Hulu has released the third episode of “Good American Family.”
Told from multiple points of view, the drama series is inspired by the story of Ukrainian orphan Natalia Grace Barnett, who was thrust into the spotlight after her Indiana adoptive parents claimed she was an adult, not a child, who tried to kill them.
Starring Ellen Pompeo (“Grey’s Anatomy”), the limited drama series depicts the saga of Kristine and Michael Barnett, accused of abandoning their adopted daughter who they claimed was an adult with dwarfism who was posing as a child.
What is Natalia Grace ‘Good American Family’ show about? Is it based on a true story?
The story made international news when the Barnetts were accused of abandoning Natalia, leaving her alone in a Lafayette apartment while the rest of the family moved to Canada.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
In 2010, as the Journal & Courier has reported through the years, Michael and Kristine Barnett adopted Natalia, who they believed was 6 years old. Natalia had been diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare genetic disorder affecting the spine and resulting in short stature and skeletal anomalies.
The parents claimed that the genetic disorder made Natalia appear far younger than she really was, and, as reported, the Barnetts petitioned in June 2012 for a Marion County court to alter Natalia’s Ukrainian birth records.
Viewers are notified the episodes include “certain events as alleged by Kristine and Michael Barnett.”
“This series portrays certain allegations by the individuals involved in this story, including in court proceedings and as publicly reported,” the notice says. “It reflects and dramatizes multiple conflicting points of view, and does not intend to suggest that any particular allegation is the whole truth. Characters, scenes, dialogue and some events have been modified, imagined, or invented for dramatic purposes.”
Watch ‘Good American Family’ on Hulu with Disney+ Bundle
Mike Epps association with ‘Good American Family’
Comedian-actor Mike Epps is listed among the executive producers for eight episodes, along with Pompeo, Katie Robbins, Sarah Sutherland, Laura Holstein, Niles Kirchner, Dan Spilo and Andrew Stern. Erin Levy executive-produced three episodes, and Liz Garbus executive-produced the pilot.
Epps’ Naptown Productions is among the production companies involved, alongside Disney’s 20th Television, Pompeo’s Calamity Jane, Babka Pictures, Andrew Stearn Productions and Industry Entertainment Partners.
When are Natalia Grace ‘Good American Family’ episodes released?
The series premiered March 19 with two episodes, with an episode dropping every Wednesday through April 30.
Watch ‘Good American Family’ trailer
{this.setAttribute('onload','this.classList.remove(\'gnt_em_vp_img__yn\')');this.src='https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3_QlAf1rRGE/hqdefault.jpg'}else{this.classList.remove('gnt_em_vp_img__yn')})
Natalia Grace: Adoptee tells People magazine about escaping family after the Barnetts
‘Good American Family’ cast:
- Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett, Natalia’s adoptive mother
- Mark Duplass as Michael Barnett, Natalia’s adoptive father
- Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia Grace
- Dulé Hill as Det. Brandon Drysdale
- Sarayu Blue as daycare parent Valika
- Christina Hendricks as Cynthia Mans
How to watch the Natalia Grace series ‘Good American Family’
The series is being streamed on Hulu and Disney+.
How to watch the Natalia Grace docuseries
Can’t get enough of the Natalia Grace case? There’s more.
The third season of “The Curious Case Of Natalia Grace,” an Investigation Discovery documentary series, was released in January 2025. It is available on Max and Prime Video.
Police: Parents charged after abandoning adopted daughter, 11, in rented room in 2013
Arrest warrants issued for parents accused of abandoning daughter in Lafayette apt.
Mother, father accused of abandoning adopted daughter in Lafayette turn themselves in
Michael, Kristine Barnett faces accusations of neglect of daughter
Michael Barnett’s attorney files for release of abandoned daughter’s mental health records
Attorney who represented Michael and Kristine Barnett’s daughter disputes parents age claim
Michael and Kristine Barnett plead not guilty, accused of abandoning daughter in Lafayette
Dad accused of abandoning girl in Lafayette goes on ‘Dr. Oz,’ mom wants to go home to Fla.
Dad charged with abandoning daughter tells ‘Dr. Oz:’ ‘There was no running to Canada’
Gag order extended to cover Kristine Barnett and Michael Barnett’s adopted daughter
‘It’s not true at all.’ Michael, Kristine Barnett’s daughter disputes parents’ account on Dr. Phil
Natalia Barnett’s guardians added to gag order in neglect case
Michael and Kristine Barnett face more charges of neglecting daughter, Natalia
Appeals Court upholds dismissal of neglect charges against Kristine and Michael Barnett
Cases involving Kristine Barnett, Michael Barnett filled with twists and turns
Kristine Barnett ordered to strictly follow gag order in her child neglect case
Prosecutors say Michael Barnett violated gag order by working with Hulu producers
Michael Barnett’s trial date in the Natalia Grace neglect case now pending legal questions
Barnett case: Negligent parents or defiant daughter?
Michael Barnett acquitted of neglecting adopted daughter, Natalia
Neglect charges against Kristine Barnett for abandoning Ukrainian orphan dismissed
Barnett case sparks new media buzz, documentaries. What to know about the case:
Prosecutors share evidence from Barnett legal battles over orphan Natalia
Lafayette Journal & Courier reporter Deanna Watson contributed to this report.
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X:@cherylvjackson, or Bluesky: @cherylvjackson.bsky.social.
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.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
