A new Hulu series inspired by the shocking story of Ukrainian orphan Natalia Grace Barnett starring “Grey’s Anatomy” Ellen Pompeo was officially released Wednesday.
“Good American Family” was inspired by “multiple stories, perspectives, threats, interpretations and accusations” surrounding a Midwestern couple who took in a child with a rare form of dwarfism, not unlike Natalia.
Natalia and her adoptive guardians, the Barnett family of Indiana, were thrust into the spotlight in 2012 after they claimed she was an adult, not a child. The Barnetts, like the adoptive parents in the series, begin to grow suspicious of the girl, claiming that she was a lot older than they believed her to be and that she posed a threat to their physical safety.
Though the Natalia and the Barnett family are not mentioned in the show’s description, it is a dramatization of the real events that played out between Natalia and her adoptive parents. Natalia and her former adoptive family remained in the public eye for years amidst ongoing legal battles.
Natalia’s story has become the focus of multiple televisions projects in recent years, including Investigation Discovery’s documentary series “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace,” which premiered in January.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Here’s how to watch the new Hulu drama series “Good American Family.”
Review: Hulu’s Natalia Grace series ‘Good American Family’ is pure exploitation
How to watch ‘Good American Family’
The first two episodes of “Good American Family” were released on Hulu March 19, and the series’ weekly episodes are available to stream with a Hulu, or on a Disney+ subscription with a Hulu add-on.
The first two episodes of the Hulu drama series dropped on premiere day, followed by weekly releases on Wednesdays.
‘Good American Family’ cast
A handful of Hollywood stars, including Pompeo, were tapped to star in the series:
- Ellen Pompeo: Natalia’s adoptive mother, Kristine Barnett
- Mark Duplass: Natalia’s adoptive father, Michael Barnett
- Imogen Faith Reid: Natalia Grace
- Dulé Hill
- : Det. Brandon Drysdale
- Sarayu Blue: Daycare parent named Valika
- Christina Hendricks: Cynthia Mans
Who is Natalia Grace?
Natalia Grace Barnett is a Ukrainian orphan who was adopted by Indiana couple Kristine Elizabeth Barnett and Michael Barnett in 2010. The Barnetts believed Natalia was either 6 or 7 years old when they first took her in.
Natalia was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare genetic disorder that affects the bones and spine, resulting in small stature and other skeletal abnormalities.
The Barnetts claimed, not long after bringing her home, that Natalia was not the age reflected on her birth certificate, because Natalia allegedly had pubic hair, a menstrual cycle and a mental illness. The couple not only claimed that Natalia’s genetic disorder made her appear far younger than she was, but that she was also scamming them and putting their safety at risk due to violent tendencies.
Doctors, DNA evidence, genetic professionals and a Ukrainian woman claiming to be Natalia’s biological mother were called in in an attempt to help determine her real age as the Barnetts contested Natalia’s age and respective claims in court.
In 2012, a Marion County judge altered Natalia’s Ukrainian birth records to say she was 22 years old, as opposed to age 11, the age she was previously believed to be, despite medical reports confirming that Natalia was in fact a child and a lack of solid evidence to prove otherwise.
The Barnetts later signed Natalia up for public assistance, moving her into a Lafayette, Indiana apartment by herself in July 2013. The couple and their other children relocated to Canada, where their oldest son planned to attend college. Natalia was evicted from the apartment a year later and the couple was hit with accusations of abandonment and several charges related to the neglect of a dependent.
Both the Barnetts, who are now divorced, have denied the claims and the charges have since been dismissed.
What is ‘Good American Family’ about?
The Hulu series, told from “multiple points of view,” takes inspiration from “disturbing stories surrounding a Midwestern couple who adopts a girl with a rare form of dwarfism,” the show’s official logline reads.
“But as they begin to raise her alongside their three biological children, mystery emerges around her age and background, and they’ve slowly start to suspect she may not be who she says she is,” according to the show description. “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 in the courtroom.”
Though the show’s description does not mention Natalia Grace or her former adoptive family directly, the situation does seem to serve as inspiration.
Watch the ‘Good American Family’ trailer
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY and Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar.