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Good American Family is an upcoming limited drama series from Hulu based on the controversial real-life story of Natalia Grace. The series follows the events surrounding Natalia's adoption by Kristine and Michael Barnett, who initially believed she was a young child with dwarfism.
However, as time went on, the Barnetts began to question Natalia's age and the circumstances surrounding her adoption, leading to a complex and highly publicized legal battle. Set to span eight episodes, the drama delves into the various perspectives of the key players involved in this gripping case.
In commemoration of the fifth anniversary of Disney+, the streaming giant dropped a reel with the announcement of the show, which is expected to release in 2025. This highly anticipated series not only explores the legal and emotional struggles of the Barnett family but also shines a light on the broader themes of trust, deception, and the murky waters of adoption.
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With a star-studded cast, including Ellen Pompeo, Mark Duplass, and Imogen Faith Reid, Good American Family is expected to become one of Hulu's most talked-about releases.
What is Good American Family about?
Good American Family centers around the highly controversial story of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian orphan, adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett. The Barnetts, believing they were adopting a young child with dwarfism, soon found themselves in a bewildering situation where their adopted daughter’s age and past became a source of growing concern.
As the Barnetts began to suspect that Natalia might actually be an adult woman posing as a child, the story unfolded in the media, leading to a series of legal, moral, and ethical dilemmas. The show will explore these events from multiple perspectives, reflecting the conflicting stories of the people involved, which include the Barnetts, the authorities, and others close to the case.
The drama is inspired by true events, offering a deeper look into the Barnetts' personal lives, the legal complexities of the case, and the emotional toll it took on all parties involved.
The cast and characters of Good American Family explored
The cast of Good American Family is led by Ellen Pompeo, known for her long-running role in Grey’s Anatomy, who plays Kristine Barnett, Natalia’s adoptive mother. Joining Pompeo is Mark Duplass, playing Michael Barnett, Natalia’s adoptive father. Duplass is a versatile actor and producer, known for his roles in films like The Mindy Project and The League.
Imogen Faith Reid stars as Natalia Grace, a central character whose story unfolds in a controversial family drama. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Dulé Hill playing Brandon Drysdale, a detective investigating the criminal allegations made against the Barnetts. Hill is widely known for his roles in Psych and The West Wing, where his impeccable timing and gravitas made him a fan favorite.
Also in the recurring cast is Sarayu Blue, who plays Valika, a parent at Kristine’s daycare. Blue is known for her work in Mythic Quest and Never Have I Ever, where she brought warmth and humor to her roles.
Christina Hendricks plays Cynthia Mans, another character that will add complexity to the story. Hendricks, an actress renowned for her role in Mad Men, is no stranger to compelling, multifaceted roles.
Production details of Good American Family explored
The series is produced by ABC Signature, with Katie Robbins as the creator and writer. Robbins, along with Sarah Sutherland, Mike Epps, Dan Spilo, Niles Kirchner, and Andrew Stearn, serves as an executive producer. Ellen Pompeo, who stars as Kristine Barnett, is also an executive producer through her production company, Calamity Jane, alongside Laura Holstein.
The series is directed by Liz Garbus, who is known for her work on documentaries, bringing her expertise in portraying real-life stories to the fictionalized account of Natalia Grace’s life. In March 2024, Mark Duplass was added to the cast to portray Michael Barnett, and soon after, Dulé Hill and Sarayu Blue were cast in recurring roles. Principal photography for the series began in Santa Clarita, California, in July 2024.
The eight-episode series is set to premiere exclusively on Hulu. The release date is yet to be officially announced.
