Mandy Moore is entering one of the busiest creative periods of her career. The actress announced she is executive producing — and potentially starring in — a new untitled IVF drama series for HBO Max while simultaneously preparing for the release of her upcoming family comedy film “The Breadwinner.”

Mandy Moore Reunites With This Is Us Team for New HBO Max Drama

The new television project reunites Moore with writer and showrunner Julia Brownell following their successful six-season collaboration on “This Is Us.” According to production details, the HBO Max series centers on two families who unexpectedly become connected after a reproductive medicine mix-up creates an extended family they never imagined. The emotionally layered premise already has viewers comparing the project’s tone to the heartfelt storytelling style that helped make “This Is Us” a cultural phenomenon.

Mandy Moore Is Expanding Beyond Acting

Moore’s latest HBO Max project signals how much her career has evolved over the past decade.

While many audiences still associate her primarily with acting roles, Moore has increasingly stepped into producing and creative development behind the scenes. The untitled IVF drama is being developed through Humble Sandwich Productions, with producer Averie Huffine helping oversee the project.

The concept itself also arrives at a time when fertility, IVF treatments, and reproductive ethics have become more visible topics in mainstream television storytelling.

For HBO Max, the project has the potential to combine emotional family drama with modern social themes — an area where Moore and Brownell already proved highly effective during their time on “This Is Us.” That creative reunion alone is likely to generate strong early interest.

‘The Breadwinner’ Adds Another Layer to Mandy Moore’s 2026

At the same time, Moore is also preparing for the theatrical release of “The Breadwinner,” a comedy film co-starring comedian Nate Bargatze. The film follows a mother whose appearance on “Shark Tank” unexpectedly transforms her career and leaves her husband managing household responsibilities and childcare at home. Moore said the role resonated deeply because of her own experiences raising three children with husband Taylor Goldsmith. “This is really a celebration of moms who oftentimes could be the unsung heroes of the family,” Moore explained.

The actress also praised the film for flipping traditional parenting dynamics and exploring how fathers adjust when stepping more fully into caregiving responsibilities.“ But this is also turning that story on its head,” Moore said, “and empowering dads who sort of are stepping into this new realm of responsibility.”

The movie is scheduled to debut in theaters on May 29.

Mandy Moore Opens Up About Family Support

Throughout interviews promoting her upcoming projects, Moore repeatedly emphasized how critical family support has been during this stage of her life and career. She specifically highlighted her close relationship with her mother-in-law, Kathy Goldsmith, whom she described as an essential part of the family’s support system. “I love my mother-in-law, and we’re very close,” Moore said during an interview with E! News.

Moore previously shared how Goldsmith helped support the family after losing their Los Angeles home during the devastating California wildfires in January 2025. “If there’s any silver lining in this whole thing, she’s definitely ours,” Moore added. That openness about motherhood, family struggles, and balancing work responsibilities has become a major part of Moore’s public identity in recent years.

Why Mandy Moore’s Career Shift Matters

Moore’s recent projects reflect a larger trend happening across Hollywood.

Rather than chasing traditional leading-lady roles exclusively, many actresses are increasingly building careers around producing, storytelling ownership, and projects centered on adult emotional experiences and modern family dynamics.

Pro: More Meaningful Roles for Women

The IVF drama and “The Breadwinner” both focus heavily on complicated family relationships, motherhood, identity, and emotional transitions — subjects often underrepresented in mainstream entertainment.

Pro: Creative Control Behind the Camera

Moore’s move into executive producing gives her greater influence over storytelling and representation, particularly for women navigating parenthood and midlife transitions.

Pro: Built-In Audience Interest

The “This Is Us” connection alone creates immediate curiosity surrounding the HBO Max series. Fans of emotional ensemble dramas are likely to follow the reunion closely.

The Challenges and Risks Ahead

Despite the excitement, there are still questions surrounding both projects.

Con: IVF Storylines Require Sensitivity

Fertility and reproductive medicine remain deeply personal and emotionally charged topics. The HBO Max series will likely face scrutiny regarding how accurately and responsibly it handles those themes.

Con: Family Dramas Face Heavy Competition

Streaming platforms are increasingly crowded with emotional family-centered dramas. The project will need to distinguish itself beyond the inevitable “This Is Us” comparisons.

Con: Balancing Career and Public Expectations

As Moore becomes more outspoken about motherhood and family life, public expectations surrounding authenticity and relatability may continue growing alongside her career.

Mandy Moore’s Next Era Is Taking Shape

At 42, Moore appears to be building one of the most creatively diverse phases of her career.

Between executive producing prestige television, starring in family comedies, and openly discussing motherhood and personal resilience, she has evolved far beyond the teen-pop image that first introduced her to audiences decades ago.

And with both “The Breadwinner” and her HBO Max IVF series on the horizon, 2026 could become one of the most defining years of her post-“This Is Us” career.

FAQ Section

What is Mandy Moore’s new HBO Max series about?

The untitled drama series centers on two families connected through an IVF mix-up involving reproductive medicine.

Is Mandy Moore starring in the HBO Max series?

Moore is executive producing the project and may also star in it.

What is “The Breadwinner” about?

“The Breadwinner” follows a mother who finds success on “Shark Tank,” leaving her husband to manage the household and children.

Who stars alongside Mandy Moore in “The Breadwinner”?

Comedian Nate Bargatze co-stars in the upcoming comedy film.

When does “The Breadwinner” release?

The film is scheduled to release in theaters on May 29, 2026.