Good American Family centers on the controversial case of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian orphan with dwarfism who was adopted by American couple Kristine and Michael Barnett in 2010. A year later, the Barnetts abandoned Natalia, claiming they believed she was an adult posing as a child to deceive them. The case has sparked widespread debate, with conflicting narratives and unanswered questions.
Ellen Pompeo, best known for her iconic role as Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy, is stepping into a completely different kind of character in Hulu’s upcoming series Good American Family. The show, based on the real-life story of Natalia Grace, marks a dramatic shift for Pompeo, who also serves as an executive producer.
Pompeo plays Kristine Barnett, a role she describes as a refreshing departure from her 20-year stint as Meredith Grey. “I definitely wanted to do something completely different from what I’ve been doing for a long time, and this came along,” Pompeo told The Hollywood Reporter at the show’s premiere. She admitted she wasn’t familiar with the story before reading the script but was “blown away” by the first episode.
Creator and co-showrunner Katie Robbins explained that the series takes a unique approach to reflect the complexity of the story. The show initially presents the perspective of Kristine and Michael Barnett, but midway through, the narrative shifts, forcing viewers to question what they thought they knew. “We start to grapple with our own biases in unexpected ways,” Robbins said.
Mark Duplass, who plays Michael Barnett, was initially skeptical about the project. “I was like, ‘Why are we doing another ripped-from-the-headlines miniseries?’” he recalled. However, the creative team’s approach convinced him to join. “They challenged me right back and were like, ‘What do you know about this story?’”
Newcomer Imogen Faith Reid, a 27-year-old British actress, plays Natalia Grace. Reid admitted she wasn’t familiar with the case before auditioning but was determined to portray Natalia with “empowerment” and a “fight for justice.” The production team chose not to contact the real-life individuals involved, instead relying on extensive research to inform the series.
Good American Family promises to delve into the complexities of the Natalia Grace case, exploring themes of bias, justice, and resilience.
For Pompeo, the project represents a bold new chapter in her career, while for viewers, it offers a thought-provoking look at a story that continues to captivate and divide.
