Ellen Pompeo, renowned for her long-running role as Meredith Grey in Grey's Anatomy, is taking on a new challenge as the lead in the Hulu limited series Good American Family. The show, which premiered on March 26, 2025, is based on the real-life story of the Barnett family from Indiana, who adopted a Ukrainian girl named Natalia Grace, only to later believe she was much older than she claimed. Pompeo also serves as an executive producer on the series, which delves into the complexities of adoption and the consequences of parental decisions.
In her portrayal of Kristine Barnett, Pompeo reflects on the impact of her character on her understanding of parenthood. "I'm more aware now of how much damage you can do to a child by your either action or inaction, and how reactive you are," she shared during a press conference earlier this month. This insight into the intricacies of parenting has led her to consider the motivations behind a mother's love, stating, "I think every mother has the intention to love their children and do whatever it takes to get their children the love, the support, the help they need."
Pompeo's co-star, Mark Duplass, who plays Kristine's husband Michael, praised her performance and leadership on set. He noted that taking on a role as both a lead actor and producer is no small feat. "A leadership role as a producer, you have to exude confidence, right?" Duplass remarked. "And you have to exude a certain amount of leadership. And at the same time, hold the vulnerability and the nerves and the fear."
In addition to its compelling narrative, Good American Family aims for inclusivity both in front of and behind the camera. Pompeo emphasized the importance of representation in Hollywood, saying, "Inclusion is really important and telling inclusive stories and making sure people feel seen and are seen, and feel heard and are heard, and that really was our goal making this show." She believes that reflecting the diversity of human experiences can foster empathy and understanding among viewers.
The series tells the astonishing story of the Barnetts, who adopted Natalia Grace, a girl they initially believed to be six years old. However, after experiencing what Kristine Barnett described as "sociopathic" behavior, they legally changed Natalia's birth year from 2003 to 1989, effectively declaring her an adult. This drastic decision led to allegations of neglect when the Barnetts abandoned her alone in an apartment, moving to Canada with their biological children.
In 2019, the Barnetts faced charges of neglect after authorities discovered that Natalia had been left alone. They claimed that Natalia, who has a rare form of dwarfism known as spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, was deceiving them about her age and posed a threat to their biological sons. The couple alleged that Natalia exhibited adult characteristics, including menstruation and adult teeth, claims that Natalia has consistently denied.
In January 2025, Natalia shared her experiences with People magazine, revealing her feelings of abandonment. "I didn’t understand why I was alone. I just knew I had this instinct in me to push and survive," she recounted. Natalia was taught to lie about her age and was told to say she was 22 whenever someone asked. Her traumatic experiences have been further explored in the docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace.
Legal battles ensued for the Barnetts, who were charged with neglect after abandoning Natalia. Michael Barnett was found not guilty in October 2022, while Kristine's charges were dismissed in March 2023. As the public became aware of the case, it sparked widespread interest and discussions about the ethics of adoption and parental responsibility.
In January 2024, a DNA test conducted by TruDiagnostic revealed that Natalia was, in fact, a child when the Barnetts adopted her, contradicting their claims. The test indicated that she was approximately 22 years old at the time the lab work was completed in August 2023, confirming that she was nine years old when adopted in 2010. Now, Natalia lives with The DePauls, a family who initially sought to adopt her but were denied in 2009.
As Good American Family continues to unfold, it raises poignant questions about identity, family, and the complexities of love and trust. Pompeo's commitment to telling this story highlights the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of adversity. The series not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of family and the lengths to which parents will go to protect their children.
In a world where stories like Natalia's are often hidden in the shadows, Good American Family shines a light on the realities of adoption and the potential for misunderstanding within families. As audiences tune in to this gripping tale, they are invited to consider the broader implications of love, trust, and the responsibilities that come with parenthood.
With its impactful narrative and strong performances, Good American Family is poised to become a significant conversation starter in Hollywood and beyond, shedding light on the complexities of familial relationships and the importance of empathy in understanding one another.
