FELL ON MY KNEES AT WALMART" and "SHES BAAACK" to "I really hope this film portrays what a victim Natalia truly was )):" in the comments.

Watch The Official Trailer For 'Good American Family'

Hulu

The Good American Family trailer starts off with the happy couple Kristine and Michael Barnett opening their home to the seemingly gentle Natalia Grace, but ends with everyone losing their grip on the truth.

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This post has been updated.

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Nina Dobrev Just Revealed Why She's Not Wedding Planning

Shaun White made us all swoon when he proposed to Nina Dobrev with white roses (and a fake Vogue dinner to throw Nina off the scent). And while this couple is head over heels in L-O-V-E, they're not in a hurry to get down the aisle. The Vampire Diaries star just spilled on why she's not trying to "rush" this phase of her life.

Here's why Nina Dobrev and Shaun White's wedding could come later than expected.

Nina Dobrev doesn't want to "rush" her engagement.

In an interview with E! News, Nina Dobrev explained why she and Shaun White haven't planned too much of their wedding.

“I was in Australia shooting a movie and then Christmas and New Year’s,” she says. “We’re just enjoying being engaged at this point and being in that sort of phase...you have a boyfriend for half of your life and then you have a husband for half of your life but the fiancé period is very short.”

And while being married is so sweet, she's also having fun with their engagement. “I really want to enjoy it and not rush that process," she adds. “It’s so fun to say fiancé."

Nina says she "was never one of those girls who dreamt of what a dream wedding would be,” but it's very important for her to plan a wedding that's as sustainable as it is memorable. "I’d have to do a lot of research and find out the areas of improvement.”

“My number one goal is to find out how to make it as low-impact as possible," she adds.

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev's wedding will be a "blowout party."

But even though we might have to wait to see what Shaun White and Nina Dobrev's wedding looks like, it's sure to be one for the ages! One source tells People the wedding will be a "blowout party."

“They are the perfect fit together — fun and adventurous, but also very grounding for each other,” the source says. “After the proposal, they were calling and texting friends saying, 'It can't get better than this' and were just glowing.”

I have loved keeping up with all their snowboarding, travel, and red carpet adventures, and it's better than ever now that they're fiancés. Cheers to the happy couple!

Loving all this celeb love? I know I am. Check out Hailee Steinfeld Just Kissed Josh Allen (& Flashed Her Engagement Ring) On Live TV for even more celebrity engagement news on Brit + Co!

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