Natalia Grace Barnett Case Inspires ‘Good American Family’ Series

A new Hulu series called “Good American Family” is set to premiere on March 19, featuring “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Ellen Pompeo in a drama inspired by the story of Ukrainian orphan Natalia Grace Barnett. The show explores the complicated and unsettling tale of a Midwestern couple who adopt a young girl with a rare form of dwarfism, only to become suspicious of her true age and intentions.

The real-life case of Natalia Grace Barnett and the adoptive Barnetts from Indiana made national headlines after the parents claimed Natalia was actually an adult posing as a child, leading to a bizarre legal battle filled with allegations of violence, mental illness, and abandonment.

In recent years, Natalia’s story has inspired several television projects, including Investigation Discovery’s documentary series “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace.” This new Hulu drama aims to shed light on the challenges and complexities of adoption, family dynamics, and the quest for truth.

Natalia Grace Barnett, originally from Ukraine, was adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett in 2010. The Barnetts believed Natalia was around 6 or 7 years old at the time of adoption, but later claimed she was much older due to physical and behavioral characteristics they found concerning.

Despite legal disputes over Natalia’s age and subsequent abandonment by the Barnetts, she has since found a new adoptive family and is focused on her education, dreams of becoming a teacher, and navigating life with her genetic disorder through surgeries and therapy.

“Good American Family” promises to explore themes of perspective, bias, and trauma through multiple viewpoints, with a talented cast led by Ellen Pompeo, Mark Duplass, and Imogen Faith Reid. The series will be available for streaming on Hulu starting March 19, with weekly episodes rolling out for viewers to dive into the mysterious and captivating story of Natalia Grace.