True crime fans get ready because there's a new series to add to your watchlist and it is a wild one. Hulu's latest show Good American Family is here and it is based on the absolutely unbelievable true story of Natalia Grace . At the heart of this drama is newcomer Imogen Faith Reid who is taking on the challenging role of Natalia. Trust us this is a story you need to know about.
From Real Life Headlines to Hulu Drama: The Shocking True Story Inspiring 'Good American Family' and Imogen Faith Reid's Portrayal
If you haven't heard of Natalia Grace buckle up. Her story is seriously jaw-dropping. In 2010 an American couple Kristine and Michael Barnett adopted Natalia who they believed was a six-year-old Ukrainian orphan with dwarfism. But things took a dark and twisted turn. Just two years later the Barnetts made the shocking claim that Natalia was not a child at all but an adult posing as a kid. They even had her age legally changed.
This new Hulu series Good American Family delves into this crazy story exploring why suspicion grew around Natalia’s age and true identity. Ellen Pompeo from Grey's Anatomy plays Kristine Barnett and Mark Duplass takes on the role of Michael Barnett. But all eyes are on Imogen Faith Reid who plays Natalia Grace bringing this complex and controversial figure to the screen.
The real Natalia Grace and Michael Barnett have actually shared their sides of this bizarre tale in a docu-series called The Curious Case of Natalia Grace. It is like a real-life mystery playing out in front of everyone.
Poison Accusations Knives and Disneyland: Key Moments from the Natalia Grace Saga Recreated in 'Good American Family'
Good American Family does not shy away from the disturbing accusations and claims from both sides. The Barnetts said Natalia terrorized their family while Natalia says they were abusive and impatient with her due to her dwarfism chronic pain and past trauma.
The series recreates some truly unsettling moments. The Barnetts claimed that soon after adopting Natalia they became suspicious. They said she had pubic hair and seemed to be having periods which seemed unusual for a six-year-old. They also accused her of disturbing behavior like urinating on a sibling defecating inappropriately and even threatening to harm them. The Barnetts have claimed Natalia hoarded knives and even threatened them with weapons.
Natalia in turn denies many of these claims and alleges abuse by the Barnetts. She claims they pepper-sprayed her hit her with a belt and staged events to make her look dangerous. One dramatic scene in Good American Family shows Kristine suspecting Natalia of poisoning her coffee with cleaning fluid. Natalia says this poisoning accusation was staged.
Despite all the darkness the series also shows some early happy moments. Like a family trip to Disneyland before everything went wrong. It is a rollercoaster of emotions and accusations.
Multiple Perspectives and No Easy Answers: 'Good American Family' Explores All Sides of the Natalia Grace Mystery
One thing that makes Good American Family different is that it tells the story from various viewpoints. It flashes back and forth giving you pieces of the puzzle from Kristine Michael and Natalia's perspectives. This means there are no easy answers and no clear heroes or villains. You really have to pay attention to who is telling the story at any given moment.
The creators say they intentionally wanted to create a complex family drama with thriller elements. They want viewers to question their own assumptions and biases as the story unfolds. It is not just about the facts of the case but also about how we perceive truth and who we choose to believe.
Ellen Pompeo said she was looking for a challenging role after Grey's Anatomy and this series definitely fits the bill. She wanted to immerse herself in a complex character and this story provides that in spades. Mark Duplass and newcomer Imogen Faith Reid also bring depth to their roles creating a truly compelling but also deeply unsettling family portrait.
How to Watch 'Good American Family' and Episode Release Schedule
Want to dive into this true crime drama yourself? Good American Family is streaming exclusively on Hulu. The first two episodes premiered on March 19th 2025 and new episodes are released every Wednesday.
There are a total of eight episodes in this limited series. Here is the release schedule so you can keep track:
- Episodes 1 & 2: Streaming Now (March 19)
- Episode 3: March 26
- Episode 4: April 2
- Episode 5: April 9
- Episode 6: April 16
- Episode 7: April 23
- Episode 8 (Finale): April 30
Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays at 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT. You can watch on Hulu or through the Disney+ bundle if you have it. Hulu also offers free trials for new subscribers so you might be able to catch a few episodes for free.
Kristine Barnett's Side of the Story and Where She Is Now
The real Kristine Barnett has remained a controversial figure. She maintains her innocence and insists that Natalia was not a child and was a threat to her family. Kristine claims Natalia was a sociopath who manipulated people.
Kristine has denied allegations of abuse and says if there was any evidence she would have been found guilty in court. She also wrote a memoir back in 2013 called The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius and Autism about raising her son Jacob. She recently announced a new memoir titled Witch Hunt: The Kristine Barnett Story suggesting she is still ready to share her perspective.
While Michael Barnett was acquitted and charges against Kristine were dropped in the neglect case public opinion remains divided and the story continues to fascinate and disturb.
Is 'Good American Family' Your Next Binge? Key Reasons to Watch
If you are looking for a true crime drama that will keep you guessing Good American Family is worth checking out. Here are a few reasons to tune in:
- Intriguing True Story: Based on the headline-grabbing case of Natalia Grace this story is stranger than fiction.
- Complex Characters: Ellen Pompeo Mark Duplass and Imogen Faith Reid bring depth to the morally ambiguous characters.
- Multiple Perspectives: The series challenges you to consider all sides of the story and question your own biases.
- Thriller Elements: Expect suspense twists and unsettling moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Timely Themes: The show explores complex themes of family trust manipulation and the search for truth.