The case of Natalia Grace Barnett, a Ukrainian orphan, serves as the basis for "Good American Family," a new series starring "Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo, premiering on Hulu. The story gained notoriety when her adoptive parents alleged that she was an adult pretending to be a child.
"Good American Family," which debuts on Hulu on March 19, draws inspiration from "multiple stories, perspectives, threats, interpretations, and accusations." While neither Natalia nor her adoptive family are specifically named, the show centers on a Midwestern couple adopting a girl with a rare type of dwarfism and the "disturbing stories" that unfold.
Similar to the Barnetts in Indiana, the adoptive parents in the series become suspicious of the girl, claiming she is much older than they initially thought and poses a danger to their safety.
In reality, the Barnetts claimed Natalia was violent, mentally unstable, plotting to murder the family, and deceiving them by feigning childhood.
The case became a national phenomenon around 2014 and has since become one of the stranger cases in true crime. Natalia and the Barnetts have been subject to public scrutiny, and legal disputes arose after the parents had Natalia’s age legally changed and left her in a rented apartment while they relocated out of the country.
In recent years, Natalia's story has been the subject of numerous television productions, including Investigation Discovery's documentary series "The Curious Case of Natalia Grace," which debuted last month.
Here's what you need to know about the new Hulu drama series "Good American Family," including more details about the story of Natalia Grace that served as inspiration.
Who is Natalia Grace?
Natalia Grace Barnett is a Ukrainian orphan who was adopted in 2010 by Kristine Elizabeth Barnett and Michael Barnett, a couple from Indiana. The Barnetts believed Natalia was 6 or 7 years old when they adopted her.
Natalia was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare genetic disorder affecting bone and spine development, resulting in short stature and other skeletal abnormalities.
The Barnetts asserted that shortly after bringing Natalia home, they came to believe that she was older than her birth certificate stated, because Natalia allegedly had pubic hair, a menstrual cycle, and a mental illness. They further claimed that Natalia's genetic condition caused her to appear younger than her actual age and accused her of endangering their family's safety through violence and deception.
Doctors, DNA testing, genetic specialists, and a Ukrainian woman claiming to be Natalia's biological mother were consulted to help determine her true age as the Barnetts challenged Natalia's age and the claims made in court.
In 2012, a judge in Marion County amended Natalia's Ukrainian birth certificate to reflect an age of 22 years, as opposed to the previously believed age of 11, even though medical evaluations confirmed Natalia was a child and there was no conclusive proof to the contrary.
The Barnetts later enrolled Natalia in public assistance programs, moving her into an apartment alone in Lafayette, Indiana, in July 2013. A year later, Natalia was evicted, and the couple faced accusations of abandonment and multiple charges of neglecting a dependent, as the couple and their other kids moved to Canada, where their oldest son had plans to attend college.
The Barnetts, now divorced, have denied the allegations, and the charges have been dropped.
Kristine Barnett charges: Neglect charges based on Natalia Grace Barnett's age dismissed against mom accused of abandoning her in Lafayette
Where is Natalia Grace now?
Depending on the source, Natalia is either around 21 or 34 years old. Natalia talked about escaping her second set of adoptive parents, finding a new adoptive family, forgiveness, and her future goals in an exclusive interview with People Magazine last month.
"It's a blessing to be alive today because looking back at my 7-year-old self, I should have been dead," Natalia told People.
According to People, Natalia is now pursuing her GED and wants to become a teacher.
She is learning to drive, listens to Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus constantly, and has upcoming surgeries planned for her disabilities. Natalia has also found a romantic partner, Neil, according to People.
"Learning everything that I have about how to live with my dwarfism—it's been a great experience," Natalia told People. "I love it. I mean, of course, I still miss my siblings and everything. But I love it. I feel free."
What is 'Good American Family' about?
According to Hulu's official logline, "Good American Family" is a story told from "multiple points of view, as a means to explore issues of perspective, bias and trauma." The show's premise seems to be inspired by the Natalia Grace case, despite not directly mentioning her or her previous adoptive family.
"This compelling drama is inspired by disturbing stories surrounding a Midwestern couple who adopts a girl with a rare form of dwarfism. 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," the show description reads. "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."
Watch the 'Good American Family' trailer
'Good American Family' premiere date, cast
"Good American Family" will premiere on Wednesday, March 19 on Hulu.
The show features a cast of Hollywood stars, including Pompeo:
- Pompeo as Natalia's adoptive mother Kristine Barnett
- Mark Duplass as Natalia's adoptive father Michael Barnett
- Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia Grace
- Dulé Hill as Det. Brandon Drysdale
- Sarayu Blue as daycare parent named Valika
- Christina Hendricks as Cynthia Mans
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