How to Stream ‘Good American Family’: The Show Focused on Natalia Grace
The captivating story of Natalia Grace has inspired a new series on Hulu that aims to delve into her controversial tale from various perspectives.
Born in Ukraine with a rare form of dwarfism, Grace was adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett, who became suspicious that she might actually be an adult pretending to be a child.
As detailed in court documents obtained by TODAY.com, the Barnetts altered her birth certificate to show an older birthdate, provided her with an apartment for independent living, and relocated to Canada with their biological children. They faced charges of “felony neglect of a dependent,” but Michael was acquitted in October 2022, and charges against Kristine were dropped in March 2023. The Barnetts have denied any wrongdoing.
Grace has consistently claimed that she was a child at the time of her adoption. A DNA test conducted during “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace” determined her age to be around 22 when she first encountered the Barnetts.
In a discussion with TODAY.com, showrunner Katie Robbins stated that the aim is not to produce a “documentary version” of this story since that has already been done — the Investigation Discovery series “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace” debuted in 2023 and returned for its third season this year.
“We are exercising creative license,” Robbins explained. “Our goal is to present the most emotionally authentic interpretation of this narrative, utilizing the information available while also enhancing and adjusting elements to craft a captivating story.”
Leading up to the premiere of “Good American Family,” we are outlining everything you should know about the series.
When does ‘Good American Family’ premiere?
The initial two episodes of “Good American Family” will launch on Hulu on March 19, 2025, at midnight ET.
Subsequent episodes will be released weekly, culminating in the finale on April 30.
All episodes will be available for streaming at midnight ET each week via Hulu and Hulu On Disney Plus.
What is ‘Good American Family’ about?
According to Hulu, “Good American Family” is presented “from multiple perspectives to showcase the differing narratives of its key characters.” The series is “inspired by true events involving a Midwestern couple who adopt a child with a rare form of dwarfism.”
While fostering Grace alongside their three biological children, Michael and Kristine Barnett begin to question her age and identity, leading them to “gradually wonder if she truly is who she claims to be.”
“As more inquiries arise regarding their daughter, Grace battles her own demons in confronting her history and what lies ahead, culminating in a confrontation that plays out in the media and the judicial system,” reads the series synopsis.
Producer Sarah Sutherland hopes to encourage viewers to form their own opinions regarding the characters.
“Instead of solely creating a show designed to point fingers, our intention is to immerse you in the lives of these individuals and prompt reflections on what it means to navigate the world and make snap judgments. We encourage you to watch and arrive at your own conclusions,” she stated.
Who stars in ‘Good American Family’?
The cast includes Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett and Mark Duplass as Michael Barnett, Grace’s former adoptive parents, with Imogen Faith Reid taking the lead as Natalia Grace.
Christina Hendricks and Jerod Haynes portray Cynthia and Antwon Mans, the couple who later adopted Grace after her time with the Barnetts. Additional cast members feature Sarayu Blue (Valika) and Dulé Hill (Brandon Drysdale).
Duplass shared with TODAY.com that portraying the role was a “joy.”
“This narrative revolves around perspective. Given that we experience this story from a multitude of viewpoints, the character of Michael Barnett manifests in various forms at any moment … which is profoundly unsettling, yet a true privilege to embody,” he remarked.
